2004 Dodge Viper vs. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S
To start off, 2004 Dodge Viper is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Mercedes-Benz S would be higher. At 7,988 cc (10 cylinders), 2004 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Dodge Viper (500 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 285 more horse power than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (215 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S weights approximately 32 kg more than 2004 Dodge Viper.
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 Dodge Viper (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 382 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. (330 Nm @ 3750 RPM). This means 2004 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Mercedes-Benz S. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S has automatic transmission and 2004 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 2004 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Mercedes-Benz S will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Dodge Viper | 1986 Mercedes-Benz S | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viper | S |
| Year Released | 2004 | 1986 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7988 cc | 4196 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 330 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3750 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 | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1523 kg | 1555 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2950 mm |
