1997 Dodge Viper vs. 2009 Ford Explorer
To start off, 2009 Ford Explorer is newer by 12 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 84 more horse power than 2009 Ford Explorer. (292 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Explorer. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Dodge Viper weights approximately 599 kg more than 2009 Ford Explorer. 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, 1997 Dodge Viper (620 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 193 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Ford Explorer. (427 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1997 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Ford Explorer. 2009 Ford Explorer 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. 2009 Ford Explorer will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Viper | 2009 Ford Explorer | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Viper | Explorer |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7990 cc | 4606 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 292 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 620 Nm | 427 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1830 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2890 mm |
