Classic muscle cars have been a staple of American automotive culture since the late 1960s. If you’re looking for an iconic example of this era, then both the 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 vs 1974 Pontiac Trans Am SD 455 fit the bill perfectly! Both models represent some of the most powerful cars to come from their respective car makers at that time, offering drivers huge amounts of horsepower combined with sleek styling.
In this blog post we’ll dive into each vehicle in more detail, exploring how they compare when it comes to engine performance, style and features. We’ll also discuss which muscle car is best-suited for which types of drivers. So get ready—you won’t want to miss all the excitement as we examine these two beloved classic cars!
Table of Contents
Overview of the 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351
The 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 was a high-performance variant of the classic Mustang model produced by Ford Motor Company. It was part of the Mustang’s first generation, which ran from 1964 to 1973. The Boss 351 was introduced as a successor to the Boss 302 and aimed to provide a more powerful and refined driving experience.
Under the hood, the Boss 351 featured a potent 5.8-liter (351 cubic inches) Cleveland V8 engine, which was its standout feature. This engine was specifically designed for high performance, producing an impressive 330 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque. It had a four-bolt main block, forged pistons, a solid lifter camshaft, and large valves. It also came equipped with a Holley four-barrel carburetor, aluminum intake manifold, and free-flowing exhaust system, all contributing to its exceptional power output.
The Boss 351 had a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission as standard, providing precise and engaging shifts. It also featured a heavy-duty suspension system, power front disc brakes, and a limited-slip differential, ensuring excellent handling and control on the road. To enhance its performance further, it had a functional ram air hood scoop, directing cool air into the engine for improved power delivery.
Visually, the Boss 351 had a distinct and aggressive appearance. It featured a unique front grille design, a front spoiler, and bold Boss 351 graphics on the sides and rear. It also had a rear deck lid spoiler and color-keyed dual racing mirrors. These styling cues differentiated it from the regular Mustang models and showcased its performance-oriented nature.
Inside the cabin, the Boss 351 featured a driver-focused cockpit with high-backed bucket seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a dashboard with essential gauges. The interior was relatively simple but had a sporty feel, emphasizing the car’s performance intentions.
Production of the Boss 351 was limited, with approximately 1,800 units built for the 1971 model year. Its rarity and powerful performance have made it a highly sought-after collector’s car among Mustang enthusiasts.
In summary, the 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 was a legendary muscle car known for its exceptional power, handling, and aggressive styling. With its potent V8 engine and performance-oriented features, it remains an iconic symbol of American automotive history.
Exterior Design and Performance Specifications Of The 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351
Exterior Design:
The 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 had a distinct and aggressive appearance that set it apart from the regular Mustang models of its time. Here are some key design elements:
– Front End: The Boss 351 featured a unique front grille design with a black honeycomb pattern and a centered running horse emblem. It had a pronounced front spoiler that added to its aggressive look. The grille was flanked by rectangular headlights and integrated turn signals.
– Hood Scoop: One of the prominent features of the Boss 351 was its functional ram air hood scoop. It was positioned on the center of the hood and provided additional airflow to the engine for improved performance.
– Body Graphics: The car featured bold Boss 351 graphics on the sides, usually placed just behind the front wheels. These graphics were often in contrasting colors and served to highlight the model’s performance heritage.
– Rear End: The Boss 351 had a rear deck lid spoiler that enhanced its aerodynamics and gave it a sporty appearance. The rear of the car also featured a blacked-out panel between the taillights, with “Mustang” lettering in chrome.
– Wheels: It typically came with Magnum 500 wheels, which were iconic for the era. These wheels had a five-spoke design and were often finished in chrome or argent silver.
Performance Specifications:
The 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 was built to deliver exceptional performance on the road. Here are its key performance specifications:
– Engine: The Boss 351 was powered by a 5.8-liter (351 cubic inches) Cleveland V8 engine. It had a four-bolt main block, forged pistons, and a solid lifter camshaft. It featured a Holley four-barrel carburetor, an aluminum intake manifold, and a free-flowing exhaust system.
– Power Output: The engine produced an impressive 330 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque. These power figures made the Boss 351 one of the most powerful Mustangs of its time.
– Transmission: It came with a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission as standard. The gearbox provided precise and engaging shifts, allowing drivers to fully experience the car’s performance.
