2009 Dodge Viper vs. 1982 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 2009 Dodge Viper is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 8,356 cc (10 cylinders), 2009 Dodge Viper is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Dodge Viper (600 HP @ 6100 RPM) has 489 more horse power than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (111 HP @ 3400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Dodge Viper should accelerate faster than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Dodge Viper weights approximately 114 kg more than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 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, 2009 Dodge Viper (759 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 495 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. (264 Nm @ 1600 RPM). This means 2009 Dodge Viper will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Ford Thunderbird. 1982 Ford Thunderbird has automatic transmission and 2009 Dodge Viper has manual transmission. 2009 Dodge Viper will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Ford Thunderbird will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Dodge Viper | 1982 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Dodge | Ford |
| Model | Viper | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 8356 cc | 4186 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 10 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 600 HP | 111 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6100 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Torque | 759 Nm | 264 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1600 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 8.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1691 kg | 1577 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 5100 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1920 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1220 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 80 L |
