Pontiac Firebird 0–60 Times
The Pontiac Firebird 0–60 times and quarter-mile times below are from 40 verified production tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver, Motor Trend and MotorWeek and more. A further 2 modified or prototype runs are listed by year but kept out of every record and average, per our methodology.
The fastest tested production Pontiac Firebird is the 1989 Pontiac Firebird 20th Anniversary Trans Am 3-door Coupe, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 4.60 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 13.40 seconds at 101.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.
The slowest tested production Pontiac Firebird is the 1982 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Coupe, which took 10.60 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 17.50 seconds at 80.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.
Across the 40 verified production tests of the Pontiac Firebird, the average 0–60 mph time is 6.14 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 14.51 seconds at 98.34 mph.
Separately, 2 modified or prototype runs are on record for the Pontiac Firebird, led by the 1992 Pontiac Firebird Formula Firehawk 3-door Coupe at 4.60 seconds. These are not stock configurations and are excluded from the figures above.
Fastest 0–60 4.60sec 1989 20th Anniversary Trans Am 3-door Coupe · stock
Average 0–60 6.14sec Across 40 production runs
Fastest Modified 4.60sec 1992 Formula Firehawk 3-door Coupe · modified
Avg ¼ Mile 14.51sec @ 98.3 mph trap
Slowest 0–60 10.60sec 1982 Trans Am
Across 40 verified production runs, the Pontiac Firebird ranges from 4.60 to 10.60 seconds 0–60, with a 6.14-second average. 2 modified or prototype runs are recorded separately and excluded from this range.
The Pontiac Firebird is ranked in these lists
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Pontiac Firebird Performance Overview
Across 43 verified tests spanning 1967 to 2002, the Firebird traces a clear arc from late-1960s pony car to early-2000s V8 performance coupe. First-generation cars ranged from the OHC 6 Sprint to 400 H.O. V8 models rated at 215–345 hp, with the 1967 Sprint Coupe reaching 60 mph in 10.1 seconds before the 1968 Trans Am 400 H.O. Coupe cut that to 5.5. In the second generation, displacement and torque defined the quickest versions: the 1971 Trans Am 455 H.O. Coupe ran 0-60 in 5.4 seconds, while later years added the 301 Turbo alongside naturally aspirated V8s.
The third generation broadened the spread considerably, from the 1982 Trans Am Coupe at 10.6 seconds to 4.6 seconds for the 1992 Formula Firehawk 3-door Coupe, the quickest 0-60 result recorded for the model line. Engine output during this era ranged from 165 to 350 hp, with both naturally aspirated and turbocharged gasoline setups appearing in the data.
By the fourth generation, the Firebird settled into consistently quicker performance with LT1- and LS1-powered cars. The 1997 Lingenfelter Hurst Coupe posted 4.7 seconds to 60 mph and a 13.1-second quarter-mile at 111 mph, while the generation averaged 5.41 seconds. That places the Firebird's final 1993-2002 form as its strongest sustained production-era performance period.
