2009 Dodge Viper vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Dodge Viper is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 8,285 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Viper (499 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 410 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Viper weights approximately 637 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2009 Dodge Viper (711 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 582 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Viper | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Dodge | Mazda |
| Model | Viper | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8285 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 499 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 711 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100.6 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1602 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2270 mm |
