Differences Between Firebirds, Thunderbirds and Trans Ams
- Firebird. The Firebird was the first of Pontiac's current muscle or pony cars to hit the market, being introduced in 1967.
- Trans Am. The Trans Am is actually a model of the Pontiac introduced to the market in 1970. ...
- Thunderbird. The Thunderbird, or "T-bird" as it is sometimes known, is a Ford vehicle that began production in 1955.
Is the Firebird and the Trans Am the same car?
When you start getting down to the nitty-gritty of the debate, Trans Ams and Firebirds are technically incarnations of the same car. Every Trans Am ever made is a Pontiac Firebird, but not every Firebird comes with the features that make it a Trans Am.
How fast is Firebird Trans Am?
What year Firebird is the best?
- 2002 Pontiac Firebird Collector’s Edition Trans Am.
- 1999 Pontiac Firebird 30th Anniversary Trans Am.
- Pontiac Firebird Special Edition: Firehawk.
- 1982 Pontiac Firebird.
- 1981 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am NASCAR Turbo Pace Car.
- 1981 Pontiac Firebird.
- 1970 Pontiac Firebird.
What is Trans Am Super Duty?
Trans Am Depot has built an even more extreme version of its 1,000-horsepower 455 Super Duty based on the sixth-generation Chevrolet Camaro that we saw last year. The new car, which tacks on the Racing designation, was built as a dedicated drag racer designed to challenge the Dodge Challenger SRT Demon.
What is Trans Am Firebird?
- Formula appearance package (RPO W50, 1976–1981)
- 50th Anniversary limited edition (2,590 units, RPO Y82, 1976)
- Special Edition appearance package, black with gold pinstriping (RPO Y82 1977–1978, RPO Y84 1978–1981)
- Sky Bird Esprit appearance package (RPO W60, 1977–1978)
- Red Bird Esprit appearance package (RPO W68, 1978–1979)
Is a Trans Am the same as a Firebird?
While all Trans Ams are Pontiac Firebirds, not all Firebirds are Trans Ams. This is due to Trans Ams being a type of Pontiac Firebird started as a specialty package in 1969. The Trans Am essentially took the Firebird's performance to the next level.Aug 25, 2020
What does Trans Am stand for Pontiac?
The 'Trans-Am series' is an automobile racing series that was created in 1966 by Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) President John Bishop. Originally known as the Trans-American Sedan Championship, the name was changed to the Trans-American Championship for 1967 and henceforth.
Is a Pontiac Firebird a muscle car?
The 1970 Pontiac Firebird T/A was pure American muscle, with functional scoops, spoilers and standard 345hp Ram-Air 400cid. Costing $4,600, only 88 of 3,196 Trans Ams were ordered with Ram Air IV. Bigger ports and better valves produced 370hp at 5500rpm and 445 torque at 3900rpm.Jan 6, 2021
What is the rarest Pontiac Firebird?
The rarest of them all is the two-door convertible Pontiac Trans Am with only 8 ever produced.Apr 15, 2021
How much does a 1969 Firebird Trans Am cost?
This generation of the Firebird also saw the arrival of the Firebird Trans Am in 1969. The inaugural Firebird Trans Am released in 1969 got off to a slow start. It was offered as a Trans Am Performance and Appearance Package and cost $725.
How fast does a Firebird go?
Buyers who chose the L6 engine could also expect to hit a top speed of 114 mph and go 0-60 in just over 10 seconds.
How long has the Pontiac Firebird been in production?
History of the Pontiac Firebird. The Pontiac Firebird lasted for four generations, with models in production from 1967 through 2002. General Motors designed the vehicle to be a pony car that could take on the Mercury Cougar and the Ford Mustang. The name came from previous concept cars and the General Motors Firebird prototype cars from the 1950s. ...
Why was the Pontiac Firebird built?
This design was built for efficiency, with a much lighter weight and much easier handling.
What year was the Firebird made?
Though the power called back to earlier generations, the 1993 Firebird was made out of a majority of new parts.
When did the first Firebird come out?
The first generation of Firebirds was relatively short-lived, lasting from 1967 to 1969, but this generation made a mark, setting up many more generations. The first Pontiac Firebird models came in either two-door coupe or two-door convertible options.
Where did the name Firebird come from?
The name came from previous concept cars and the General Motors Firebird prototype cars from the 1950s. These Pontiac Firebirds would go on to be some of the most iconic muscle cars to ever hit the market.
How to tell the difference between a Trans Am and a Firebird?
On older Trans Ams, the only way to tell the difference between the two cars — other than the trunk decals — was to look under the hood. The Trans Am offered different engine styles than the Firebird. You might also find them equipped with lower body panels, making them appear closer to the ground than they actually are.
When did the Trans Am come out on the Firebird?
Each generation of the Firebird came with a Trans Am option, starting with the first-gen Trans Am that rolled off the assembly line in 1969. Early Trans Ams were an add-on for the 1969 Firebird. For an additional $725, you could enjoy all the benefits of the Trans Am performance and appearance package.
What is a 2021 Trans Am Firebird?
