2009 BMW 523 vs. 1997 Dodge Viper
To start off, 2009 BMW 523 is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Dodge Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Dodge Viper would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1997 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Dodge Viper (415 HP) has 240 more horse power than 2009 BMW 523. (175 HP) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 2009 BMW 523. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 523 weights approximately 69 kg more than 1997 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, 1997 Dodge Viper (664 Nm) has 434 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 BMW 523. (230 Nm). This means 1997 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 BMW 523. 2009 BMW 523 has automatic transmission and 1997 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 1997 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 BMW 523 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW 523 | 1997 Dodge Viper | |
| Make | BMW | Dodge |
| Model | 523 | Viper |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Roadster |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 7986 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 10 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 415 HP |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 664 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 101.7 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 98.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1506 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1930 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1120 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2450 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
