1978 Pontiac Firebird

Discover the exhilarating performance and distinctive styling of the 1978 Pontiac Firebird lineup.

Trans Am

The 1978 Trans Am represents the pinnacle of Firebird performance and style. It features a forceful sweep of body lines, punctuated by air extractors, air deflectors, and a singular air dam. Piercing dual rectangular headlamps glare from a new coal-black grille. A distinctive spoiler sweeps up from the trunk. Optional cast aluminum wheels and a shaker hood decal with a shrieking bird graphic enhance its aggressive appearance.

Inside, the Trans Am offers rich, all-vinyl bucket seats and a burnished metal dash featuring a clock, tachometer, and a full set of rally gauges. Standard equipment includes a powerful 6.6 litre (400 CID) 4-barrel engine, power steering, power front disc brakes, and an automatic transmission. The Radial Tuned Suspension with GR70x15 steel-belted radials ensures responsive handling. An optional T/A 6.6 litre (400 CID) 4-barrel engine provides even more muscle.

Image: A gold 1978 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am with a large red and black stylized bird emblem behind it. Image: Close-up views of the Trans Am interior, including the dashboard with gauges, steering wheel, bucket seats, and stylish wheels.

Formula

The Formula Firebird is designed for driving enthusiasts, offering a thrilling experience for any drive. It stands out with twin scoops on the front, Rally II wheels, and body-colored sport mirrors, all standard. An optional Appearance Package adds sporty striping and side-lettering that highlights the Formula's name.

The interior provides supple comforts, including deeply padded bucket seats and a Luxury Cushion steering wheel. The Formula is equipped with a responsive 5.0 litre (305 CID) 2-barrel engine, with an automatic transmission available. Drivers can enjoy the feel of a standard manual 4-speed transmission. The Formula Firebird also offers an available hatch roof, providing an open-air experience, an available 8-track player for entertainment, and available cruise control for relaxed driving. An AM/FM stereo radio with a digital readout is also an option.

Image: Front 3/4 view of a yellow Formula Firebird. Image: Close-up views of the Formula interior, showing the seats, gear shifter, radio controls, and cruise control button.

Esprit

The Esprit Firebird offers a luxurious experience without compromising the driver's connection to the road. It is a blend of luxury and excitement, providing a refined yet engaging drive. The luxury of the Esprit never intrudes, allowing the inherent excitement of the Firebird to shine through.

Image: Interior shots of the Esprit/Firebird, highlighting the seats and interior trim. Image: Side view of a blue Esprit Firebird and a red base model Firebird.

Firebird

For those seeking a car with all of the Firebird's performance and excitement at a handsome value, the basic Firebird is the solution. The base model delivers the signature "wow" factor of every Firebird, with its own unique appeal. A special "Sky Bird" edition is available, noted for its distinctive styling and "fancy dress blues."

Image: Close-up of Rally II wheels on a Firebird. Image: A Firebird featuring elegant wire wheels, an optional feature. Image: A Firebird demonstrating Pontiac's Radial Tuned Suspension.

Facts and Figures

Models

The Hardtop Coupe was offered in four versions: Firebird, Firebird Esprit, Formula Firebird, and Firebird Trans Am.

Power Teams

Standard Engines: 3.8 litre (231 CID) 2-bbl. V-6 on Firebird and Esprit; 5.0 litre (305 CID) 2-bbl. V-8 on Formula; 6.6 litre (400 CID) 4-bbl. V-8 on Trans Am.
Available Engines: 5.0 litre (305 CID) 2-bbl. V-8 on Firebird and Esprit; 5.7 litre (350 CID) 4-bbl. V-8 on Formula, Esprit and Firebird; 6.6 litre (400 CID) 4-bbl. V-8 on Formula; T/A 6.6 litre (400 CID) 4-bbl. V-8 on Formula and Trans Am.

Transmissions

Standard Transmissions: Manual 3-speed on Firebird and Esprit; Manual 4-speed on Formula; Automatic transmission on Trans Am.
Available Transmissions: Manual 4-speed on all models; Automatic transmission on all models.

