1998 Dodge Viper vs. 1981 Ferrari 400
To start off, 1998 Dodge Viper is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Viper (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 66 more horse power than 1981 Ferrari 400. (310 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1981 Ferrari 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 265 kg more than 1998 Dodge 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 Dodge Viper (620 Nm) has 228 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Ferrari 400. (392 Nm). This means 1998 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Ferrari 400.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Viper | 1981 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Dodge | Ferrari |
| Model | Viper | 400 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7990 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 620 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2710 mm |
