2002 Dodge Viper vs. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Dodge Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Dodge Viper would be higher. At 8,277 cc (10 cylinders), 2002 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Dodge Viper (460 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 77 more horse power than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. (383 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 53 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 (678 Nm) has 148 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. (530 Nm). This means 2002 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL. 2006 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. 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Dodge Viper | 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viper | SL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8277 cc | 5461 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 460 HP | 383 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 678 Nm | 530 Nm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1857 kg | 1910 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1200 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
