1997 Dodge Viper vs. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 1997 Dodge Viper is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Viper (415 HP) has 251 more horse power than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. (164 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 14 kg more than 1997 Dodge Viper.
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, 1997 Dodge Viper (664 Nm) has 436 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S. (228 Nm). This means 1997 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mercedes-Benz S.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Viper | 1989 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viper | S |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 2599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 415 HP | 164 HP |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 101.7 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 98.6 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2950 mm |
