Camaro Vs. Firebird - Muscle Car Of The Week Episode 370
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ส.ค. 2024
- Camaro Vs. Firebird - Muscle Car Of The Week Episode 370
Two of the most popular Muscle Cars were introduced for the 1967 model year, and although they are technically cousins, the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird both have very loyal, and different followings.
Built of GM’s new “F” body platform, the Camaro and Firebird share some basic DNA, including the unibody design utilizing a body tub with a bolt-on front subframe to locate the front suspension and engine cradle. They share common sheet metal underneath the skin, including the floors, firewall, trunk floor, rocker panels, and some bracing. The leaf spring rear suspension design is shared, as is the glass. But that’s about where the sharing ends.
The Camaro hit the streets fully armed to go after the wildly successful Ford Mustang, and that was not by coincidence. The Mustang was mopping up youth market sales like crazy, and had a 3 year head-start on any comparable GM product, so Chevrolet had to bring all they could to the fight. And that they did, with the introduction of the 1967 Camaro Z/28 and Camaro SS models. The Z was a TransAm road-race inspired hot rod powered by a high-revving 302 cubic inch V8 making an advertised 290 HP, rolling on 15” wheels and performance suspension. It’s one of the pinnacle Camaros ever, and one of the few new-launch cars that got everything right.
Pontiac was marketed as an upscale performance brand, and when they rolled out the new for 1967 Pontiac Firebird, they were targeting a slightly more sophisticated buyer. The Firebird was going after the Mercury Cougar and Plymouth Barracuda crowd, with burlwood trim and loads of comfort and convenience options.
But the ‘Bird didn’t skimp on the performance goodies, as evidenced by this 1968 Ram Air II Firebird. This is a pretty bare-bones car, with no power windows or air conditioning, and a no-nonsense dark green paint scheme with black steel wheels and dog-dish hubcaps. But under the hood lives the Pontiac 400 HO Ram Air II V8, capable of 340 HP and 430 lb. ft. of torque.
Of course, Camaros were also offered with big-inch V8s, like this flashy 1967 L78 SS 396 car, an 11:1 compression, aluminum intake, 4-barrel high-lift cammed big block Chevy that kicked 375 HP and 415 lb. feet. of sand in the face of those who dared to approach.
Although they share some of the same bones, the Camaro and Firebird styling is distinctive enough to differentiate the cars. Firebirds always had a pointier, more “beak” like nose, while Camaros have more of a traditional grille.
For 1969, Firebird shed it’s conservative feathers and turned up the Wow with the 1969 Trans Am, it’s own version of a street-going road racer inspired by the racing series of the same name. And although you could get this striped and spoilered new ride with a raucous Ram Air IV V8 under the hood and performance tuned suspension, Pontiac didn’t lose sight of their customers desires for a comfy ride inside. The new Trans Am looked like nothing else on the road, and further distanced itself from it’s Chevrolet cousin.
The ‘69 Camaro also got a visual tune-up, with a wider body and speedy lines trailing the wheel openings, and the SS and Z/28 models continued to perform. Specialty dealers like Yenko Chevrolet worked the system to offer the 427 V8 in the Camaro, an option that was technically not available in the car. However, Chevrolet did produce some C.O.P.O. 427 cars and 13.8 handfuls of ZL1 all aluminum 427 cars for drag racing purposes, and those legends live on today. It would have been cool to see similar Firebirds or Trans Ams built with competition parts right from the factory.
So which do you prefer, the racier first generation Camaro, or the refined and stylish Firebird? Share your thoughts with us in the comments, and be sure to subscribe for more fun Muscle Car goodness from The Brothers Collection on Muscle Car Of The Week!
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Camaro Vs. Firebird - Muscle Car Of The Week Episode 370
I have three Trans Ams and I love them to death. I have two 1980s and a 1999. My dad is the original owner of his beautiful 1978 Trans Am.
From '67 to '69 give me the Camaro. From '70 on the Trans Am.
I’m going Firebird. Thanks for sharing them! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸
Camaro or Firebird what’s not to love. In my opinion you can’t go wrong with either one.
Humble opinion
True but, Firebirds are more classier to me. Still either one, both beautiful American machines...
I had a 91 trans am I miss her so much. I’m a trans am man. If I didn’t have kids at a young age I would still have her.
I prefer the Firebird!
Kevin, give me the 69’ trans am, and as always thanks for putting a Pontiac on the presentation.
Both nice cars but the 67 camaro will always hold a special place in my heart 👍
"Bird, Bird, The Bird is the Word"
Well, everybody's heard about the bird.
Pontiac. I'm a Ford guy but when I was a teenager my two best friends drove Pontiacs. One had a 67 Firebird 400 4-speed and the other had a 66 GTO w/389 tri-power 4-speed. Another thing, in the 60's each GM division had their own engine design engineers. Then in the 80's the Chevy 350 became the corporate engine. That when I started to lose interest in the Firebird and went back to Fords.
