USA vs USA — 1965 vs 1970
| 442 Hurst/Olds W-30 | Superbird 426 Hemi | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 370 hp | 425 hp |
| Torque | 500 lb-ft | 490 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,456 cc | 6,981 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.7 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 140 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.7 sec | 13.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,600 lbs | 3,750 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm | 2,946 mm |
| Length | 5,156 mm | 5,639 mm |
| Units Produced | 4,576 | 1,920 |
| Original MSRP | $3,312 | $4,298 |
| Value (Excellent) | $180,000 | $500,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
The 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1965 Oldsmobile 442 Hurst/Olds W-30 counters with 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 1965 Oldsmobile 442 Hurst/Olds W-30 and 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi stand as two of the most notable Muscle Car cars from Muscle era. Both emerged during a period of intense competition, and choosing between them remains a passionate debate among collectors. The 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi holds a clear advantage in raw power with 425 hp compared to 370 hp, a 55-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Oldsmobile 442 uses a V8 OHV (Oldsmobile 455 W-30) displacing 7,456 cc, while the Plymouth Superbird relies on a V8 OHV (426 Hemi) with 6,981 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 5.7 seconds. On the collector market, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi commands a significant premium over the 1965 Oldsmobile 442 Hurst/Olds W-30, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.