Power for the Ram Air package was the same as the conventional 400 HO, but peaked at 5,200 rpm. A "Ram Air" option was also available, providing functional hood scoops, higher flow heads with stronger valve springs, and a hotter camshaft. All 1967–1968 400 CI engines had throttle restrictors that blocked the carburetors' secondaries from fully opening. Most buyers opted for one of three V8s: the 326 cu in (5.3 L) with a two-barrel carburetor producing 250 hp (186 kW) the four-barrel "HO" (high output) 326, producing 285 hp (213 kW) or the 325 hp (242 kW) 400 cu in (6.6 L) from the GTO. The "Sprint" model six came with a four-barrel carburetor, developing 215 hp (160 kW). Based on the architecture of the standardĬhevrolet 230 cu in (3.8 L) inline-six, it was fitted with a one-barrel Rochester carburetor and rated at 165 hp (123 kW). The 1967 base model Firebird came equipped with the Pontiac 230 cu in (3.8 L) SOHC inline-six. The listed retail price before options for the coupe was $2,666 ($21,666 in 2021 dollars ) and the convertible was $2,903 ($25,364 in 2021 dollars ). However, GM feared this would cut into Chevrolet Corvette sales, and gave Pontiac a piece of the " pony car" market through sharing the F-body platform with Chevrolet. Originally, the car was a "consolation prize" for Pontiac, which had desired to produce a two-seat sports car based on its original Banshee concept car. ![]() Both a two-door hardtop and a convertible were offered through the 1969 model year. The Firebird's rear "slit" taillights were inspired by the 1966–1967 Pontiac GTO and Pontiac Grand Prix. Announcing a Pontiac styling trend, the Firebird's bumpers were integrated into the design of the front end, giving it a more streamlined look than the Camaro. The first generation Firebird had characteristic Coke bottle styling shared with its cousin, the Chevrolet Camaro. Ultimately, the Firebird peels away from a standing start with slightly more urgency while the brute, straight-line power of the Charger dominates as the quarter mile is completed.See also: GM F platform § First Generation, 1967–1969 The best zero-60 time turned in by the Firebird was just slightly better than that generated by the Charger with the Hemi engine. ![]() The quarter-mile time was also impressive: 13.7 seconds at 104.8 miles per hour. When equipped with the optional upgrade to the 426 Hemi V-8, the Charger was clocked at 5.7 seconds in the zero-60 test by Car Life. The quarter-mile time of 13.9 seconds was slightly quicker than that turned in by the Firebird 400. Motor Trend timed an R/T-SE with this standard engine at 6.1 seconds in the zero-60 test. The standard R/T powerplant in the Charger was the powerful 440 Magnum V-8. Other tests produced quarter-mile times within 0.1 second of that result. It completed the quarter mile in 14.1 seconds at 100.8 miles per hour. The results were impressive with the Firebird 400 hitting 60 miles per hour from a standing start in just 5.6 seconds. Hot Rod magazine put the latter version of the Firebird through its paces in the zero-60 romp and the quarter mile. The ultimate Ram-Air IV configuration offered a maximum-rated 345 horsepower at 5400 rpm with 430 pound-feet of torque produced at 3700 rpm. Variations in the so-called “W66” 400 cu-in engine included the L74 that was rated at 335 horsepower at 5000 rpm with 430 pound-feet of torque at 3400 rpm. Meanwhile, the Firebird 400 Coupe was rated 330 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 430 pound-feet of torque at 3300 rpm. Even the standard 440 Magnum V-8 was good for 375 horsepower. The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T-SE offered up 425 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque with the optional 426 Hemi V-8. The so-called Special Edition package included leather inserts in the vinyl seats, and wood grain was added to both the steering wheel and the instrument panel. The Charger got a new split grille and an upgraded trim package. It was the last of the first-generation Firebirds. Broader fenders and a more aggressive look added to its muscle car persona. The 1969 Firebird 400 saw style upgrades over the 19 versions. 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 Coupe and Dodge Charger R/T-SE Model Upgrades By 1969, they had both enjoyed a couple years of skyrocketing success in this niche market. Both General Motors and Dodge were in hot pursuit of the performance car market. The Firebird was a lighter vehicle with a slightly smaller powerplant while the Charger was one massive street machine with a very powerful engine.ĭiscussions can grow animated as the merits of two of the best muscle cars of their era are debated. The 1969 Firebird 400 Coupe and the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T-SE took two slightly different routes to the same high-performance destination. 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400 Coupe vs 1969 Dodge Charger R/T-SE
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