1966 Pontiac GTO Squares Off With 1970 Ford Torino Super Cobra Jet: Video
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Produced between 1963 and 1974 (and again later between 2003 and 2006), the Pontiac GTO was a true slab of classic American iron. In fact, the first-generation GTO is often credited as being the first real American muscle car, kicking off the tried-and-true muscle car formula so often repeated over the years. Now, we’re watching as a 1966 Pontiac GTO takes a run down the quarter mile against a 1970 Ford Torino Super Cobra Jet.
Let’s start with the Pontiac GTO, which presents in crisp and clean white paint, with red inner wheel wells and chrome trim. This particular model is fitted with the naturally aspirated 389 cubic-inch V8 engine, which is topped with the Tri-Power option (three two-barrel Rochester 2G carburetors). From the factory, the setup was rated at 360 horsepower at 5,200 rpm and 424 pound-feet of torque at 3,600 rpm, which reaches the rear wheels thanks to a four-speed manual transmission and 4.33 gearing. Weight with the driver is roughly 3,685 pounds.
While undoubtedly quick for its day, this Pontiac GTO has some pretty serious competition, as running in the other lane is a rare 1970 Ford Torino Super Cobra Jet. Equipped with the optional Drag Pack package, this Torino was built specifically for drag racing, and features a naturally aspirated 429 cubic-inch V8 engine with upgrades like a 780 CFM Holley carburetor, solid lifter cam, four-bolt main engine block, and forged pistons. When new, output was rated at 375 horsepower at 5,400 rpm and 450 pound-feet of torque at 3,400 rpm, with a four-speed manual transmission and 4.30 gearing. The vehicle weight with the driver onboard tips the scales at around 4,180 pounds.
So, while the Ford has the engine advantage, the Pontiac GTO has the weight advantage. Which muscle machine will come out on top? Hit play on the video below to find out:
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nice race!
The Pontiac is more of an racing motor as the Ford has a hopped-up family car motor (certain code FE 427 and Boss 429 were racing powerplants), of course the bigger engine won but the Pontiac did it’s best.
Being a 429 Cobra Jet with drag pack, the 389 Tri power did extremely well keeping the times under .7 secs and 3 mph… Good set of races.