USA vs USA — 1971 vs 1970
| Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber | Road Runner Superbird | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 385 hp | 375 hp |
| Torque | 490 lb-ft | 490 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,210 cc | 7,210 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 146 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.8 sec | 13.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,800 lbs | 3,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,946 mm | 2,972 mm |
| Length | 5,283 mm | 5,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 246 | 1,935 |
| Original MSRP | $3,547 | $4,298 |
| Value (Excellent) | $275,000 | $350,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
Two outstanding machines, each with compelling strengths. The 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber excels in greater rarity, while the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird stands out for quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The best advice? Drive both if you can, then follow your instincts.
Tracing the evolution of the Plymouth Road Runner from 1971 to 1970 offers a compelling look at how automotive design and engineering progressed. These two variants showcase the changing face of Plymouth. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber producing 385 hp and the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird delivering 375 hp. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 5.6 seconds. 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 1,935 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.