Difference between 4th Gen. Pontiac Firebird Forumula & Pontiac Trans AM?

Sweet pix, Kzilla!!!

Formula - high end model which comes with the 5.7L V8 (LT1) engine rated at 285 HP. Prior to 1996, it was 275 HP, but the a second cat converter added 10 more HP. A black roof treatment was standard on all 1993 and 1994 Z28s, and 1995 models and later offered a roof that was the same color as the rest of the body as an option. A 6-speed (Borg-Warner T-56) or 4-speed automatic (4L60E) transmission is available. The suspension and brakes are enhanced for improved handling. Two available option packages make the car either moderately or fully loaded. "Formula" badges are located on the front driver headlamp and rear passenger bumper. 1993 and 1994 car badges also had a "V8", and white cars with the white wheels for those same years got badges on the front-lower part of each door. A performance package (WS6) is also available starting in 1996 which includes a ram air hood and intake, freer flowing exhaust, and upgraded suspension.

Trans Am - same setup as the Formula, but with specific nose (fog lights and air dam), tail (contoured lower valance), and side ground effects. It has same rear spoiler as the Formula, although an "up-level" spoiler is an available option. A performance package (WS6) is also available starting in 1996 which includes a ram air hood and intake, freer flowing exhaust, and upgraded suspension.

Me! Firebirds were always sold as a series of differentiated products. Even in the 60's, when these products were only separated by engine choice. After the 60's, all the models had names. The Trans Am was the highest priced product in the line, and it was a high performance type of lineup. Trans Ams were always given the highest performance equipment (standard) that Firebirds had. Most year, Trans Ams had no luxury equipment standard that wasn't standard on a base Firebird. Pontiac briefly made a GTA that cost even more, but these were really a 2nd trim level of Trans Am. Nobody is going to say that a GTA is not a TA. The word "Firebird" doesn't appear on a Trans Am, because they wanted to differentiate it as much as possible from the rest of the Firebird lineup.

The Firebird came in three basic models: The basic Firebird, the Formula and the Trans-Am. Because the Trans Am became overly expensive Pontiac created the Formula to satisfy the performance customer on a budget. They were fine cars, but they didn’t have all the options of the Trans-Am.

They have different spoilers. Trans am could be ordered with fog lights and formaula couldn't, the formula has firebird tail lights, and says pontiac under the firebird on the center piece. The T/Ahas the grid tail lights with a removable firebird emblem in the center piece. Formula is slightly faster then the T/A and handles a little better because it is light but there is not much difference.

http://www.dragtimes.com/images/8565-1995-Pontiac-...

Formula

http://www.chooseyouritem.com/autos/photos/77000/7...

Trans am

Good answer Don B!!!

Basically you'll get the same power with a formula as you will with a trans am, but the trans am has a different look to it, and has more options. The formula looks just like a base firebird mostly, and doesn't have some of the trans am bells and whistles.

The LT-1 is faster than the LS-1??? Huh? Not even close!

I have a '99 Trans Am with the LS-1 and know a friend with the LT-1. LS-1 was UNDERRATED by GM on horsepower ratings, so people could get insurance for them. Closer to 350 HP than the stock 305 listed. LT-1 is a "nice" motor...LS-1 is a ROCKET! I do think the Formulas are harder to come by. I don't see as many. The other answers are pretty good here...Except the LT-1 guy...

4th Gen Firebird

4th Gen Trans Am

For one the rims were different, the suspension was different,(trans am sat lower), The spoiler was different. These and many more things made the trans am better. And anohter thing the LT1 motor would beat a LS1.

A Trans Am is just a Formula on steroids...that's always been the matter...straight to the point.