2003 Dodge Viper vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300
To start off, 2003 Dodge Viper is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 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 413 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (87 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 weights approximately 95 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Dodge Viper (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 540 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300. (172 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Viper | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viper | 300 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8277 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 87 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 172 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.5 mm | 90.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100.6 mm | 92.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 21.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1630 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5350 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 3430 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 65 L |
