How much horsepower does a 1979 Grand Prix have?
In general, a 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix produced roughly 140–180 horsepower depending on engine choice and options.
Across the 1979 lineup, power varied by engine and emission controls; the most common powerplant was Pontiac's 301 cubic inch V8, with two- and four-barrel variants delivering different outputs. This article breaks down the typical figures by engine option and explains how ratings were measured at the time.
Engine options and horsepower for the 1979 Grand Prix
The following figures reflect the primary factory configurations offered for the Grand Prix in 1979, using SAE net horsepower ratings common to late 1970s GM literature.
- 301 cu in (4.9 L) V8 with a two-barrel carburetor: roughly 140–160 horsepower
- 301 cu in (4.9 L) V8 with a four-barrel carburetor: roughly 170–180 horsepower
These numbers illustrate the typical range you’d see depending on whether the car was equipped with the base engine and 2-barrel or the more performance-oriented 4-barrel setup, as well as the era's emissions equipment.
Context on horsepower measurements
In 1979, GM used SAE net horsepower ratings, which are lower than the earlier gross numbers. Real-world acceleration and performance also depend on transmission, rear-end gearing, exhaust, and vehicle weight, so the on-road feel may differ from the sticker numbers.
Summary
The 1979 Pontiac Grand Prix offered a modest horsepower range, typically 140–180 hp depending on engine configuration and equipment. For most buyers, the difference came down to whether the car used a two- or four-barrel V8, with the 4-barrel option delivering the higher end of the range. Emissions controls and the SAE rating method of the era also shaped the published figures, so real-world performance could vary somewhat from the numbers on the brochure.