Kevin I will take the Firechicken because they are more rare and have a distinctive body style.
Gimme that '69 convertible TA. The stuff of dreams when I was a kid.
I had a 68 Firebird 400 dark green. I like both cars though. The Camaros were good looking, no matter what year.
Firebird here.
That green Firebird was B A D A S S.............
The Bird! All day, every day!!!!
Hi what's up how are you
In 1973, I bought a 71 Firebird Esprit. That was a great car. 350 with a 3 on the floor. I put wheels and bigger tires on it, dual exhaust. It was a super fun car that took a lot of abuse.
I saw a 69 T/A back in the 90s and it blew my mind! Camaros are ok, but not a rare sighting when you see one. There are literally dozens around my neighborhood from junk to decent, but no Firebirds. By the way my nextdoor neighbor has a 69 AMX, how cool is that!
If I was of an adult age in '67, '68 and '69 I would one of each make and model. One to "Drive to work and other locations" and the other model to "Drive fast and hard like a bat out of hell" and bloomin' well enjoy it!! Good presentation "MCOTW" of the latter day muscle car comparison choice!!!
Like 'em both ! I drive a Chevy but there ain't nothing wrong with any of the beautiful muscle cars built by GM , Ford , Chysler or AMC . I like them all .
I was GM back in the day, but now I like them all also. Shoot even an old Belvedere is super cool.
I own a ‘69 Firebird, so you know I gotta support it and the best car manufacturer to ever exist.
I had a 69 Firebird that I rebuilt when I was a kid. I loved that car.
back in '80, I had a friend in H.S. who "TRADED" me a '68 Firebird, for a '72 Datsun 510 Wagon. He was just married, and the firebird was in pretty bad disrepair, where as my little Datsun wagon was running like new,,,,,, so we "traded", right away, I changed the throttle,,,,which was a "screw-driver, mounted to the dash, with the cable attached to it....... for $7.00, in '80 Dollars, I got me a PROPER accelerator cable. and it mounted up fine. Then there was the master cylinder...... When you needed to hit the brakes, you hit them,,,,,,and had them for some .......... 5 seconds,,, until the pedal hit the floor. So, next was : Buying a "rebuild kit", to rebuild my master cylinder for my F-bird. And then, for our Senior Prom,,, instead of going .... I worked at my buddy's , DAD'S Garage,,, and he helped me, do a complete "VALVE JOB" for my 4.1 Liter OVER HEAD CAM, Firebird............ WOW,,, those days!
Cool and all... but you should've attended prom imo
Passions run deep with these 2 vehicles so there is no winner, just a lot of very happy owners and enthusiastic admirers . I'm split on 1st gen Camaro's and Firebird's !967 Z28, 1969 give me the Trans Am. Both awesome.
Thanks Muscle car of the week, love the first generation Camaro, I'm sure I could live with a bird
Central California watching
1967-68, give me a Firebird 400. But in 1969 I would’ve gone after a Cranberry red Camaro SS, or a Z-28 which had much sexier lines.
My first car was a 67 Firebird when I was 15. I’m 55 and have a 95 Formula. I’ve had Camaros too. Love them both, but a little bias towards the Firebird. They were always just a little nicer.
A 1967 Firebird 400 (pictured) adorns my garage... So, I think I’ll vote for the Pontiac.
I've always preferred '68 Firebirds. I have one now. 67 & 68 Birds with their big chrome bumper look better than their sisters. The 69 Camaro beats the Trans Am, but the Trans Am has the best looking hood. I put one on my '68.
So many choices, small block screamer, big block grunt, refined street car, plain looking ripper. I gotta lean towards the 69 T/A. As always, thanks to you & the crew for showing these beauties. Where's my drool cup?
Well since I'm having trouble deciding, I'll take one of each from 67 to 69 please! Lolol! Thanks again guys!
I'm a bit biased towards the birds, but the 1st gen Zs were cool, as was the 427 motion and Yenkos, not to mention the 70 LT-1 Solid lifter Z car. Unfortunately, you could spend all winter building your camaro, and in the spring, B4 you drive 5 miles from your house, you'll see 3 more exactly like it. Because they're so cheap, they're everywhere.
Thanks for the video MC.
I am a Chevrolet man so I would definitely go with the Camaro I have always loved the first gen Camaros
No contest...Trans Am
My first 3 vehicles were Pontiacs and the only Chevy I have owned since 1966 was a Blazer in 1998 so I guess you can say i'm a Poncho guy , don't need all the gingerbread on them though like that Trans Am .
Trans Am baby!
As you are talking about a 67 Firebird you are showing a 69 Trans Am
Yes sir, I caught that too. He also misspoke about the engine in that green 68 'Bird but he owned it and appreciated the feedback. Kevin's job ain't easy and he's only human.
