USA vs USA — 1968 vs 1965
| GTO 400 Ram Air | Catalina 2+2 421 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 366 hp | 376 hp |
| Torque | 445 lb-ft | 461 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,555 cc | 6,899 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.2 sec | 5.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 135 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.2 sec | 14.0 sec |
| Weight | 3,500 lbs | 3,900 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm | 3,048 mm |
| Length | 5,131 mm | 5,385 mm |
| Units Produced | 87,684 | 11,519 |
| Original MSRP | $3,101 | $3,301 |
| Value (Excellent) | $110,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 7/10 |
Two outstanding machines, each with compelling strengths. The 1968 Pontiac GTO 400 Ram Air excels in lighter weight, stronger collectibility, while the 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 421 stands out for quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. The best advice? Drive both if you can, then follow your instincts.
The 1968 Pontiac GTO 400 Ram Air and 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 421 share a manufacturer in Pontiac, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Pontiac brand. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1968 Pontiac GTO 400 Ram Air producing 366 hp and the 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 421 delivering 376 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pontiac GTO uses a V8 OHV (Pontiac 400) displacing 6,555 cc, while the Pontiac Catalina relies on a V8 OHV (Pontiac 421 Tri-Power) with 6,899 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 421 edges ahead at 5.8 seconds versus 6.2 seconds. The Pontiac GTO carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 400 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 11,519 units built, the 1965 Pontiac Catalina 2+2 421 is considerably scarcer than the Pontiac GTO's 87,684 examples.