USA vs USA — 1967 vs 1989
| Firebird 400 | Firebird Trans Am GTA | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 330 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 430 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,555 cc | 5,735 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.4 sec | 5.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 150 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.5 sec | 14.0 sec |
| Weight | 3,300 lbs | 3,400 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,565 mm |
| Length | 4,851 mm | 4,978 mm |
| Units Produced | 82,560 | 16,700 |
| Original MSRP | $2,781 | $19,995 |
| Value (Excellent) | $90,000 | $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 1967 Pontiac Firebird 400 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 Pontiac Firebird lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1967 Pontiac Firebird 400 with the 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA reveals how Pontiac refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. The 1967 Pontiac Firebird 400 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 330 hp compared to 250 hp, a 80-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pontiac Firebird 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 6.4 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 82,560 examples.