1998 Chevrolet Corvette vs. 1989 Chrysler Viper
To start off, 1998 Chevrolet Corvette is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Chrysler Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Chrysler Viper would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1989 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Chrysler Viper (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 112 more horse power than 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. (277 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chevrolet Corvette weights approximately 30 kg more than 1989 Chrysler 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, 1989 Chrysler Viper (621 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chevrolet Corvette. (437 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1989 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chevrolet Corvette.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chevrolet Corvette | 1989 Chrysler Viper | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Chrysler |
| Model | Corvette | Viper |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5735 cc | 7986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 277 HP | 389 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5150 RPM |
| Torque | 437 Nm | 621 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1620 kg | 1590 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2660 mm | 2450 mm |
