USA vs USA — 1982 vs 1989
| Firebird Trans Am GTA | Firebird Trans Am GTA | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 235 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 330 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,733 cc | 5,735 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.3 sec | 5.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 145 mph | 150 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.5 sec | 14.0 sec |
| Weight | 3,300 lbs | 3,400 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,565 mm | 2,565 mm |
| Length | 4,930 mm | 4,978 mm |
| Units Produced | 125,886 | 16,700 |
| Original MSRP | $17,995 | $19,995 |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | $38,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 6/10 |
The 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA counters with better value, 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.
Tracing the evolution of the Pontiac Firebird from 1982 to 1989 offers a compelling look at how automotive design and engineering progressed. These two variants showcase the changing face of Pontiac. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA producing 235 hp and the 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA delivering 250 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pontiac Firebird uses a V8 OHV (Chevrolet 350 TPI) displacing 5,733 cc, while the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am relies on a V8 OHV with 5,735 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA edges ahead at 5.4 seconds versus 6.3 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 16,700 units built, the 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA is considerably scarcer than the Pontiac Firebird's 125,886 examples.