USA vs USA — 1968 vs 1989
| GTO 400 Ram Air | Firebird Trans Am GTA | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 366 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 445 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,555 cc | 5,735 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.2 sec | 5.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 150 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.2 sec | 14.0 sec |
| Weight | 3,500 lbs | 3,400 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm | 2,565 mm |
| Length | 5,131 mm | 4,978 mm |
| Units Produced | 87,684 | 16,700 |
| Original MSRP | $3,101 | $19,995 |
| Value (Excellent) | $110,000 | $38,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 6/10 |
The 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1968 Pontiac GTO 400 Ram Air counters with more power, stronger collectibility, 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 1968 Pontiac GTO 400 Ram Air and 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA share a manufacturer in Pontiac, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Pontiac brand. The 1968 Pontiac GTO 400 Ram Air holds a clear advantage in raw power with 366 hp compared to 250 hp, a 116-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pontiac GTO uses a V8 OHV (Pontiac 400) displacing 6,555 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 6.2 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 GTO's 87,684 examples. On the collector market, the 1968 Pontiac GTO 400 Ram Air commands a significant premium over the 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.