1997 Dodge Viper vs. 2004 Ford Taurus
To start off, 2004 Ford Taurus is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Dodge Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Dodge Viper would be higher. At 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Viper (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 221 more horse power than 2004 Ford Taurus. (155 HP @ 4900 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 2004 Ford Taurus. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Viper weights approximately 88 kg more than 2004 Ford Taurus. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1997 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 1997 Dodge Viper. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Ford Taurus, 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, 1997 Dodge Viper (620 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 376 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Ford Taurus. (244 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Ford Taurus. 2004 Ford Taurus has automatic transmission and 1997 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 1997 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Ford Taurus will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Viper | 2004 Ford Taurus | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Viper | Taurus |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7990 cc | 2967 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 155 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4900 RPM |
| Torque | 620 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3950 RPM |
| 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 | 1565 kg | 1477 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3030 mm |
