1998 AC Cobra vs. 2002 Dodge Viper
To start off, 2002 Dodge Viper is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 AC Cobra. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 AC Cobra would be higher. At 8,275 cc (10 cylinders), 2002 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Dodge Viper (493 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 128 more horse power than 1998 AC Cobra. (365 HP @ 5750 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1998 AC Cobra. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Dodge Viper weights approximately 509 kg more than 1998 AC Cobra. 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, 2002 Dodge Viper (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 AC Cobra. (579 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 AC Cobra.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 AC Cobra | 2002 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | AC | Dodge |
| Model | Cobra | Viper |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4942 cc | 8275 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 365 HP | 493 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 579 Nm | 712 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1026 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4210 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1950 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2300 mm | 2520 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 90 L | 70 L |
