USA vs USA — 1970 vs 1969
| Hornet SC/360 | Rebel Machine 390 V8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 340 hp |
| Torque | 345 lb-ft | 430 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,899 cc | 6,391 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.7 sec | 6.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 121 mph | 121 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.8 sec | 14.4 sec |
| Weight | 3,200 lbs | 3,500 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,946 mm |
| Length | 4,699 mm | 5,067 mm |
| Units Produced | 784 | 2,326 |
| Original MSRP | $2,839 | $3,475 |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | $110,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1970 AMC Hornet SC/360 brings lighter weight, greater rarity, better value to the table, and the 1969 AMC Rebel Machine 390 V8 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
AMC has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1970 AMC Hornet SC/360 with the 1969 AMC Rebel Machine 390 V8 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1969 AMC Rebel Machine 390 V8 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 340 hp compared to 285 hp, a 55-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the AMC Hornet uses a V8 OHV displacing 5,899 cc, while the AMC Rebel Machine relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 6,391 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1969 AMC Rebel Machine 390 V8 edges ahead at 6.4 seconds versus 6.7 seconds. The AMC Hornet carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 300 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.