USA vs USA — 1967 vs 1970
| Firebird 400 | Firebird Trans Am | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 330 hp | 335 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,555 cc | 7,456 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.4 sec | 5.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.5 sec | 13.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,300 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 4,851 mm | 4,902 mm |
| Units Produced | 82,560 | 3,196 |
| Original MSRP | $2,781 | $4,305 |
| Value (Excellent) | $90,000 | $150,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 5/10 |
The 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. The 1967 Pontiac Firebird 400 counters with lighter weight, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The Pontiac Firebird lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1967 Pontiac Firebird 400 with the 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am reveals how Pontiac refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1967 Pontiac Firebird 400 producing 330 hp and the 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am delivering 335 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pontiac Firebird uses a V8 OHV (Pontiac 400) displacing 6,555 cc, while the Pontiac Firebird relies on a V8 OHV (Pontiac 455) with 7,456 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am edges ahead at 5.4 seconds versus 6.4 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 3,196 units built, the 1970 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am is considerably scarcer than the Pontiac Firebird's 82,560 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.