2003 Dodge Viper vs. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Dodge Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Dodge Viper would be higher. At 8,277 cc (10 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (604 HP @ 4800 RPM) has 104 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Viper. (500 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Viper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 575 kg more than 2003 Dodge Viper. 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, 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL (998 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 286 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Dodge Viper. (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Dodge Viper. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 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. 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Viper | 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viper | SL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8277 cc | 5980 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 604 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 998 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 2110 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 2040 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
