2003 Dodge Viper vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
To start off, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is newer by 5 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 8,195 cc (10 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Dodge Viper (500 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (228 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Viper weights approximately 77 kg more than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 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 412 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. (300 Nm @ 2500 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK 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. 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Viper | 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viper | SLK |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8195 cc | 2996 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.4 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100.6 mm | 82.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1523 kg | 1446 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2440 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
