USA vs USA — 1973 vs 1967
| Trans Am SD-455 | Chevelle SS 396 L35 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 310 hp | 325 hp |
| Torque | — | 425 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,456 cc | 6,489 cc |
| 0-60 mph | — | 6.5 sec |
| Top Speed | — | 124 mph |
| ¼ Mile | — | 14.8 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,400 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,746 mm | 2,921 mm |
| Length | 4,902 mm | 5,055 mm |
| Units Produced | 252 | 63,006 |
| Original MSRP | — | $2,825 |
| Value (Excellent) | $280,000 | $95,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1973 Pontiac Trans Am SD-455 brings greater rarity to the table, and the 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 L35 answers with stronger collectibility, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
In the world of Muscle Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1973 Pontiac Trans Am SD-455 versus the 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 L35. Both hail from Muscle era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1973 Pontiac Trans Am SD-455 producing 310 hp and the 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 L35 delivering 325 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pontiac Trans Am uses a V8 displacing 7,456 cc, while the Chevrolet Chevelle relies on a V8 OHV with 6,489 cc. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 252 units built, the 1973 Pontiac Trans Am SD-455 is considerably scarcer than the Chevrolet Chevelle's 63,006 examples. On the collector market, the 1973 Pontiac Trans Am SD-455 commands a significant premium over the 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 L35, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle SS 396 L35 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.