USA vs USA — 1964 vs 1973
| Firebird Trans Am | Grand Am 455 V8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | 390 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,554 cc | 7,456 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.2 sec | 8.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 124 mph | 118 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.1 sec | 15.8 sec |
| Weight | — | 4,100 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,845 mm |
| Length | 4,825 mm | 5,334 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 56,063 |
| Original MSRP | — | $4,353 |
| Value (Excellent) | $120,000 | $32,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1964 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1973 Pontiac Grand Am 455 V8 answers with stronger collectibility, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Pontiac has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1964 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with the 1973 Pontiac Grand Am 455 V8 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1964 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am holds a clear advantage in raw power with 335 hp compared to 250 hp, a 85-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pontiac Firebird uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 6,554 cc, while the Pontiac Grand Am relies on a V8 OHV (Pontiac 455) with 7,456 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1964 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am edges ahead at 6.2 seconds versus 8.0 seconds. On the collector market, the 1964 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am commands a significant premium over the 1973 Pontiac Grand Am 455 V8, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.