USA vs USA — 1998 vs 1974
| Firebird Trans Am WS6 Ram Air | Firebird Super Duty 455 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 325 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,665 cc | 7,456 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 4.9 sec | 5.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 164 mph | 124 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.3 sec | 13.8 sec |
| Weight | 3,496 lbs | 3,700 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,565 mm | 2,768 mm |
| Length | 4,920 mm | 5,073 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 943 |
| Original MSRP | $29,865 | $4,446 |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | $175,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 9/10 |
On balance, the 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 Ram Air makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1974 Pontiac Firebird Super Duty 455 counters with stronger collectibility, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 Ram Air for outright capability, or the 1974 Pontiac Firebird Super Duty 455 for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. The 1998 and 1974 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 Ram Air holds a clear advantage in raw power with 325 hp compared to 290 hp, a 35-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 5,665 cc, while the Pontiac Firebird relies on a V8 OHV with 7,456 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 Ram Air edges ahead at 4.9 seconds versus 5.9 seconds. The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 204 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1974 Pontiac Firebird Super Duty 455 commands a significant premium over the 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am WS6 Ram Air, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1974 Pontiac Firebird Super Duty 455 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.