USA vs USA — 1968 vs 1971
| Road Runner | Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 385 hp |
| Torque | 425 lb-ft | 490 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,981 cc | 7,210 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.4 sec | 5.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 122 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.2 sec | 13.8 sec |
| Weight | 3,500 lbs | 3,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,946 mm | 2,946 mm |
| Length | 5,105 mm | 5,283 mm |
| Units Produced | 84,420 | 246 |
| Original MSRP | $2,896 | $3,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $175,000 | $275,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 10/10 |
The 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner counters with lighter weight, better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The Plymouth Road Runner lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner with the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber reveals how Plymouth refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. The 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber holds a clear advantage in raw power with 385 hp compared to 335 hp, a 50-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Plymouth Road Runner uses a V8 OHV (RB big-block) displacing 6,981 cc, while the Plymouth Road Runner relies on a V8 OHV with 7,210 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber edges ahead at 5.6 seconds versus 6.4 seconds. The Plymouth Road Runner carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 300 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 246 units built, the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber is considerably scarcer than the Plymouth Road Runner's 84,420 examples. On the collector market, the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber commands a significant premium over the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.