1996 Dodge Viper vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S is newer by 8 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (494 HP @ 4200 RPM) has 50 more horse power than 1996 Dodge Viper. (444 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S should accelerate faster than 1996 Dodge Viper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 395 kg more than 1996 Dodge Viper. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz S (700 Nm @ 2750 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Dodge Viper. (664 Nm @ 3700 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz S will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Dodge Viper.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Viper | 2004 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viper | S |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7990 cc | 5441 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 494 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1950 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5170 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3090 mm |
