1994 Chrysler Viper vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1994 Chrysler Viper is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1994 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Chrysler Viper (389 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 231 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (158 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1994 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 6 kg more than 1994 Chrysler 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, 1994 Chrysler Viper (620 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 254 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (366 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1994 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
1994 Chrysler Viper | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Chrysler | Pontiac |
Model | Viper | Firebird |
Year Released | 1994 | 1978 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 7986 cc | 5700 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 389 HP | 158 HP |
Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 4400 RPM |
Torque | 620 Nm | 366 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1590 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4880 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1870 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1290 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2750 mm |