Plymouth Road Runner

vs

Plymouth Laser RS Turbo

USA vs USA — 1971 vs 1990

Plymouth Road Runner (1971)
Plymouth Laser RS Turbo (1990)
Specifications
Road Runner 440+6 Air GrabberLaser RS Turbo 2.0 Turbo AWD
Horsepower385 hp190 hp
Torque490 lb-ft220 lb-ft
Engine Size7,210 cc1,997 cc
0-60 mph5.6 sec6.5 sec
Top Speed130 mph140 mph
¼ Mile13.8 sec14.9 sec
Weight3,800 lbs3,100 lbs
Wheelbase2,946 mm2,510 mm
Length5,283 mm4,460 mm
Units Produced246
Original MSRP$3,547$18,636
Value (Excellent)$275,000$18,000
Collectibility10/105/10
Rarity10/106/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber brings more power, quicker acceleration, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1990 Plymouth Laser RS Turbo 2.0 Turbo AWD answers with higher top speed, lighter weight, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

Plymouth has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber with the 1990 Plymouth Laser RS Turbo 2.0 Turbo AWD highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber holds a clear advantage in raw power with 385 hp compared to 190 hp, a 195-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Plymouth Road Runner uses a V8 OHV displacing 7,210 cc, while the Plymouth Laser RS Turbo relies on a Inline-4 DOHC Turbocharged with 1,997 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber edges ahead at 5.6 seconds versus 6.5 seconds. The Plymouth Laser RS Turbo carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 700 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber commands a significant premium over the 1990 Plymouth Laser RS Turbo 2.0 Turbo AWD, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.