1995 Dodge Viper vs. 1978 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1995 Dodge Viper is newer by 17 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 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1995 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1995 Dodge Viper (359 HP @ 5150 RPM) has 159 more horse power than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1995 Dodge 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 43 kg more than 1995 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, 1995 Dodge Viper (621 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 162 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Pontiac Firebird. (459 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1995 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1995 Dodge Viper | 1978 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Viper | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1995 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7990 cc | 4942 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 359 HP | 200 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5150 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 621 Nm | 459 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 | 1542 kg | 1585 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2750 mm |
