2003 Dodge Viper vs. 1981 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Dodge Viper is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 8,277 cc (10 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Dodge Viper (500 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 355 more horse power than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (145 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 7 kg more than 2003 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, 2003 Dodge Viper (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 388 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Pontiac Firebird. (324 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
2003 Dodge Viper | 1981 Pontiac Firebird | |
Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
Model | Viper | Firebird |
Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 8277 cc | 5012 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
Horse Power | 500 HP | 145 HP |
Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3800 RPM |
Torque | 712 Nm | 324 Nm |
Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 102.5 mm | 95 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 100.6 mm | 88.4 mm |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
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 | 1535 kg | 1542 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5040 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1860 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1260 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2750 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 79 L |