2005 Dodge Viper vs. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 2005 Dodge Viper is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL would be higher. At 8,277 cc (10 cylinders), 2005 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Dodge Viper (493 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 251 more horse power than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (242 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 219 kg more than 2005 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, 2005 Dodge Viper (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 362 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL. (350 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 2005 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Dodge Viper | 2002 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
| Make | Dodge | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Viper | SL |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8277 cc | 3724 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 3 valves |
| Horse Power | 493 HP | 242 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 350 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.4 mm | 97 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100.6 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1536 kg | 1755 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4540 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 80 L |
