2003 Dodge Viper vs. 1979 Nissan 260 ZX
To start off, 2003 Dodge Viper is newer by 24 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Nissan 260 ZX 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 376 more horse power than 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. (124 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Viper weights approximately 375 kg more than 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 523 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Nissan 260 ZX. (189 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Nissan 260 ZX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Viper | 1979 Nissan 260 ZX | |
| Make | Dodge | Nissan |
| Model | Viper | 260 ZX |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8277 cc | 2565 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4230 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1660 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2610 mm |