– Suspension and Handling: The Boss 351 featured a heavy-duty suspension system, including upgraded springs, shocks, and sway bars. This setup contributed to improved handling and stability, allowing for more confident driving.
– Brakes: It was equipped with power front disc brakes, providing reliable stopping power and enhanced safety.
– Differential: The Boss 351 came with a limited-slip differential, which helped improve traction and performance, especially during high-performance driving.
These performance specifications combined with the car’s lightweight body and aerodynamic design made the 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 a formidable and thrilling machine to drive.
Overview of the 1974 Pontiac Trans Am SD 455
The 1974 Pontiac Trans Am SD 455 was a high-performance variant of the popular Trans Am model produced by Pontiac, a division of General Motors. It was part of the Trans Am’s second generation, which ran from 1970 to 1981. The SD 455, short for Super Duty 455, was introduced as a powerful and limited-edition option for performance enthusiasts.
At the heart of the Trans Am SD 455 was a massive 7.5-liter (455 cubic inches) V8 engine, which was its standout feature. This engine was specifically developed for high-performance applications and was known for its impressive power output. It produced around 290 horsepower and a whopping 395 lb-ft of torque, making it one of the most potent engines of its time. The SD 455 engine featured a unique high-lift camshaft, forged pistons, and high-flow cylinder heads to enhance its performance capabilities.
The Trans Am SD 455 was available with either a four-speed manual transmission or a three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission. It also came equipped with a limited-slip differential and a performance-tuned suspension system to handle the power efficiently. Power front disc brakes and power steering were standard, ensuring excellent stopping power and maneuverability.
Visually, the Trans Am SD 455 had a bold and aggressive appearance, typical of muscle cars from the era. It featured a shaker hood scoop, which was functional and added to its performance image. The car had a distinctive front end with a split grille design, a prominent front spoiler, and a rear deck lid spoiler. Special Trans Am and SD 455 decals adorned the exterior, further distinguishing it from other Trans Am models.
Inside the cabin, the Trans Am SD 455 offered a driver-focused interior with high-backed bucket seats, a three-spoke steering wheel, and a dashboard with essential gauges. It also featured unique SD 455 badging and additional performance-oriented features like a rally gauge cluster and a Hurst shifter for manual transmission models.
Production of the Trans Am SD 455 was limited, with only 943 units built for the 1974 model year. The limited production numbers and its powerful performance have made it highly desirable among collectors and enthusiasts of classic American muscle cars.
In summary, the 1974 Pontiac Trans Am SD 455 was a legendary muscle car known for its massive V8 engine, aggressive styling, and limited production. With its exceptional power and performance features, it remains a highly sought-after and iconic symbol of American automotive history.
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Exterior Design and Performance Specifications Of The 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351
Exterior Design:
The 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 featured a distinct and aggressive exterior design that set it apart from other Mustang models of its time. Here are the key design elements:
– Front End: The Boss 351 had a unique front grille design with a black honeycomb pattern. It featured a centered running horse emblem and a prominent front spoiler that added to its aggressive look. Rectangular headlights and integrated turn signals flanked the grille.
– Hood Scoop: One of the standout features of the Boss 351 was its functional ram air hood scoop. Positioned at the center of the hood, it provided additional airflow to the engine, enhancing its performance.
– Body Graphics: The car sported bold Boss 351 graphics on the sides, usually located just behind the front wheels. These graphics were often in contrasting colors and served to emphasize the model’s performance heritage.
– Rear End: At the rear, the Boss 351 featured a rear deck lid spoiler that improved aerodynamics and added a sporty touch. The area between the taillights was blacked out, with “Mustang” lettering in chrome.
– Wheels: Typically, the Boss 351 came with Magnum 500 wheels, which were iconic for the era. These wheels had a five-spoke design and were often finished in chrome or argent silver, complementing the car’s overall appearance.
Performance Specifications:
The 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 was built to deliver exceptional performance on the road. Here are its key performance specifications:
– Engine: The Boss 351 was powered by a 5.8-liter (351 cubic inches) Cleveland V8 engine. It featured a four-bolt main block, forged pistons, and a solid lifter camshaft. Equipped with a Holley four-barrel carburetor, an aluminum intake manifold, and a free-flowing exhaust system, it was designed for high performance.
– Power Output: The engine produced an impressive 330 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque. These power figures made the Boss 351 one of the most powerful Mustangs of its time.
