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Pontiac Muscle Cars

Pontiac started the muscle car era with the 1964 GTO option for the Tempest LeMans: a 389 cu in V8 in a mid-size body. The Firebird followed in 1967, and its Trans Am kept big V8s into the late 1970s. General Motors closed Pontiac in 2010.

5 Pontiac models are on our muscle car list. Power is in kW first; ratings before the 1972 model year are SAE gross, later ones SAE net.

Models, years and power

Other muscle car brands

Muscle cars by era

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Pontiac Muscle Cars: questions and answers

Which Pontiac models are muscle cars?

On 1CARS: Pontiac GTO, Pontiac Firebird, Pontiac Firebird Trans Am, Pontiac GTO Judge and Pontiac Can Am.

What is the most powerful Pontiac muscle car?

Among classic cars rated SAE gross: the Pontiac Firebird (1967–2002), with 276 kW (375 PS · 370 hp). Since 1972 (SAE net): the Pontiac GTO (1964–2006), with 298 kW (405 PS · 400 hp).

Which Pontiac muscle car is the quickest?

The Pontiac Firebird (1967–2002): 7.0 s from 0 to 100 km/h in the catalog data.

What is the difference between gross and net horsepower?

Until the 1971 model year American makers advertised SAE gross power, measured on an engine without accessories, air cleaner or full exhaust. From 1972 they switched to SAE net, measured as installed in the car. The same engine reads clearly lower in net, so 1960s and modern figures are not directly comparable — 1CARS ranks them separately.