Whats the difference between the two. Is it just the body style? I noticed that the T/A has these small foglights on the groundFX and the firebird has these black vent like things. Are there any other differences between the two?

TA's were the higher level model so they got the better options(PW,PL,PM, digital dash), bigger base engine, etc. Exterior wise TA's got the gfx and spoiler, different rims and fender vents(except on GTA's and TTA). Because of all this though the TA's were also heavier, I believe the GTA's were the heaviest of the thirdgens.

Matt

gta=great tubby ***

That's not very nice.:nono:

just a joke

I know man

I thought it was Grand Theft Auto. I remember those cars were stolen a lot when they were new.

Most firebird owners will tell you that a firebird and a trans-am are the same thing, but the trans-am and some formula owners know better. I got nothing against firebirds, i love em, but who wouldnt want more options and a better package on their car?

its simple really. some people(myself included) like the firebirds better. Imo ground fx are ugly as hell. I remember whne i was looking to buy a 3rd gen, i passed up buying 3 trans ams because they are not what i wanted. Formula's? I love their hoods, hate the rear spoiler. Its all in what you,personaly , want and are looking for.

My 84 TA was fully optioned however the exterior looks like a base model - no GFX (more like an '82). How do you explain that? Did the dealer order a fully optioned TA but opted for a base look as some sort of credit?

persoanlly i love the look of a trans am gta, but an 89 iroc still is tops in my book

You can get the same options on a Formula as you can on a T/A except for the gfx and digital dash.
My Formula was loaded--except no gfx(T/A's only)and digital dash. Had the 350 tpi and 3.27's--that was all I needed anyway!

The GFX were optional so the car was ordered without them.

Firebird you haven't made a decal of the blue firebird with the 383 above it have you. perfect decal for the sail panel. I would buy two if you made any.

My Formula has everything I want and nothing I don't want.

Has: 5.7, black mesh rims, GTA style spoiler, power windows/locks, performance suspension, 4-wheel disc brakes

Doesn't have" Leather seating, power seats, t-tops]

Ator you are a very lucky person. just about every car guy wants to add or subtract or upgrade something for their toy. not many of us have here have the perfect car. aren't we all jealous

Yes I was lucky to get what I wanted, but as far as upgrading goes, I did upgrade the gears, I will be upgrading to a cold air intake along with a few other things. But mainly I didn't want T-tops, I've seen too many leaky ones and too many idiots who say "whats this" and open em while moving. Also, I hate leather seats in hot weather. I love the rims so I won't be upgrading those. So I guess I lucked out.

Heh, I guess I'm an exception. I know the diff, but a lot of people that don't own any of the above always call my car a Trans Am and I just say that'd be nice if it was, but it's just a Firebird.

I think it was smokey n the bandit that made the Firebird more popular. It was a TA but it was a Firebird Trans Am.

I really don't think the general public has ever disconnected them. When you think hot car you think of the 2nd gen Firebird TA.

It's also my understanding that 90-92 cars with the 5.7 engine didn't have the option for T-Tops either, so if you wanted T-Tops, you'd have to settle for the 5.0.
Sometimes I wish I had a hard top, but I like to be able to look up and see the sky.

I know that feeling VinJo. I have a 1983 Firebird SE and the people I work with are always like "so hows your Trans Am?".
LoL, however I am putting some 4th gen Trans Am badging on it
when I get my 1989 Trans Am ground effects put on this month and get it all painted up. I havent found a set yet, but I would like to put on some 91-92 Z28 rocker pannels as well.

I know how both of you feel. My RS is my daily driver (82 is off the road for now) and people say nice Pontiac (I wish!)