2003 Dodge Viper vs. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS
To start off, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS is newer by 10 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, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS (575 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 75 more horse power than 2003 Dodge Viper. (500 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS should accelerate faster than 2003 Dodge Viper. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS weights approximately 100 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, 2003 Dodge Viper (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS. (649 Nm @ 4750 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Viper | 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viper | SLS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 8195 cc | 6300 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 575 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 649 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.4 mm | 102 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100.6 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1523 kg | 1623 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4638 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 2078 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1262 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2680 mm |
