1998 BMW Z3 vs. 1996 Dodge Viper
To start off, 1998 BMW Z3 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Dodge Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Dodge Viper would be higher. At 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Viper (444 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1998 BMW Z3. (191 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1998 BMW Z3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Dodge Viper weights approximately 95 kg more than 1998 BMW Z3. 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, 1996 Dodge Viper (664 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 384 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 BMW Z3. (280 Nm @ 3950 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 BMW Z3.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 BMW Z3 | 1996 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | Z3 | Viper |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2793 cc | 7990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 191 HP | 444 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 280 Nm | 664 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3950 RPM | 3700 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 84.1 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 84.1 mm | 98.5 mm |
| 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 | 1460 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4030 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1990 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1310 mm | 1210 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2520 mm |
