1996 Dodge Viper vs. 1997 Ford Escort
To start off, 1997 Ford Escort is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Dodge Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Dodge Viper would be higher. At 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Viper (444 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 370 more horse power than 1997 Ford Escort. (74 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1997 Ford Escort. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Viper weights approximately 385 kg more than 1997 Ford Escort. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 Dodge Viper is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Dodge Viper. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1997 Ford Escort, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Dodge Viper (664 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 549 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Ford Escort. (115 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Ford Escort.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Viper | 1997 Ford Escort | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Viper | Escort |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7990 cc | 1391 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 74 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 115 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1400 mm |
