1998 Dodge Viper vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Dodge Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Dodge Viper would be higher. At 8,001 cc (10 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Viper (450 HP) has 283 more horse power than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (167 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 68 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 (664 Nm) has 474 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm). This means 1998 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1998 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 1998 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Viper | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Viper | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8001 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 450 HP | 167 HP |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1057 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 49 L | 48 L |
