USA vs USA — 1979 vs 1965
| Eagle SX/4 Liftback | Marlin 327 V8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 110 hp | 270 hp |
| Torque | 205 lb-ft | 345 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,228 cc | 5,359 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 13.5 sec | 8.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 100 mph | 120 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 19.2 sec | 16.0 sec |
| Weight | 3,250 lbs | 3,300 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,578 mm | 2,845 mm |
| Length | 4,547 mm | 4,953 mm |
| Units Produced | 197,060 | 17,419 |
| Original MSRP | $7,995 | $3,100 |
| Value (Excellent) | $18,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 6/10 |
Numbers favor the 1965 AMC Marlin 327 V8 with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1979 AMC Eagle SX/4 Liftback offers stronger collectibility, better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
AMC has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1979 AMC Eagle SX/4 Liftback with the 1965 AMC Marlin 327 V8 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1965 AMC Marlin 327 V8 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 270 hp compared to 110 hp, a 160-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the AMC Eagle uses a Inline-6 OHV displacing 4,228 cc, while the AMC Marlin relies on a V8 OHV with 5,359 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1965 AMC Marlin 327 V8 edges ahead at 8.5 seconds versus 13.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 17,419 units built, the 1965 AMC Marlin 327 V8 is considerably scarcer than the AMC Eagle's 197,060 examples. On the collector market, the 1965 AMC Marlin 327 V8 commands a significant premium over the 1979 AMC Eagle SX/4 Liftback, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.