Firebird Comparison Essay
When the Ford Mustang went on sale it quickly became the fastest-selling car in history. So it was no wonder that Ford’s rivals wanted to enjoy the same sort of success with their own ‘pony cars’, and GM’s take on the formula was the Pontiac Firebird (alongside the Chevrolet Camaro).
While it was the Camaro that arrived first, the Firebird carried a higher price and was more highly equipped – which is why twice as many Camaros were produced. Nowadays, both cars have a following, often brought about by each car’s exposure in the media. In the case of the Firebird it was the 1978 film Smokey and the Bandit that turned the Trans Am into an icon, which is why these later cars with their black and gold colour schemes are now among the most sought …show more content…
There’s a bewildering array of Firebird models to choose between, thanks to a range of engines, transmissions, model year changes plus T-top or standard roof configurations. But unlike with the first-generation Firebird, there’s no convertible option.
While the first-generation Firebird Trans Am was a special edition, by the time the second-generation Firebird was launched the Trans Am had become an integral part of the range. As the most powerful variant of all, many Firebird fans gravitate automatically towards the Trans Am, but ‘lesser’ versions aren’t necessarily any less desirable.
By now many Firebirds have been modified and there’s a massive disparity between the well-maintained cars and those that have been neglected or run on a shoestring, so rather than home in on a specific model, try out a few and see what suits you best. Admittedly you’ll want to avoid the six-cylinder versions because the whole point of having an American car such as this is to enjoy that fabulous V8 rumble, but focus as much on condition as on specification when you’re spending your hard-earned pennies.
Performance and specs
Pontiac Firebird 6.6
Engine 6558cc, V8
Power 220bhp @ 4000rpm
Torque 320lb ft @ …show more content…
Listen for whining from the latter denoting it’s due for an overhaul; the parts are available and costs aren’t especially high.
• The Firebird is no featherweight so expect tired suspension unless it’s been overhauled relatively recently. There’s an array of bushes and ball joints that age; if the whole lot needs to be done, the costs will soon add up, although generally spares are quite affordable.
Model history
1970: The second-generation Firebird is launched in February, with a 400ci (6.6-litre) V8 rated at 335bhp (Ram Air III) or 345bhp (Ram Air IV).
1971: A 455ci (7.5-litre) V8 is now offered in the 455-HO.
1974: The Firebird gets a redesigned front end, slotted tail lights and a 250ci (4.1-litre) straight-six engine option. The latter is rated at just 100bhp while there’s also now a 155bhp 350ci (5.7-litre V8) too.
1975: There are more sheet-metal changes with a new wrap-around rear window and a revised roof line.
1976: Pontiac celebrates its 50th birthday with a limited edition Trans Am that features black paint with gold decals – the first of several such specials.
1977: Another facelift brings a new nose design and it’s this car that becomes famous in the film Smokey and the
While it was the Camaro that arrived first, the Firebird carried a higher price and was more highly equipped – which is why twice as many Camaros were produced. Nowadays, both cars have a following, often brought about by each car’s exposure in the media. In the case of the Firebird it was the 1978 film Smokey and the Bandit that turned the Trans Am into an icon, which is why these later cars with their black and gold colour schemes are now among the most sought …show more content…
There’s a bewildering array of Firebird models to choose between, thanks to a range of engines, transmissions, model year changes plus T-top or standard roof configurations. But unlike with the first-generation Firebird, there’s no convertible option.
While the first-generation Firebird Trans Am was a special edition, by the time the second-generation Firebird was launched the Trans Am had become an integral part of the range. As the most powerful variant of all, many Firebird fans gravitate automatically towards the Trans Am, but ‘lesser’ versions aren’t necessarily any less desirable.
By now many Firebirds have been modified and there’s a massive disparity between the well-maintained cars and those that have been neglected or run on a shoestring, so rather than home in on a specific model, try out a few and see what suits you best. Admittedly you’ll want to avoid the six-cylinder versions because the whole point of having an American car such as this is to enjoy that fabulous V8 rumble, but focus as much on condition as on specification when you’re spending your hard-earned pennies.
Performance and specs
Pontiac Firebird 6.6
Engine 6558cc, V8
Power 220bhp @ 4000rpm
Torque 320lb ft @ …show more content…
Listen for whining from the latter denoting it’s due for an overhaul; the parts are available and costs aren’t especially high.
• The Firebird is no featherweight so expect tired suspension unless it’s been overhauled relatively recently. There’s an array of bushes and ball joints that age; if the whole lot needs to be done, the costs will soon add up, although generally spares are quite affordable.
Model history
1970: The second-generation Firebird is launched in February, with a 400ci (6.6-litre) V8 rated at 335bhp (Ram Air III) or 345bhp (Ram Air IV).
1971: A 455ci (7.5-litre) V8 is now offered in the 455-HO.
1974: The Firebird gets a redesigned front end, slotted tail lights and a 250ci (4.1-litre) straight-six engine option. The latter is rated at just 100bhp while there’s also now a 155bhp 350ci (5.7-litre V8) too.
1975: There are more sheet-metal changes with a new wrap-around rear window and a revised roof line.
1976: Pontiac celebrates its 50th birthday with a limited edition Trans Am that features black paint with gold decals – the first of several such specials.
1977: Another facelift brings a new nose design and it’s this car that becomes famous in the film Smokey and the