USA vs USA — 1974 vs 1973
| Firebird Super Duty 455 | Grand Am 455 V8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 250 hp |
| Torque | 400 lb-ft | 390 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,456 cc | 7,456 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.9 sec | 8.0 sec |
| Top Speed | 124 mph | 118 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.8 sec | 15.8 sec |
| Weight | 3,700 lbs | 4,100 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,768 mm | 2,845 mm |
| Length | 5,073 mm | 5,334 mm |
| Units Produced | 943 | 56,063 |
| Original MSRP | $4,446 | $4,353 |
| Value (Excellent) | $175,000 | $32,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 5/10 |
On balance, the 1974 Pontiac Firebird Super Duty 455 makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1973 Pontiac Grand Am 455 V8 counters with better value, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1974 Pontiac Firebird Super Duty 455 for outright capability, or the 1973 Pontiac Grand Am 455 V8 for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Pontiac has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1974 Pontiac Firebird Super Duty 455 with the 1973 Pontiac Grand Am 455 V8 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. 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. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pontiac Firebird uses a V8 OHV displacing 7,456 cc, while the Pontiac Grand Am relies on a V8 OHV (Pontiac 455) with 7,456 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1974 Pontiac Firebird Super Duty 455 edges ahead at 5.9 seconds versus 8.0 seconds. The Pontiac Firebird carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 400 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 Grand Am's 56,063 examples. On the collector market, the 1974 Pontiac Firebird Super Duty 455 commands a significant premium over the 1973 Pontiac Grand Am 455 V8, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1974 Pontiac Firebird Super Duty 455 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.