Dodge Viper vs. Pontiac G5 Review

Performance
As far as horsepower, the Dodge Viper packs quite a punch and will knock the Pontiac G5 down a few rungs. On the flip side, keep in mind that high horsepower engines often command higher insurance premiums. With that kind of horsepower, the Dodge Viper is a full-blown speedster.

Handling
The G5's front-wheel drive layout likely gives it better traction in rain, snow or ice than the Dodge Viper; on the other hand, the Dodge Viper's rear-wheel drive layout likely provides better dry traction. The Dodge has tremendously bigger tires than the Pontiac G5. Note that bigger tires could look and feel better, while smaller tires may improve gas mileage. With its tighter turning radius, the G5 is very likely sprier than the Viper, something to consider if you do a lot of city driving; on the other hand, keep in mind that a vehicle with a tight turning circle may feel a bit twitchy on the highway.

Drivetrain
The Viper's engine is tremendously larger than the Pontiac G5's. Keep in mind that more massive engines may use more gas than smaller ones. The G5 could learn a lesson or two from the Dodge Viper when it comes to torque. Torque equals pickup, and the Dodge will have picked up and gone by the time the Pontiac G5 finally gets moving.

Utility
Drivers with frequent kid-duty might favor the Pontiac G5 over the Viper.

Convenience
You'll doubtless have to take the Dodge Viper for a fill-up more often than the Pontiac G5 because of its tank size and fuel economy. You will have to visit your friendly gas station more often with the Dodge than with the G5.

Comfort
Taller drivers will considerably enjoy the extra head room in the Pontiac G5's front cabin compared to the Viper.

Dimensions
The Dodge Viper is substantially more ponderous than the Pontiac. Your wallet will hurt more every time you fill up the Dodge Viper than the Pontiac G5 because of its more capacious tank. The Dodge Viper and the Pontiac compete for the same parking spaces.

Cost
The destination charge is a standard charge for transporting the vehicle from its point of origin to the dealer. The Pontiac is quite a bit cheaper to get to the dealership than the Dodge. The Dodge Viper pales in comparison to the Pontiac with respect to gas mileage. The Dodge Viper guzzles a lot of gasoline compared to the Pontiac G5. In terms of MSRP, the G5 costs tremendously less than the Dodge. The Dodge will cost you a bundle in gas every year compared to the G5. The Pontiac G5 will save you a bunch of money at the pump every year compared to the Dodge Viper.

Overview
The Dodge Viper and the Pontiac have the same basic after-sale protection. With respect to after-sale protection against rust, the Pontiac has substantially better coverage than the Dodge Viper.