They've featured a lot of cars, but I don't believe they've done a 67 Firebird yet... maybe that's why?
I am and always have been a Trans Am Man! I currently have two that I'll never get rid of.
I love them both, that being said I'm a 1973 Firebird, 1968 GTO and 1999 Grand Prix owner
PONTIADDICT ALL THE WAY!!!
for 67,68 I prefer the styling of the Firebird. But for 69 I like the strong-looking front of the Camaro over the Puffer Fish grille of the Bird
Truly wonderful cars, Kevin!
Thanks for another great showcase of the classics! :)
It was the second gen that inspired me . My first car was a Sterling Silver L78 Trans Am . I studied many magazines on Pontiacs in study hall. Out came the entire smog era drive line for a 69 Ram Air III 400. I spent lots of time at the track and on the street having a great time. My second T/A was a 77 Y82 special edition that I left totally stock. I also purchased a 1980 Z28 with a crack block and 4 speed. Replaced the LM1 350 for a 400 SB and sold it off. I just couldn't get into the Chevy. Funny now that I am a Chevrolet guy and the Corvette is my platform. I still have a special place for Pontiacs and especially the Trans Am.
Excellent analysis Dave!!!! Congratulations!!!!
1969 Trans Am w/ Ram Air IV coupled to a 4-speed Muncie is my choice for SURE...!!!
Style, with comfort and performance...🔥
Firebird...💯✔️
I’m a bird guy. I own 2. Love them.
Both are great, but I will take a first gen Camaro over a Firebird every time. Cant beat the look of a 67/68 RS Camaro
It is easy to beat the looks of both 67/68 RS, Just pull up in the Firebirds and All Done! LOL!!!
@@raymondanderson9220: Nah, I never liked the looks of Firebirds, especially the front end 😖
Camaros are a dime a dozen! Firebirds are very rare!
I would like to see a video comparing Which automaker had the best versions of the same car, like Chevy vs Pontiac, Dodge vs Plymouth not just a specific car model but the whole company!
The Camaro was by far a better performance car. And I'm a Chevy guy at heart, so I'd have to go with a Camaro. But how can you not love them both!
Trans am... Really looked better and cooler
own 73 formula455 factory 4-speed w/factory a/c thats my answer..joe P
69 Camaro but 67-68 firebird.
Firebird all the way
I'm torn in between I love em Both I own a 1989 Chevy Camaro RS and 1970 Pontiac Firebird 🤘 💪 😁 but 69' is my favorite yr
That is a very tough choice!
Firebird, I've owned 4 in my lifetime.
I'm Sharing My Comments. Both These GM Cars Are (Factory Fast) GREAT American Muscle Cars, But,, A Friend Of Mine Has a 69 Mustang Shelby GT500-KR Drag Pack, That Will Give These Big Block Camaros & Formula Firebirds a Run For The Money... And Here We Are Once Again,, Ford VS Chevy (GM).. Dam, This Never Gets Old.... Love It.... : ) This Is "The BEST Muscle Car Channel" On U-Tube..... Great Muscle Car Facts and History. . .
Choose only one:
... Camaro and Trans Am
My dad has a 1968 Firebird and I begging him to have it restored. He said it will be restored this summer when we redo our house. I will still be 11.
my dad actually has an all original 1969 z/28 camaro and a ss camaro convertible 1969 amazing video
Camaro all day everyday. GM rules! ✔
That's a choice I don't want to make.. 😐
That Ram Air II was no joke. There are some that say that the RA-II was the fastest of the bunch.
I guess that would be my choice if I had to pick one.
Let's face it - getting your hands on a legitimate Trans Am or Yenko is damn near impossible.
Love every iteration of the F-bodies but if I had to pick one, it's the '68 Z/28 - the purest hot rod of the bunch in my opinion followed by the green '68 Firebird Ram Air 2 shown here in steelies - that one's the looker. Thanks for video Kevin, very cool, we can all talk all day about these iconic cars 👍👍
69 Trans am for me just a gorgeous car
I like both but if I had to choose it would be the more refined and stylish Firebird or Trans Am. Trans Am first Firebird II & Camaro last
I still am a mopar fan first then GM fan next. I still have my 1969 Camaro my younger Brother gave me for my Birthday back in 1987 and I restored it back then. Now restoring it again this time with a 454 with aprox 500 hp then after my Grandson Graduates College to become a Doctor I will most likely give it to him as he wants it for a show car.and yea je wkll help me restore it.
