1999 Dodge Viper vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Dodge Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Dodge Viper would be higher. At 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1999 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS (402 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1999 Dodge Viper. (377 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1999 Dodge Viper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS weights approximately 325 kg more than 1999 Dodge 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, 1999 Dodge Viper (620 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. (600 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 1999 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS has automatic transmission and 1999 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 1999 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Dodge Viper | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viper | CLS |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7990 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 377 HP | 402 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 620 Nm | 600 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1890 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4940 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1882 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2875 mm |
