1998 Dodge Viper vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 1998 Dodge Viper is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1986 Pontiac Grand Am would be higher. At 7,990 cc (10 cylinders), 1998 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Dodge Viper (376 HP @ 5000 RPM) has 286 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Dodge Viper weights approximately 435 kg more than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1998 Dodge Viper is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1998 Dodge Viper. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1986 Pontiac Grand Am, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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 Dodge Viper (620 Nm @ 3600 RPM) has 441 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 1998 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Dodge Viper | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Viper | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 1998 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7990 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 376 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 620 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3600 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4500 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1210 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
