[milly]

Regarding the various levels of Firebirds.

The base Firebird is just that, the entry level car of the Firebird series. Usually powered by a 6 cylinder with the option for a V8.

The Esprit is the "personal luxery" Firebird. They usually come with the better interior and power equipment. The 6 cylinder is normally standard with the option of a V8.

The Formula is the muscle car Firebird. The Formulas come equiped with the T/A suspension and can be ordered with the Trans Am drivetrain also. The Formula has the twin scoop "ram air" hood, unless it is equiped with the 455 SD (in which case it gets shaker scoop) or the Turbo 301 (with the turbo "power bulge" hood).

The Trans Am is the king of the Firebirds. They come equiped with front and rear wheel spats (spoilers), front air dam, rear deck lid spoiler, shaker scoop (unless it's a turbo car, then it gets the turbo "power bulge" hood). The T/A has the best suspension offered along with the better engines.

A book called "The Standard Catalog of Firebird 1967-2002" has a lot of info on these cars and is a good resource when getting into a Firebird.