'74 Vette Drag Races '76 Firebird

Back in the '70s and '80s, the U.S. domestic auto market was forced to contend with a series of federal mandates aimed at improving fuel economy and safety, resulting in what is now known as the Malaise Era. American vehicles produced during this time generally offered poor performance, especially compared to the Muscle Car Golden Era. Nevertheless, these vehicles still deserve some love, and now we're watching as a 1976 Pontiac Firebird goes head-to-head against a 1974 Chevy Corvette.

Once again coming to us from the Cars And Zebras YouTube channel, the video is relatively brief and to-the-point, giving us some info and specs on both the 1976 Pontiac Firebird and the 1974 Chevy Corvette featured in the race, as well as two runs down the drag strip at the end. If it's just the racing that you're after, then skip ahead to the 1-minute, 43-second mark.

With that covered let's check out what these two machines are bringing to the table, starting with the 1974 Chevy Corvette. With its iconic sharp fenders and swoopy cabin, the 1974 Chevy Corvette offered a few different engine options, starting with the base-level 350 V8 rated at 195 horsepower. This particular example, however, has the uprated 350 V8, which bumps it up to 250 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 285 pound-feet at 4,000 rpm. Output is sent to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and 3.73 gears. Weight with driver is estimated at 3,750 pounds.

In the other lane, we find a 1976 Pontiac Firebird Formula, which is showing up with the range-topping engine option in the form of a 400 cubic-inch V8 making 185 horsepower at 3,600 rpm and 310 pound-feet of torque. This particular example is also fitted with a four-speed manual transmission, with 3.42 gears in back. Both vehicles run in the Pure Stock Muscle Car Drag Race Series, which does allow for a few minor modifications.

Watch the drag race

Source: Jonathan Lopez - GM Authority

Posted 6/3/22