Acura NSX and Dodge Viper Highlight New-Age Vs. Tradition In Supercar Segment

Acura recently released specs on the much-anticipated 2017 version of the NSX. Meanwhile, the word from Dodge appears to be that the Viper could be discontinued after 2017. But even though the two vehicles may be headed in separate directions, consumers are no doubt still going to want to compare the two.

2017 Acura NSX vs Dodge Viper

The first and most noticeable difference is in the engine. Acura is putting a 3.5-liter engine in the NSX that will be supplemented by three electric engines that help drive the rear wheels. This boosts the horsepower to 573. Without the electric motors, the engine alone is capable of 500 horsepower.

Dodge, on the other hand, has always believed in the philosophy of big engine = big horsepower. The 8.4-liter V-10 under the hood of the Viper has no need for any electric motor help to produce its 645 horsepower.

2017 Acura NSX	vs.	2015 Dodge Viper
3.5-liter	Engine	8.4-liter
573	Horsepower	645
3.0 seconds	0-60	3.2 seconds
3,804 lbs.	Curb Weight	3,390 lbs.

It would seem that FCA, the controlling interest of the Dodge brand, could be seeing the writing on the wall when it comes to supercars like the Viper. Cars like the NSX can offer impressive horsepower with much smaller engines, leaving the gas-guzzling Viper as a less enticing option for many.

When it comes to pure performance, though, it’s difficult to beat the Viper. The Dodge is built exclusively for performance, and the driver can even select the suspension package. One features very high-end shock absorbers that also have street or track settings. There’s also a five-mode Electronic Stability Control System. This allows drivers to fully customize the ride according to the conditions.

While the NSX offers features like magnetic dampers in all four corners, the pure ride control doesn’t appear it will be up to the standards of the Viper. And the significantly higher curb weight of the NSX will hamper it in the performance category.

Read Also: <<Chevy Corvette vs. Dodge Viper>>

Even though the Viper may be a more old-school philosophy when it comes to a supercar, it still has plenty to love. And the price tag will be significantly lower than the NSX. A Viper SRT Coupe starts at around $87,000 while the new NSX is expected to be around the $170K mark.

If you want a classic performance car experience that won’t be around much longer, check out the Dodge Viper. But if you want the latest in smaller engine performance and feel, it may be worth waiting for the 2017 NSX to arrive.