– Transmission: It came standard with a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission. This transmission offered precise and engaging shifts, allowing drivers to fully experience the car’s performance capabilities.
– Suspension and Handling: The Boss 351 featured a heavy-duty suspension system, including upgraded springs, shocks, and sway bars. This setup contributed to improved handling, stability, and overall driving dynamics.
– Brakes: Power front disc brakes were standard on the Boss 351, providing reliable and effective stopping power.
– Differential: The car was equipped with a limited-slip differential, which helped improve traction, particularly during high-performance driving situations.
With its powerful engine, responsive transmission, upgraded suspension, and other performance enhancements, the 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 offered an exhilarating driving experience, combining speed, agility, and control on the road.
1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 vs 1974 Pontiac Trans Am SD 455 Comparison: Face To Face
Let’s compare the 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 and the 1974 Pontiac Trans Am SD 455 in a face-to-face comparison:
Exterior Design:
– Ford Mustang Boss 351: The Boss 351 featured a muscular and aggressive design with a unique front grille, functional ram air hood scoop, bold Boss 351 graphics, and a rear deck lid spoiler. It had a sporty and iconic appearance.
– Pontiac Trans Am SD 455: The Trans Am SD 455 had a bold and aggressive exterior design, with a distinctive front end, shaker hood scoop, rear deck lid spoiler, and special Trans Am and SD 455 decals. It had a powerful and eye-catching presence.
Engine Performance:
– Ford Mustang Boss 351: The Boss 351 was powered by a 5.8-liter (351 cubic inches) Cleveland V8 engine, producing 330 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque. It delivered impressive power and acceleration, making it one of the most powerful Mustangs of its time.
– Pontiac Trans Am SD 455: The Trans Am SD 455 featured a massive 7.5-liter (455 cubic inches) V8 engine, generating around 290 horsepower and 395 lb-ft of torque. It offered substantial power and strong low-end torque, providing exhilarating straight-line performance.
Transmission Options:
– Ford Mustang Boss 351: It came standard with a close-ratio four-speed manual transmission, offering precise and engaging shifts for an immersive driving experience.
– Pontiac Trans Am SD 455: The Trans Am SD 455 was available with either a four-speed manual transmission or a three-speed Turbo-Hydramatic automatic transmission, providing options for different driving preferences.
Handling and Suspension:
– Ford Mustang Boss 351: The Boss 351 featured a heavy-duty suspension system with upgraded springs, shocks, and sway bars. It provided improved handling, stability, and control on the road, allowing for confident driving.
– Pontiac Trans Am SD 455: The Trans Am SD 455 had a performance-tuned suspension system, enhancing its handling capabilities and ensuring a comfortable and controlled ride.
Production Numbers:
– Ford Mustang Boss 351: Approximately 1,800 units of the Boss 351 were produced for the 1971 model year, making it a relatively rare and sought-after collector’s car.
– Pontiac Trans Am SD 455: The Trans Am SD 455 had limited production as well, with only 943 units built for the 1974 model year. Its rarity contributes to its appeal among collectors and enthusiasts.
Both the 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 and the 1974 Pontiac Trans Am SD 455 were iconic and powerful muscle cars of their respective eras. While the Boss 351 offered a more compact and agile driving experience, the Trans Am SD 455 boasted a larger displacement engine for impressive straight-line performance. Ultimately, the choice between them comes down to personal preference for design, brand loyalty, and driving style.
>>> See more: Hemmings – 1971 Mustang Boss 351 vs 1974 Trans Am SD 455
Conclusion: In conclusion, in terms of overall performance, the 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 leaves the 1974 Pontiac Trans Am SD 455 in its dust. The Boss 351 has grown to be an iconic classic American muscle car. With a massive engine under the hood, the Boss 351 beats out its competitor in horsepower, torque, and acceleration. Although the Pontiac Trans Am SD 455 is equipped with one of the largest and most powerful V8 engines ever, it’s not enough to compete with the legendary Mustang.
If you’re looking for a serious road warrior that looks good and can tear up some pavement then you can’t go wrong with either of these beautiful cars. Why not spend some time learning more about both so you can choose your favorite? See which of these legends wins for you by comparing the 1971 Ford Mustang Boss 351 vs 1974 Pontiac Trans Am SD 455 today!
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