1993 Dodge Viper vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1993 Dodge Viper is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1993 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1993 Dodge Viper (359 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 214 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1993 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
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, 1993 Dodge Viper (620 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 296 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1993 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1993 Dodge Viper | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Viper | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1993 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7990 cc | 5012 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 359 HP | 145 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 620 Nm | 324 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1542 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 5040 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2750 mm |
