Pontiac 326 Vs Chevy 327 Differences & Similarities

The Pontiac 326 and Chevy 327 are two reliable engines manufactured by the General Motors Company. For instance, the Pontiac can deliver up to 285 hp of power, while the Chevy up to 385 hp. But besides their power differences, how else does the Pontiac 326 vs Chevy 327 differ?

You will be surprised to learn that these two engines from GMC also differ in torque range and bore size. While both engines are no longer being manufactured, their production years are also different, as well as stroke sizes. In addition, the engines differ in compression ratio and weight.

Now you might wonder, does the Pontiac 326 have some features similar to the Chevy 327? No need to keep guessing. Instead, read on to find out this and more.

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Pontiac 326 Engine Vs Chevy 327 Comparison Table

Before we discuss the differences between these engines by GM in detail, let’s quickly check them out in the table below.

Features and Specs	Pontiac 326	Chevy 327
Power range	250 hp – 285 hp	225 hp – 385 hp
Torque range	260 – 359 lb.-ft	344 – 395 lb.-ft
Bore size	3.718 inches	4.0 inches
Stroke size	3.75 inches	3.25 inches
Production years	1963 – 1967	1962 – 1969
Compression ratio	8:6 – 10:5	8:5 – 11:0
Weight	550 – 650 lbs.	530 lbs.

The Pontiac 326 is a powerful engine by the Pontiac Division of General Motors built from 1963 to 1967. You can find this engine in the Pontiac Tempest and Lemans models. This engine was manufactured after Pontiac dropped the 215 cubic inch aluminum V8 in 1963.

On the other hand, the Chevy 327 is a small-block engine manufactured by General Motors Company. This engine was first produced in 1962 and replaced in 1969 by the Chevy 350. In fact, it is found in about every Chevy built between 1962 and 1969, including the Corvette, Impala, Malibu, Chevy II, and Chevelle.

What Are The Differences Between Pontiac 326 And Chevy 327?

Although the Pontiac 326 and Chevy 327 are built by the GM company, they differ in several ways. Read on to find out their differences.

Production years

The Pontiac 326 was adopted between 1963 and 1967. This means it was produced for only 5 years. On the other hand, the Chevy 327 was utilized between 1962 and 1969, which is 8 years. Therefore, the Chevy 327 engine was produced longer than the Pontiac 326, perhaps because of its reliability.

Horsepower

The first Pontiac 326 engines were rated at 250 hp and 260 hp. However, GM also produced this engine with a horsepower of 280 for the 1963-1964 vehicle models. And between 1965 and 1967, you could find the block with 285 horsepower.

With the Chevy 327, the horsepower ranged from 225 to 385 based on the choice of the intake manifold, carburetor, and cylinder heads. For example, the first Chevy 327 with a 4-barrel could produce 340 hp.

In 1964, the horsepower surged to 366 hp, 375 hp, and 385 hp until the production stopped in 1969.

Torque

At 2800 RPM, the maximum torque for the Pontiac 326 with 260 hp is 352 lb.-ft. However, for a Pontiac engine with 250 hp, the maximum torque is 333 lb.-ft at 2800 RPM.

Likewise, a Pontiac 326 with 280 horsepower is rated 355 lb.-ft at 3200 RPM. Meanwhile, an engine with 285 horsepower boasts 359 lb.-ft of torque at 3200 RPM.

On the other hand, the Chevy 327 full-load torque ranges between 344 and 395 lb.-ft. For example, engines produced in 1962 had 344 lb.-ft of torque, while those built after 1964 featured up to 395 lb.-ft of torque.

Bore and stroke size

The Pontiac 326 has an inner diameter or bore size of 3.718 inches, while the stroke is 3.75 inches. On the other hand, the Chevy 327 boasts a 4-inch bore bigger than the Pontiac 326 engine. Its stroke, or the distance the piston travels within the cylinder, measures 3.25 inches.

Overall, you will find the Chevy 327 more powerful because of its bigger bore and shorter stroke. The reason being the vast bore creates more space, enabling bigger valve openings. However, the Pontiac is more fuel efficient thanks to its long stroke.

Weight

The Pontiac 326 engine boasts dry weight ranging between 550 and 650 lbs. Meanwhile, the Chevy 327 is approximately 530 lbs. heavy. This makes the Pontiac engine slightly heavier to carry around than its Chevy counterpart.

Compression ratio

The compression ratio is the proportion between the cylinder’s volume and the engine’s combustion chamber. A higher compression ratio translates to higher combustion efficiency and more power.

Now, the Pontiac 326 compression ratio ranges from 8:6 to 10:5. On the other hand, the Chevy 327 boasts a compression ratio between 8:5 and 11:0. So, the Chevy engine boasts better combustion efficiency than the Pontiac, ensuring more power.

What About The Similarities Of The Pontiac 326 And Chevy 327?

While the Pontiac 326 engine and Chevy 327 have differences, they also share similarities. For instance, both engines are offered with a 2- and 4-barrel carburetor.

Another similarity is that the two engines are no longer in production. The Pontiac 326 was discontinued in 1967, and the Chevy 327 in mid-1969. In addition, both engines feature an eight-cylinder piston, ensuring high horsepower and torque.

As if that’s not enough, the Pontiac 326 and Chevy 327 are made of similar materials. The head is constructed from cast iron, and the block is from aluminum and cast iron.

Which Is Better, The Pontiac 326 Or Chevy 327 Engine?

Although the Pontiac 326 was and still is a solid and reliable engine, the Chevy 327 engine is the overall best. The Pontiac 326 cannot beat the Chevy 327 in power and towing capacity.

This is because the Chevy has a larger bore with a shorter stroke than the Pontiac, allowing the engine to rev higher. Consequently, this usually creates more horsepower and RPM.

Conclusion

Choosing between the Pontiac 326 vs Chevy 327 should be easy if you know their differences. This is because these engines are similar in many ways, but they are different. But overall, the Chevy 327 wins because of its excellent horsepower and torque.

You Can Also Read:

Pontiac 326 Vs Chevy 327 Differences & Similarities

Pontiac 326 Engine Vs Chevy 327 Comparison Table