1996 Dodge Viper vs. 2008 Mercury Mariner
To start off, 2008 Mercury Mariner is newer by 12 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 291 more horse power than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (153 HP @ 5800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercury Mariner. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mercury Mariner weights approximately 277 kg more than 1996 Dodge Viper.
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, 2008 Mercury Mariner, 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 458 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercury Mariner. (206 Nm @ 4250 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercury Mariner. 2008 Mercury Mariner has automatic transmission and 1996 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 1996 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Mercury Mariner will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Viper | 2008 Mercury Mariner | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercury |
| Model | Viper | Mariner |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7990 cc | 2298 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 206 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 87.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.5 mm | 94 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1832 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