Standard Interior Features

Standard Firebird: Front bucket seats and bucket type rear seats with all-vinyl trim, deluxe cushion steering wheel, nylon-blend carpeting, simulated rosewood applique on instrument panel, speedometer in km/h and mph, single-buckle seat and shoulder belt system, fluid-on-demand windshield washer, ashtray lamp, high-low level body ventilation, trunk floor mat.
Special Firebird Esprit: Custom all-vinyl bucket seats with lateral support, luxury cushion steering wheel, custom pedal trim plates, door and instrument panel assist straps, distinctive door trim panels, rear ash trays, added acoustical insulation.
Special Formula Firebird: Luxury cushion steering wheel, full-length front console.
Special Firebird Trans Am: Formula steering wheel, aluminum machine-turned instrument panel trim plate, rally gauges, electric clock, and instrument panel tach.

Standard Exterior Features

Standard Firebird: New grille and hood styling with integral body-colored bumpers, hubcaps with Pontiac crest, rectangular headlamps, bright windshield/rear window/grille moldings, Firebird emblems on sail panel and rear deck lid, dual horns.
Special Firebird Esprit: Esprit identification, deluxe wheel covers, body-colored sport mirrors (left-hand remote control), body-colored door handle inserts, bright moldings on roof, windowsills, hood, rocker panels, and wheel openings.
Special Formula Firebird: Formula identification, rear deck spoiler, steel hood with twin simulated air scoops, body-colored sport mirrors (left-hand remote control), blacked-out grille, dual chrome splitter tailpipe extensions, 15" x 7" Rally II wheels with trim rings.
Special Firebird Trans Am: Trans Am identification on front fenders, grille panel, and wraparound rear deck spoiler. Front center air dam, rear wheel opening air deflectors, front fender air extractors, body-colored sport mirrors (left-hand remote control), blacked-out grille, 15" x 7" Rally II wheels with trim rings, shaker hood and air cleaner, dual chrome splitter tailpipe extensions.

Standard Chassis Features

Standard Firebird and Esprit: Front disc brakes, variable ratio power steering, coil spring front and leaf-spring rear suspension, High Energy Electronic Ignition, catalytic converter (requires unleaded fuel), Radial Tuned Suspension (FR78-15 steel-belted radial tires, jounce restrictors, computer-selected springs, front stabilizer bar).
Special Formula Firebird: Heavy front and rear stabilizer bars, GR70x15 steel-belted radial tires.
Special Firebird Trans Am: Safe-T-Track limited-slip differential, power brakes, power-flex fan, GR70x15 steel-belted radial tires, heavy front and rear stabilizer bars.

Model Options Available

Esprit Sky Bird Appearance Package: Blue velour interior trim, two-tone blue exterior, dark blue accent on lower body with gradient blue tape stripe, medium blue cast aluminum wheels, blue luxury cushion steering wheel, decals, blue grille panels, blue custom seat belts, and special sail panel identification.
Black Special Edition Trans Am: Gold striping, gold interior and exterior accents, gold aluminum wheels, and Hatch Roof.

Dimensions (millimetres/inches)

	Firebird & Esprit	Formula	Trans Am
Overall length	4999 (196.8)	4999 (196.8)	4999 (196.8)
Overall width	1854 (73.0)	1854 (73.0)	1854 (73.0)
Wheelbase	2745 (108.1)	2745 (108.1)	2745 (108.1)
Track, front/rear	1577/1534 (61.3/60.4)	1554/1532 (61.2/60.3)	1547/1524 (60.9/60.0)
Headroom, front/rear	950/914 (37.4/36.0)	950/914 (37.4/36.0)	950/914 (37.4/36.0)
Legroom, front/rear	1115/721 (43.9/28.4)	1115/721 (43.9/28.4)	1115/721 (43.9/28.4)
Shoulder room, front/rear	1458/1382 (57.4/54.4)	1458/1382 (57.4/54.4)	1458/1382 (57.4/54.4)
Fuel tank	79.5 litres (17.5 gals)	79.5 litres (17.5 gals)	79.5 litres (17.5 gals.)