2003 Dodge Viper vs. 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230
To start off, 2003 Dodge Viper is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 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 370 more horse power than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (130 HP @ 5100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Viper weights approximately 195 kg more than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. 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 514 more torque (in Nm) than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230. (198 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Viper | 1987 Mercedes-Benz 230 | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viper | 230 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1987 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8277 cc | 2297 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 130 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5100 RPM |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 198 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.5 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100.6 mm | 80.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| 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 | 1340 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