The “Bandit Edition” 2021 Trans Am Firebird is a custom-built car, sitting on the frame of a Chevy Camaro, much like the original Firebirds did back in the 1960s.
What to do when you're in doubt about a Trans Am?
When in doubt, the best thing you can do is ask the driver. Compliment them on their choice of muscle car and ask what model it is. That way, you’ll never have to worry about calling a Trans Am a Firebird and embarrassing yourself in front of your friends. An Enduring Legacy.
When did the third generation of the Firebird come out?
Third-generation Firebirds were available between 1982 and 1992, switching from coupe and sedan options to a three-door hatchback. There were still four engine options and three different transmissions to choose from. The final generation of the Firebird premiered in 1993 and ran until Pontiac stopped production in 2002.
What is a Trans Am?
The Trans Am is the one you’ll usually see in movies and television shows. In addition to “Smokey and the Bandit,” the original K.I.T.T from the television show “Knight Rider” was also a 1982 Pontiac Trans Am Firebird. On older Trans Ams, the only way to tell the difference between the two cars — other than the trunk decals — was to look under ...
What engine did the first generation of Firebirds have?
First-generation Firebirds came with two engine options — a 3.8-litre V-6 engine or a 6.6-litre V-8. This generation only lasted until 1969. 1970 brought a new generation of the Firebird, which lasted until 1981. It featured four engine and transmission options, including two manual and two automatic.
How much horsepower does a Firebird have?
Equipped with a both an inline V-6 or V-8 engine, the original Firebird was a monster with engine options that could put out as much as 325 hp. Starting in 1970, Pontiac introduced a new body shape that is much more reminiscent of the modern Firebird.
When was the Trans Am introduced?
Trans Am. The Trans Am is actually a model of the Pontiac introduced to the market in 1970. Equipped with the same beefy, high horsepower engines, the Firebird and Trans Am could only be told apart by inspecting some of the features.
What year did Pontiac make the Firebird?
The Firebird was the first of Pontiac's current muscle or pony cars to hit the market, being introduced in 1967. The design of the original Firebirds was in the "coke bottle shape" that was popular in the late 1960's. Equipped with a both an inline V-6 or V-8 engine, the original Firebird was a monster with engine options that could put out as much as 325 hp. Starting in 1970, Pontiac introduced a new body shape that is much more reminiscent of the modern Firebird. Since then, no fewer than five different generations of the classic muscle car have been introduced. The later models have taken a decided shift back toward the original styling, with a lot of the "swoop" that characterized the Firebirds of the 1980's and 1990's.
How many generations of Trans Ams were made?
There were four different generations of Trans Ams produced from 1969 through 2002. The name Trans Am is actually trademarked by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) and is the name of its popular racing series. GM paid $5 per Trans Am car sold to the SCCA for the use of the name.
What is a Thunderbird?
The Thunderbird, or "T-bird" as it is sometimes known, is a Ford vehicle that began production in 1955. Original a sporty two seat coupe, the Thunderbird has gone through quite an evolution, with 11 distinct generations under its belt. When Ford first released the Thunderbird in 1955, they marketed it as a "Personal Luxury Car" rather than a "Sports Car." Released two years after the Chevy's Corvette, the first Thunderbird outsold the Corvette by an impressive 23 to 1 ratio. Later models of the Thunderbird put a greater emphasis on performance, rather than just features, with the 1957 model boasting 254 hp.
When was the Thunderbird first released?
When Ford first released the Thunderbird in 1955, they marketed it as a "Personal Luxury Car" rather than a "Sports Car.". Released two years after the Chevy's Corvette, the first Thunderbird outsold the Corvette by an impressive 23 to 1 ratio.
The Pontiac Firebird vs. Trans Am
History of The Pontiac Firebird
- The Pontiac Firebird lasted for four generations, with models in production from 1967 through 2002. General Motors designed the vehicle to be a pony car that could take on the Mercury Cougar and the Ford Mustang. The name came from previous concept cars and the General Motors Firebird prototype cars from the 1950s. These Pontiac Firebirds would go on to be som…
The End of An Era
- Even though the final generation of Firebirds got back to their high-powered and high-speed roots, they suffered from a decline in the sports coupe market and a loss in sales. Though the car was still popular with a small audience, GM set aside little funding for the development of new Pontiacs for years and finally ceased production in 2002. Though the cars are no longer in produ…
Fun Facts About The Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am
- If you enjoy learning about the history of the Firebird, then you’ll love knowing some of the main facts about the car. Next time you go to a trivia night, you’ll be ready to handle any question about the Firebird by checking out some of the little known facts about the Firebird below:
Shop Pontiac Firebird and Trans Am Restoration Parts
- If you own a Pontiac Firebird or Trans Am, you can find parts for your car at Raybuck Auto Body Parts. We’re car people just like you, and we’re proud to provide all of our customers with high-quality parts at low prices. If you’re trying to restore your classic car, we have your back, as we offer Firebird and Trans Am parts fitting 1967 through 1989 models. Browse our inventory of Fir…