2003 Dodge Viper vs. 1983 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2003 Dodge Viper is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1983 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1983 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 8,195 cc (10 cylinders), 2003 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Dodge Viper (500 HP) has 366 more horse power than 1983 Pontiac Firebird. (134 HP). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1983 Pontiac Firebird.
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 489 more torque (in Nm) than 1983 Pontiac Firebird. (223 Nm @ 3600 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1983 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Viper | 1983 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Viper | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1983 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8195 cc | 2827 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 223 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.4 mm | 88.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100.6 mm | 75.9 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.6:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 60 L |
