1998 BMW 318 vs. 1989 Dodge Viper
To start off, 1998 BMW 318 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Dodge Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Dodge Viper would be higher. At 7,994 cc (10 cylinders), 1989 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Dodge Viper (400 HP @ 4600 RPM) has 284 more horse power than 1998 BMW 318. (116 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW 318. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Dodge Viper weights approximately 59 kg more than 1998 BMW 318. 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, 1989 Dodge Viper (610 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 430 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW 318. (180 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1989 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW 318. 1998 BMW 318 has automatic transmission and 1989 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 1989 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 BMW 318 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW 318 | 1989 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 318 | Viper |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1895 cc | 7994 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 116 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Torque | 180 Nm | 610 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.5 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.7:1 | 9.1:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 203 km/hour | 257 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1395 kg | 1454 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4380 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 83 L |
