1998 Chrysler Viper vs. 1999 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 1999 Pontiac Firebird is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Chrysler Viper. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Chrysler Viper would be higher. At 7,986 cc (10 cylinders), 1998 Chrysler Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Chrysler Viper (389 HP) has 189 more horse power than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. (200 HP). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Chrysler Viper should accelerate faster than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Chrysler Viper weights approximately 50 kg more than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 1998 Chrysler Viper (621 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 316 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Pontiac Firebird. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1998 Chrysler Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Chrysler Viper | 1999 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Chrysler | Pontiac |
| Model | Viper | Firebird |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7986 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 389 HP | 200 HP |
| Torque | 621 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 4000 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 | 1590 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4460 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1930 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1130 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2450 mm | 2570 mm |
