2008 Dodge Viper vs. 1973 Pontiac Firebird
To start off, 2008 Dodge Viper is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1973 Pontiac Firebird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1973 Pontiac Firebird would be higher. At 8,285 cc (10 cylinders), 2008 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Dodge Viper (499 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 391 more horse power than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Dodge Viper weights approximately 131 kg more than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2008 Dodge Viper (711 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 474 more torque (in Nm) than 1973 Pontiac Firebird. (237 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2008 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1973 Pontiac Firebird.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Dodge Viper | 1973 Pontiac Firebird | |
| Make | Dodge | Pontiac |
| Model | Viper | Firebird |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1973 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8285 cc | 4092 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 499 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 711 Nm | 237 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1601 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4880 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1950 mm | 1870 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1290 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2750 mm |
