2003 Dodge Viper vs. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am
To start off, 2003 Dodge Viper is newer by 17 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 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 410 more horse power than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (90 HP @ 4400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Dodge Viper weights approximately 405 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 2003 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 2003 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, 2003 Dodge Viper (712 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 533 more torque (in Nm) than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. (179 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2003 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1986 Pontiac Grand Am. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am has automatic transmission and 2003 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 2003 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1986 Pontiac Grand Am will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Dodge Viper | 1986 Pontiac Grand Am | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Viper | Grand Am |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1986 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8277 cc | 2471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 500 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4400 RPM |
| Torque | 712 Nm | 179 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 102.5 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 100.6 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1130 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2630 mm |
