USA vs USA — 1968 vs 2004
| GTO 400 Ram Air | GTO 6.0 LS2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 366 hp | 400 hp |
| Torque | 445 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,555 cc | 5,967 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.2 sec | 4.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 170 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.2 sec | 13.1 sec |
| Weight | 3,500 lbs | 3,700 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm | 2,790 mm |
| Length | 5,131 mm | 4,815 mm |
| Units Produced | 87,684 | 40,808 |
| Original MSRP | $3,101 | $33,690 |
| Value (Excellent) | $110,000 | $50,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 5/10 |
Numbers favor the 2004 Pontiac GTO 6.0 LS2 with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. The 1968 Pontiac GTO 400 Ram Air offers lighter weight, 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 GTO. The 1968 and 2004 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2004 Pontiac GTO 6.0 LS2 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 400 hp compared to 366 hp, a 34-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 GTO relies on a V8 OHV with 5,967 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2004 Pontiac GTO 6.0 LS2 edges ahead at 4.7 seconds versus 6.2 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.