1998 Chrysler Viper vs. 2012 Chrysler 300
To start off, 2012 Chrysler 300 is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chrysler Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chrysler Viper would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1998 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Chrysler 300 (465 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 76 more horse power than 1998 Chrysler Viper. (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Chrysler 300 should accelerate faster than 1998 Chrysler Viper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Chrysler 300 weights approximately 390 kg more than 1998 Chrysler Viper. 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, 2012 Chrysler 300 (630 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 9 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Chrysler Viper. (621 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2012 Chrysler 300 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Chrysler Viper. 2012 Chrysler 300 has automatic transmission and 1998 Chrysler Viper has manual transmission. 1998 Chrysler Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Chrysler 300 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chrysler Viper | 2012 Chrysler 300 | |
| Make | Chrysler | Chrysler |
| Model | Viper | 300 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 6400 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 465 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 621 Nm | 630 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1980 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 5088 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1885 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1478 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 3053 mm |
