USA vs USA — 1989 vs 1974
| Firebird Trans Am GTA | Firebird Super Duty 455 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 290 hp |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft | 400 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,735 cc | 7,456 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.4 sec | 5.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 150 mph | 124 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.0 sec | 13.8 sec |
| Weight | 3,400 lbs | 3,700 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,565 mm | 2,768 mm |
| Length | 4,978 mm | 5,073 mm |
| Units Produced | 16,700 | 943 |
| Original MSRP | $19,995 | $4,446 |
| Value (Excellent) | $38,000 | $175,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA brings quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight to the table, and the 1974 Pontiac Firebird Super Duty 455 answers with more power, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. The 1989 and 1974 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1974 Pontiac Firebird Super Duty 455 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 290 hp compared to 250 hp, a 40-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA edges ahead at 5.4 seconds versus 5.9 seconds. The Pontiac Firebird Trans Am carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 300 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 943 units built, the 1974 Pontiac Firebird Super Duty 455 is considerably scarcer than the Pontiac Firebird Trans Am's 16,700 examples. On the collector market, the 1974 Pontiac Firebird Super Duty 455 commands a significant premium over the 1989 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTA, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1974 Pontiac Firebird Super Duty 455 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.