While the Pontiac GTO is undoubtedly on the most famous muscle cars of all time, not everyone is as familiar with the Pontiac GT-37. Sold during the 1970 and 1971 model years, the Pontiac GT-37 was essentially a budget-friendly alternative to the GTO that packed goat-style performance, but without the insurance costs or price tag. Now, we’re watching to see how the GT-37 fairs in a drag race against a 1969 Dodge Dart 340, as seen in the following video.
Once again coming to us from the Cars And Zebras YouTube channel, the video includes specs and a walkaround for both vehicles, as well as several rounds of racing at the end, all delivered with the usual Cars And Zebras humor.
The video kicks off with a look at the Pontiac GT-37, which was available with several different engine options. The top-spec powerplant was a 400 cubic-inch V8, and paired with a four-speed manual, chucked out a maximum of 345 horsepower and 430 pound-feet of torque. The video host states that while some rumors suggest this engine was actually a detuned Ram Air III, most sources say it was simply a standard 400. Still, according at least one historian, the GT-37 was quicker than a Ram Air IV GTO, at least in private testing, likely a result of the former’s lower weight. For reference, the GT-37 is roughly 300 pounds lighter than the GTO.
Originally priced at just $3,389 (around $27,878 today), the GT-37 was an incredible value, but even so, only 1,419 units were made in 1970, and just 238 were equipped with the 400 V8.
We then get a look at the competition, namely a 1969 Dodge Dart GTS 340. Framed as another relatively lightweight muscle car with strong performance, the Dart packs less firepower than the Pontiac, coming at 275 horsepower and 340 pound-feet of torque.
However, the Dart also packs less weight, shedding 140 pounds compared to the Pontiac. This particular model is also equipped with a three-speed automatic.
The question, then, is this – which of these two machines is quicker down the quarter mile? Hit play to find out:
Comments
Forget the race. The two cars were pretty evenly matched. From a design perspective though, GM and Pontiac were way ahead of Chrysler. General Motors in that era didn’t build anything but beautiful cars and even the bread-and-butter mid-sizers looked fantastic. Their new for ‘68 shapes had really dated competitors like the Dodge Dart.
It must’ve been a great era to be alive and to be a car enthusiast. There was beauty and brawn…..and, for god’s sake, there were colors. Bold colors!
A 455 was available as an option, but very few sold. A friend had one with the 400 4 barrel, auto. I had a 1972 Chevelle SS 350 4 barrel, auto. We used to drag race in front of the old National Guard in my small home town. Of course, he stomped me every time. Even then he called it “a poor man’s GTO”.
A good friend of mine bought one of these used in excellent condition. Not sure if it was a 1970 or 1971. In fact it looked exactly like the picture, red, black interior, 4 spd manual and it had a pretty heavy/stout clutch action as I recall. Fun seeing those retro white letter Polyglass tires.
I always liked the styling of this generation car. Looking at those low production numbers, I wish I would have bought it off of him.