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Pontiac Firebird 0–60 Times by Generation: First Generation to Fourth Generation
4 generations| Generation | Years | Avg 0–60 | Fastest 0–60 | Production Tests | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fourth Generation | 1993–2002 | 5.44s | 5.00s — 2000 Trans Am WS6 Coupe | 25 | The Fourth Generation generation (1993–2002) averaged 5.44 seconds to 60 mph across 25 production tests, led by the 2000 Trans Am WS6 Coupe at 5.00 seconds. Output ranged from 200 to 345 hp across 3.8L V6, 5.7L V8 configurations. A further 1 result from 1 modified vehicle is recorded but excluded from the average. |
| Third Generation | 1982–1992 | 7.51s | 4.60s — 1989 20th Anniversary Trans Am 3-door Coupe | 6 | The Third Generation generation (1982–1992) averaged 7.51 seconds to 60 mph across 6 production tests, led by the 1989 20th Anniversary Trans Am 3-door Coupe at 4.60 seconds. Output ranged from 165 to 350 hp across 3.8L Turbo V6, 5.0L V8, 5.7L V8 configurations. A further 1 result from 1 modified vehicle is recorded but excluded from the average. |
| Second Generation | 1970–1981 | 7.32s | 5.40s — 1971 Trans Am 455 H.O. Coupe | 5 | The Second Generation generation (1970–1981) averaged 7.32 seconds to 60 mph across 5 production tests, led by the 1971 Trans Am 455 H.O. Coupe at 5.40 seconds. Output ranged from 200 to 335 hp across 4.9L Turbo V8, 6.6L V8, 7.5L V8 configurations. |
| First Generation | 1967–1969 | 6.98s | 5.50s — 1968 Trans Am 400 H.O. Coupe | 4 | The First Generation generation (1967–1969) averaged 6.98 seconds to 60 mph across 4 production tests, led by the 1968 Trans Am 400 H.O. Coupe at 5.50 seconds. Output ranged from 215 to 345 hp across 3.8L I-6, 6.6L V8 configurations. |
Fourth Generation 1993–2002
Avg 0–60 5.44s
Fastest 5.00s
Tests 25
2000 Trans Am WS6 Coupe
The Fourth Generation generation (1993–2002) averaged 5.44 seconds to 60 mph across 25 production tests, led by the 2000 Trans Am WS6 Coupe at 5.00 seconds. Output ranged from 200 to 345 hp across 3.8L V6, 5.7L V8 configurations. A further 1 result from 1 modified vehicle is recorded but excluded from the average.
Third Generation 1982–1992
Avg 0–60 7.51s
Fastest 4.60s
Tests 6
1989 20th Anniversary Trans Am 3-door Coupe
The Third Generation generation (1982–1992) averaged 7.51 seconds to 60 mph across 6 production tests, led by the 1989 20th Anniversary Trans Am 3-door Coupe at 4.60 seconds. Output ranged from 165 to 350 hp across 3.8L Turbo V6, 5.0L V8, 5.7L V8 configurations. A further 1 result from 1 modified vehicle is recorded but excluded from the average.
Second Generation 1970–1981
Avg 0–60 7.32s
Fastest 5.40s
Tests 5
1971 Trans Am 455 H.O. Coupe
The Second Generation generation (1970–1981) averaged 7.32 seconds to 60 mph across 5 production tests, led by the 1971 Trans Am 455 H.O. Coupe at 5.40 seconds. Output ranged from 200 to 335 hp across 4.9L Turbo V8, 6.6L V8, 7.5L V8 configurations.
First Generation 1967–1969
Avg 0–60 6.98s
Fastest 5.50s
Tests 4
1968 Trans Am 400 H.O. Coupe
The First Generation generation (1967–1969) averaged 6.98 seconds to 60 mph across 4 production tests, led by the 1968 Trans Am 400 H.O. Coupe at 5.50 seconds. Output ranged from 215 to 345 hp across 3.8L I-6, 6.6L V8 configurations.
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Pontiac Firebird 0–60 Times by Year and Trim
40 production tests + 2 modified · 23 years ▾
2002 Pontiac Firebird
1 production run Avg 0–60 5.10 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 13.50 sec
Production Tests 1
#04
2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Collector Edition Coupe
5.10sec 0–60
13.50s ¼ mi @ 107.0 mph
▾
- 0–60 mph
- 5.10 sec
- ¼ Mile ET
- 13.50 sec
- Trap Speed
- 107.0 mph
- Engine
- 5.7L V8
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Transmission
- 4A
- Horsepower
- 325 hp
- Torque
- 350 lb-ft
- Curb Weight
- 3,460 lbs
- Power-to-Weight
- 10.6 lbs/hp
- MPG EPA
- 16 C / 23 H
- Production Vehicle
- Body Type
- Coupe
- Powertrain
- Gasoline
- Test Source
- MotorWeek
- Overall Rank
- #4 of 40 production runs
How we verify Pontiac Firebird performance data
Records and averages on this page cover verified production runs only; modified and prototype results are listed by year but never folded into them. We include only independently published road-test results from automotive publications. Manufacturer-claimed 0–60 times are excluded unless clearly labeled. When multiple publications test the same Pontiac Firebird trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.
