1997 Dodge Viper vs. 2012 Nissan Xterra
To start off, 2012 Nissan Xterra is newer by 15 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 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Viper (415 HP) has 154 more horse power than 2012 Nissan Xterra. (261 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 2012 Nissan Xterra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan Xterra weights approximately 374 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 283 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Nissan Xterra. (381 Nm). This means 1997 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Nissan Xterra. 2012 Nissan Xterra 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. 2012 Nissan Xterra will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Dodge Viper | 2012 Nissan Xterra | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Viper | Xterra |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | SUV |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 4000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 415 HP | 261 HP |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 381 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1506 kg | 1880 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4539 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1120 mm | 1902 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 80 L |
