USA vs USA — 1962 vs 1971
| LeMans GTO Package | Ventura GTO Option 350 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 260 hp | 200 hp |
| Torque | 320 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,342 cc | 5,733 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.5 sec | 8.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.0 sec | 16.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,200 lbs | 3,300 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,946 mm | 2,769 mm |
| Length | 5,105 mm | 4,826 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 7,058 |
| Original MSRP | $2,650 | $3,300 |
| Value (Excellent) | $50,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1962 Pontiac LeMans GTO Package brings more power, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1971 Pontiac Ventura GTO Option 350 answers with quicker acceleration. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Pontiac has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1962 Pontiac LeMans GTO Package with the 1971 Pontiac Ventura GTO Option 350 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1962 Pontiac LeMans GTO Package holds a clear advantage in raw power with 260 hp compared to 200 hp, a 60-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pontiac LeMans uses a V8 OHV displacing 5,342 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 8.5 seconds. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.