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Pontiac Firebird 0–60 and quarter-mile distribution
0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is fasterEach dot is a verified production test run
0–60 → ¼ mile →
Fastest Recorded run Slowest
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Pontiac Firebird performance FAQs
10 questions The 2002 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Collector Edition Coupe runs 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds. Its recorded quarter-mile time is 13.5 seconds at 107 mph. That test car used the 325-hp LS1 V8 with 350 lb-ft, rear-wheel drive, and a curb weight of 3,460 pounds.
The quickest Firebird 0-60 run on record is 4.6 seconds by the 1992 Formula Firehawk 3-door Coupe. Across all 43 Firebird tests, that stands as the overall best launch. The same car is also the fastest entry from the Third Generation group, which averages 7.09 seconds to 60 mph.
The fastest stock Firebird 0-60 time on record is 4.6 seconds from the 1989 20th Anniversary Trans Am 3-door Coupe. Since all 43 Firebird tests are production vehicles, there is no separate modified-only result to filter out when identifying the quickest stock example.
A Fourth Generation Firebird, covering 1993 to 2002, averages 5.41 seconds from 0-60 mph across 27 tests. The quickest Fourth Generation run is 4.7 seconds from the 1997 Lingenfelter Hurst Coupe. That makes the fourth-gen cars the quickest Firebirds overall by generation average.
Third Generation Firebirds from 1982 to 1992 average 7.09 seconds from 0-60 mph across 7 tests. The quickest recorded Third Generation example is the 1992 Formula Firehawk 3-door Coupe at 4.6 seconds. That generation also includes the slowest Firebird run on record, a 10.6-second 1982 Trans Am Coupe.
Second Generation Firebirds, sold from 1970 through 1981, average 7.32 seconds from 0-60 mph across 5 tests. The quickest one is the 1971 Trans Am 455 H.O. Coupe at 5.4 seconds. Engines in this generation range from 200 to 335 hp, with both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions represented.
First Generation Firebirds from 1967 to 1969 average 6.98 seconds from 0-60 mph across 4 tests. The fastest of the group is the 1968 Trans Am 400 H.O. Coupe at 5.5 seconds. Recorded power for first-gen cars ranges from 215 to 345 hp, all with naturally aspirated gasoline engines.
Across popular trim groups, the Formula Coupe averages 6.13 seconds to 60 mph over 4 tests, while the Trans Am Coupe averages 7.33 seconds over 7 tests. Best recorded runs are 5.3 seconds for the Formula Coupe and 5.1 seconds for the Trans Am Coupe, so the quickest individual Trans Am is slightly faster.
The Trans Am SLP Firehawk Coupe averages 5.19 seconds from 0-60 mph across 7 tests, with a best run of 5.0 seconds. The Trans Am SLP 10th Anniversary Edition Firehawk Coupe is nearly identical on record, averaging 5.12 seconds across 3 tests with a best of 5.1 seconds.
The fastest Firebird quarter-mile on record is 13.1 seconds at 111 mph by the 1997 Lingenfelter Hurst Coupe. Across all 43 Firebird tests, the average quarter-mile result is 14.42 seconds at 99 mph. For the 2002 Trans Am Collector Edition Coupe, the recorded quarter-mile is 13.5 seconds at 107 mph.
Sources
Car and Driver
Motor Trend
MotorWeek
Road & Track
0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what a Pontiac Firebird can do, not a single marketing claim.
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Other Pontiac 0–60 times
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Popular Pontiac Firebird Comparisons
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