1998 Chrysler Viper vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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, 1998 Chrysler Viper (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (302 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C weights approximately 26 kg more than 1998 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, 1998 Chrysler Viper (621 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 251 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. (370 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1998 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz C. 2012 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chrysler Viper | 2012 Mercedes-Benz C | |
| Make | Chrysler | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viper | C |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 3500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 302 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 621 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1616 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2760 mm |
