USA vs USA — 1970 vs 1997
| Duster 340 | Prowler 3.5 V6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 275 hp | 253 hp |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft | 255 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,572 cc | 3,518 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.2 sec | 5.9 sec |
| Top Speed | 121 mph | 119 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.4 sec | 14.1 sec |
| Weight | 3,048 lbs | 2,820 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,872 mm |
| Length | 5,125 mm | 4,238 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 11,702 |
| Original MSRP | $2,547 | $39,300 |
| Value (Excellent) | $45,000 | $60,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1970 Plymouth Duster 340 brings higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1997 Plymouth Prowler 3.5 V6 answers with quicker acceleration, lighter weight. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Plymouth has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1970 Plymouth Duster 340 with the 1997 Plymouth Prowler 3.5 V6 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1970 Plymouth Duster 340 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 275 hp compared to 253 hp, a 22-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Plymouth Duster uses a V8 OHV displacing 5,572 cc, while the Plymouth Prowler relies on a V6 SOHC 24-valve with 3,518 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1997 Plymouth Prowler 3.5 V6 edges ahead at 5.9 seconds versus 6.2 seconds. The Plymouth Prowler carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 228 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.