AMC Gremlin

vs

Pontiac Ventura

USA vs USA — 1970 vs 1971

AMC Gremlin (1970)
Pontiac Ventura (1971)
Specifications
Gremlin X PackageVentura GTO Option 350
Horsepower100 hp200 hp
Torque180 lb-ft280 lb-ft
Engine Size3,802 cc5,733 cc
0-60 mph14.0 sec8.5 sec
Top Speed95 mph115 mph
¼ Mile19.5 sec16.5 sec
Weight3,300 lbs
Wheelbase2,438 mm2,769 mm
Length4,199 mm4,826 mm
Units Produced7,058
Original MSRP$3,300
Value (Excellent)$22,000$35,000
Collectibility5/105/10
Rarity4/106/10
The Verdict

Numbers favor the 1971 Pontiac Ventura GTO Option 350 with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1970 AMC Gremlin X Package offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.

Overview

In the world of Compact cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1970 AMC Gremlin X Package versus the 1971 Pontiac Ventura GTO Option 350. Both hail from Muscle era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1971 Pontiac Ventura GTO Option 350 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 200 hp compared to 100 hp, a 100-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the AMC Gremlin uses a Inline-6 OHV displacing 3,802 cc, while the Pontiac Ventura relies on a V8 OHV (Pontiac 350) with 5,733 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Pontiac Ventura GTO Option 350 edges ahead at 8.5 seconds versus 14.0 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.