2002 Dodge Viper vs. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2002 Dodge Viper is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 8,275 cc (10 cylinders), 2002 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Dodge Viper (493 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (389 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 515 kg more than 2002 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, 2002 Dodge Viper (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 142 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. (570 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2002 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL has automatic transmission and 2002 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 2002 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
2002 Dodge Viper | 1998 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Viper | SL |
Year Released | 2002 | 1998 |
Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 8275 cc | 5987 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 493 HP | 389 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
Torque | 712 Nm | 570 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 102.4 mm | 89.1 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 100.6 mm | 80.2 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 2050 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2410 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |