2006 Dodge Viper vs. 1996 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2006 Dodge Viper is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 8,275 cc (10 cylinders), 2006 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Dodge Viper (510 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 253 more horse power than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (257 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Pontiac Firebird weights approximately 12 kg more than 2006 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, 2006 Dodge Viper (725 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 305 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. (420 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 2006 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Pontiac Firebird. 1996 Pontiac Firebird has automatic transmission and 2006 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 2006 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1996 Pontiac Firebird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Dodge Viper | 1996 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Viper | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8275 cc | 5733 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 510 HP | 257 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 725 Nm | 420 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1523 kg | 1535 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4920 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2570 mm |
