USA vs USA — 1970 vs 1951
| Superbird 440 Super Commando | Belvedere 426 Max Wedge | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 375 hp | 425 hp |
| Torque | 480 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,210 cc | 6,981 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.5 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 150 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.5 sec | 13.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,800 lbs | 3,300 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,997 mm | 2,946 mm |
| Length | 5,690 mm | 5,067 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,920 | — |
| Original MSRP | $4,298 | $3,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $500,000 | $250,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 9/10 |
Numbers favor the 1951 Plymouth Belvedere 426 Max Wedge with more power, quicker acceleration, lighter weight. The 1970 Plymouth Superbird 440 Super Commando offers higher top speed, stronger collectibility, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Plymouth has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1970 Plymouth Superbird 440 Super Commando with the 1951 Plymouth Belvedere 426 Max Wedge highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1951 Plymouth Belvedere 426 Max Wedge holds a clear advantage in raw power with 425 hp compared to 375 hp, a 50-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Plymouth Superbird uses a V8 OHV (Chrysler RB 440) displacing 7,210 cc, while the Plymouth Belvedere relies on a V8 OHV with 6,981 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1951 Plymouth Belvedere 426 Max Wedge edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 5.5 seconds. The Plymouth Belvedere carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 500 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.