2003 Dodge Viper vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
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 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 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 285 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 61 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 407 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 2003 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 2003 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Viper | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viper | 380 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8277 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.5 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100.6 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
