USA vs USA — 1977 vs 1998
| Firebird Trans Am Bandit Edition 6.6 | Firebird Trans Am WS6 Ram Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 325 hp |
| Torque | 340 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,555 cc | 5,665 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.4 sec | 4.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 123 mph | 164 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.9 sec | 13.3 sec |
| Weight | 3,578 lbs | 3,496 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,565 mm |
| Length | 4,953 mm | 4,920 mm |
| Units Produced | 68,745 | — |
| Original MSRP | $5,456 | $29,865 |
| Value (Excellent) | $95,000 | $55,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 6/10 |
Numbers favor the 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 Ram Air with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Bandit Edition 6.6 offers stronger collectibility, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. The 1977 and 1998 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 Ram Air holds a clear advantage in raw power with 325 hp compared to 200 hp, a 125-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am uses a V8 OHV displacing 6,555 cc, while the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 5,665 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 Ram Air edges ahead at 4.9 seconds versus 8.4 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.