1996 Dodge Viper vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 13 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 212 more horse power than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Viper weights approximately 430 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 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, 1996 Dodge Viper (664 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 448 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Viper | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Viper | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7990 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
