1998 Chrysler Viper vs. 1980 Ferrari 208
To start off, 1998 Chrysler Viper is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Ferrari 208. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Ferrari 208 would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1998 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chrysler Viper (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 236 more horse power than 1980 Ferrari 208. (153 HP @ 6600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 1980 Ferrari 208. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chrysler Viper weights approximately 285 kg more than 1980 Ferrari 208. 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, 1998 Chrysler Viper (621 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 450 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Ferrari 208. (171 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 1998 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Ferrari 208.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chrysler Viper | 1980 Ferrari 208 | |
| Make | Chrysler | Ferrari |
| Model | Viper | 208 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 1991 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 153 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 6600 RPM |
| Torque | 621 Nm | 171 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1305 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1130 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2350 mm |
