1996 Dodge Viper vs. 1979 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1996 Dodge Viper is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1996 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Dodge Viper (444 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 319 more horse power than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (125 HP @ 3200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 50 kg more than 1996 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, 1996 Dodge Viper (664 Nm @ 3700 RPM) has 332 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. (332 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Pontiac Firebird. 1979 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 1996 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 1996 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Dodge Viper | 1979 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Viper | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1979 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7990 cc | 3790 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 444 HP | 125 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Torque | 664 Nm | 332 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1605 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 |
