What's the difference between a Formula FireBird and a FireBird TransAm (coupe)?

[Noriaki]

Both are 320hp@5200, 345tourque@4400.
They seem to be pretty well the same speed..
So I assume there are no major differences in gearing, tranny, or other parts of the drive train.

They look pretty much the same don't they? Same weight I believe...

Am I missing something? Where is the difference? Why is the TransAm Coupe more expensive than the Formula Coupe?
(Obviously the TransAm comes in a Convertable, the Formula doesn't, but I'm just looking at the Coupes here).

 

[Noriaki]

up you go!

 

[mdennison]

The formula has less air dams/spoilers, therefore it weighs less.

 

[Noriaki]

Oh the Formula weighs less.
But becuase of less Air Dams/Spoilers...hmmm...I guess that could go either way depending on location.
Which works out to be faster? The TransAm I guess?

Also the firebird is Solid rear axle right? No IRS?

 

[PG]

Also the firebird is Solid rear axle right? No IRS?

Correct, solid axles for the Firebird and Camaro. You need to shell out another 15-20 grand to get that ala the Corvette.

 

[MustangSVT]

how does firebird handle? is it basically a stright liner?

and what's with Cobras with Auto transmission? does it perform as same as the manual?

 

[Linflas]

Plastic, stickers, and marketing(plus whatever price difference there is)?

 

[thebestMAX]

The only differences are in the cosmetics and included options. Formula is a little lighter therefore faster but do you want to give up the Bad Boy Image for a few bucks?

Dont know it the ground effects package and spoiler help at highway speeds. Doubt it. I feel it handles pretty well for the trade off in comfort it also provides.

My Trans Am

Getting a 2002 so PM me if interested in this one. Sorry if I shouldnt have put this in.

 

[flot]

I think they are mechanically the same car, the trans am just has the bodywork and some other "frills" included as standard options. If you want the car for the engine/driveline (and I don't know why else you'd want it) you'd be better off going with the formula.

 

[Alienwho]

<< The only differences are in the cosmetics and included options. Formula is a little lighter therefore faster but do you want to give up the Bad Boy Image for a few bucks?

Dont know it the ground effects package and spoiler help at highway speeds. Doubt it. I feel it handles pretty well for the trade off in comfort it also provides.

My Trans Am

Getting a 2002 so PM me if interested in this one. Sorry if I shouldnt have put this in. >>


If you are willing to help a guy out of his 1994 Nissan frontier (pickup) I will be happy to trade you straight up. (It looks like you could spare a few dollers) I'm also willing to drive wherever you live just to trade

 

[Noriaki]

So the TransAm has a better &quot;bad-boy&quot; image does it?


The TransAm has a nicer interior? Hmmmm....not to terribly concerned about that.... We just want it to go fast
who needs comfort!

But is comfort the area where the TransAm is better? Might be worth it for a long-term car...we'll see what happens.

Thanks for the info

 

[thebestMAX]

Nori-

Speced out a TA and Formula with exectly the same options and the price difference was only about $800. If you can do with a cloth interior and lesser stereo you could save about $2000. Ram Air is very expensive for what you get and can use in my opinion but I wouldnt get one without it if you can afford to do so.

My interior is leather and after 8 years looks like new so I guess it just matters how long you want to keep the car. 2002 is SUPPOSED to be the last year for the F-body but we will see.

<<you are willing to help a guy out of his 1994 Nissan frontier (pickup) I will be happy to trade you straight up. (It looks like you could spare a few dollers) I'm also willing to drive wherever you live just to trade>>

I am underwealmed by your offer. Do you think you could drive it that far? Hee Hee

 

[Alienwho]

<< I am underwealmed by your offer. Do you think you could drive it that far? Hee Hee >>


A: It's solid as a rock and totally reliable.

2: If in the unfortunate event it does die, I will pull it the rest of the way.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Trim level. The facias and spoilers are a bit different and the T/A has a different interior and comes with more options standard.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

TBM: the Ram Air packages include a different handling package iirc. (stiffer shocks, larger anti-roll bars)

 

[thebestMAX]

Demon-

True, True but for an everyday street driver It is an acceptable ommission. Ram Air option is about 4k and brings the TA to 33K (rough figures). Will you get that much out of it? Love the hood, hate the exhausts.

 

[Noriaki]

Gotta have the RAM Air, I hate the hood without it

The car isn't even for me, I can't drive
It's for a friend.

I didn't know the price dif was so small.

Maybe we'll look at the T/A then. Is the stock stereo any good? That's likely something that will get upgraded.

Probably want to have the leather interior....can you even get Leather in the Formula?

 

[Goldfish]

TransAm has leather, Formula has cloth. Cloth is lighter than leather, thats why. The Formula is more for racing than the TransAm would be.

 

[Goldfish]

TransAm has leather, Formula has cloth. Cloth is lighter than leather, thats why. The Formula is more for racing than the TransAm would be.

 

[thebestMAX]

Gotta have the RAM Air, I hate the hood without it>> Agreed



I didn't know the price dif was so small.>> Was when I worked it out but remember lots of options standard on TA. If you dont want t tops, you have to go Formula.

Maybe we'll look at the T/A then. Is the stock stereo any good? That's likely something that will get upgraded.>> Stock stereo with CD player is very nice (Monsoon) but not the best. If you are going to upgrade it, go with stock, if not check out options.

Probably want to have the leather interior....can you even get Leather in the Formula? Yes.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

TBM: I was explaining the diff in price, not drivability (I want one, but the insurance would KILL me)

 

[thebestMAX]

Been there.