The Cameo White 1969 Pontiac Ram Air IV Trans Am #1. A Blue/Black Rally Stripe 1969 RS/Z-28 Camaro #2. I love them both, but I'm a Pontiac Man at heart. My dream is to own another Black on Black W-72, 1978 T/A. I bought that car used at 18, with 70,000 on the odometer and in showroom new condition. Equiped with every option but T-Tops. My first car note! And Paid in full and on time!!! Bon Jovi Slippery When Wet was #1 on the Billboard chart. Can you guess what year?
I just bought my long dreamed for car a year ago. I bought a numbers matching 1969 Pontiac Firebird 400/4sp.
I, hada1968 firebird 400 from boas Pontiac SF Ca what a car!!! I'm a90 yr.
Young lady....
I had the hardest time getting my friends to understand that the 396 came with different horsepower they could not understand why my GTO would out run them, 325 hp and even the 375 hp version, against my more than 400 hp my engine I had a lot of Pontiac high performance parts!!!! 2022
The Firebird for sure.
My old Daytona Yellow 69 Z28 with optional 140 cam and an Offenhauser crossram. (Offenhauser purchased the Winters moulds, so it’s really Chevrolet with the snowflake removed)
My dad had both a 1967 Camaro RS/327 coupe & a 1968 Camaro SS 396 4 speed new back in the day, he next switched over to firebirds in the 1980s starting with a 1984 firebird 305 than a new 1988 formula 350. I remember back in the day the formula had an SLP catback exhaust & could only run a 14.9 1/4 mile. Next my dad picked up a new 1993 GMC Typhoon which dusted all those cars.
Firebirds
I love them both but if push came to shove I’d pick the ‘69 T/A👌
It's all gm baby, no matter what I love them all, pontiac engines and chevy engines are my favorite engines
The 1968 Firebird 400 my 3 sons wish was theirs.
The 69 firebird bad a__ car !
The 1 dislike is by a Prius owner
Why not both haha
69 Trans Am Convertable. There where only 8 made and last i knew only 4 still live today. That is my dream car
I would love either one
As a owner of an 72 Pontiac Ventura II with a 69 formula 350 Firebird engine It's PMD for me..
Kevin, How long do we have to make a decision?
I'd prefer the refined and stylish Firebird, but I'd have any one of those cars.
69 Firebird Trans Am would do me fine!
Pontiac did have a some-what exotic engine, that being the 69/70 400 Ram Air V. I wish Pontiac had done more with this engine, unfortunately only a few were made.
Firebird all the way. Camaros are everywhere. The 69 TA is one of the best stylings and performers to come out of the 1st muscle car era.
love how you nailed so much key info in a short time. chevy purposely hindered pontiac. they were ready to put factory big block hp well before chevy camaro even thought of it. they also designed the concept for the vette which chev basically shut down and stole/produced the first gen (basically identical) as the years went own i believe firebird surpassed camaro in performance , last testament being the 90s ws6 firebird
I am a fan of the Firebird and own a 1967 OHC Sprint 6 cyl. Convertable and a 69 Convertable T/A
Well I have a 88 Trans am GTA. Yes a 3rd gen but still a firebird and I'll always choose the bird. Had a 79 ws-6 but young and dumb its been gone.
I can relate. I had a black on black '78.
Considering I have a 68 that is a rusted shell, getting a tube frame, glass front end / doors, and a rather large cube Pontiac engine, then 71 400, 72 455 HO, 74 350, 78, 79 WS6, and 98 Formula Firebirds, and four 79 Trans Ams, chances are I don't feel a need for a Camaro. However, I have a Camaro, its a 78 and is about to get cut up to repair rust on a Trans Am that was driven in the salt of northern Michigan. Camaros make good parts cars, but you can throw away the engine and most of the boring interior. The Camaro suspension is basic, so the swaybars, springs, etc are useless, but the spindles, rotors, and rear ends can be used. In 98 the Camaro finally got a decent engine. Every Camaro should be upgraded with LS power to make them acceptable.
FIREBIRD FOR SURE. RIGHT ON THE $$
IT'S LIKE A FORD AND A MERCURY ITS
GOT ALL THOSE CERTAIN LOVE DESIGNS
THAT REACH OUT AND GRAB YOU.
Considering I just bought a ‘69 Firebird Convertible, I think my choice is clear. 😂
Definitely like both cars. I would have to choose the Firebird as it's slightly more my style. However, my mom had a brand new (white with blue interior) 69 Camaro RS with a 327 that she sold years later, but would love to have it back again.
I like the first generation Camaro but the bird is the word the best looking car ever
im gonna have to go with that gen 1 camaro
69 Trans Am would/is my preference. Both are terrific examples of muscle but the Pontiac is much classier in my opinion.
Absolutely.
Fire chicken ! The T/a has my teenage daughters ♥️. I had 2 Nd gen 77/78 400 ci. 🇺🇸👍
The Bird is the Word...Bird...Bird...Bird...
Love it.
I give Camaro the Bird every day!
I have always preferred the Camaro with the exception of 76-80