2003 Dodge Viper vs. 1973 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2003 Dodge Viper is newer by 30 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Volkswagen Passat. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Volkswagen Passat would be higher. At 8,277 cc (10 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Dodge Viper (500 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 451 more horse power than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (49 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Viper weights approximately 620 kg more than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Dodge Viper is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Dodge Viper. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1973 Volkswagen Passat, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2003 Dodge Viper (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 630 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Volkswagen Passat. (82 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Volkswagen Passat.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Viper | 1973 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Dodge | Volkswagen |
| Model | Viper | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1973 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8277 cc | 1471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 49 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 82 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.5 mm | 76.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100.6 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 23.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 915 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4200 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2480 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 45 L |
