Pontiac Tempest
Pontiac Tempest — 1961–1963, 4-door station wagon4-door sedan2-door coupe2-door convertible, 195 cu in (3.2 L) I4 215 cu in (3.5 L) Buick V8 326 cu in (5.3 L) V8. Explore engine specifications, fuel economy, dimensions, tire sizes, seating, maintenance and tire-pressure guidance.

About the Pontiac Tempest
Pontiac Tempest is a 4-door station wagon4-door sedan2-door coupe2-door convertible in the compact class, with source data covering 1961–1963. The available vehicle data lists 195 cu in (3.2 L) I4 215 cu in (3.5 L) Buick V8 326 cu in (5.3 L) V8 as an engine configuration, paired with 2-speed automatic3-speed manual4-speed manual and a FR layout layout. Public source material describes the model in the context of its design, market positioning and vehicle history.
This Pontiac Tempest guide focuses on the details drivers commonly want to know, including engine information for 195 cu in (3.2 L) I4 215 cu in (3.5 L) Buick V8 326 cu in (5.3 L) V8 and 2-speed automatic3-speed manual4-speed manual transmission information. Exact specifications should be matched to the relevant model year and market.
Pontiac Tempest specifications at a glance
Use this table for the model-level essentials. Exact figures may vary by year, trim, engine and market.
| Make | Pontiac |
|---|---|
| Model | Tempest |
| Model years | 1961–1963 |
| Body style | 4-door station wagon4-door sedan2-door coupe2-door convertible |
| Vehicle class | Compact |
| Manufacturer | Pontiac (General Motors) |
| Production | 1960–19701987–1991 |
| Market / country | FI, GB, NL, NZ |
Engine, transmission and performance
Engine information for the Pontiac Tempest includes 195 cu in (3.2 L) I4 215 cu in (3.5 L) Buick V8 326 cu in (5.3 L) V8.. Transmission information includes 2-speed automatic3-speed manual4-speed manual.. The listed drivetrain/layout is FR layout.
| Engine | 195 cu in (3.2 L) I4 215 cu in (3.5 L) Buick V8 326 cu in (5.3 L) V8 |
|---|---|
| Transmission | 2-speed automatic3-speed manual4-speed manual |
| Drivetrain / layout | FR layout |
Dimensions, weight and practicality
Dimensions and capacity figures are presented as published source data when available.
| Wheelbase | 112 in (2,845 mm) |
|---|---|
| Length | 189.3 in (4,808 mm) |
| Width | 72.2 in (1,834 mm) |
| Height | 53.5 in (1,359 mm) (sedan) 54.3 in (1,379 mm) (station wagon) |
| Kerb / curb weight | 2810 – |
Pontiac Tempest other specifications
| Name | Pontiac Tempest |
|---|---|
| Image | 1967 Pontiac Tempest (17481430724).jpg |
| Caption | 1967 Pontiac Tempest |
Pontiac Tempest generations and model years
Where a source covers multiple generations, CarCareTool selects the generation(s) that best match this catalog model instead of mixing unrelated variants.
| Generation / scope | Years | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pontiac Tempest | 1960–19701987–1991 | Not specified | Not specified | Not specified |
| First generation | 1961–1963 | 195 cu in (3.2 L) I4 215 cu in (3.5 L) Buick V8 326 cu in (5.3 L) V8 | 2-speed automatic3-speed manual4-speed manual | FR layout |
| Second generation | 1964–1967 | 215 cu in (3.5 L) I6230 cu in (3.8 L) OHC I6326 cu in (5.3 L) V8389 cu in (6.4 L) V8 | 2-speed automatic3-speed automatic3-speed manual4-speed manual | FR layout |
| Third generation | 1968-1970 | 250 cid OHC I6250 cid Chevrolet I6350 cid Pontiac V8400 cid Pontiac V8 | 2-speed automatic3-speed automatic3-speed manual4-speed manual | FR layout |
Pontiac Tempest features and equipment
Features shown below are tied to the available source material for this model. Equipment can vary by year, trim and market.
Standard or documented features
Recommended tire pressure for Pontiac Tempest
Check the vehicle placard or owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s cold inflation pressure. CarCareTool estimates are clearly labelled when an exact verified value is unavailable.
| Load condition | Front | Rear | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal | 34 PSI | 32 PSI | Estimate |
| Fully loaded | 36 PSI | 35 PSI | Estimate |
Frequently asked questions about Pontiac Tempest
These FAQs are generated automatically for this specific vehicle from the specifications, features and ownership data available in CarCareTool. Questions are selected by relevance so the page focuses on details that can actually be answered for this model.
What engine does the Pontiac Tempest have?
What tire pressure should I use for the Pontiac Tempest?
What is the best engine oil for the Pontiac Tempest?
What body style is the Pontiac Tempest?
What years was the Pontiac Tempest produced?
What are the dimensions of the Pontiac Tempest?
What transmission does the Pontiac Tempest have?
Is the Pontiac Tempest FWD, RWD or AWD?
Who makes the Pontiac Tempest?
When was the Pontiac Tempest produced?
How much does the Pontiac Tempest weigh?
Where was the Pontiac Tempest built?
What class of car is the Pontiac Tempest?
What platform does the Pontiac Tempest use?
Which markets or countries sold the Pontiac Tempest?
What came after the Pontiac Tempest?
What cars are related to the Pontiac Tempest?
How often should I check the tire pressure on the Pontiac Tempest?
Should I use the tire sidewall pressure for the Pontiac Tempest?
Does the recommended tire pressure change when the Pontiac Tempest is fully loaded?
Data sources and verification are available in the page editor; exact specifications can vary by year, market, trim and engine.
Pontiac Tempest images
Vehicle images are shown from the stored source image records when available.

