Australia vs Australia — 1968 vs 1971
| Monaro GTS HK GTS 327 | Monaro HQ GTS 350 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 300 hp |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft | 380 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,359 cc | 5,735 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.0 sec | 6.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 137 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.0 sec | 14.9 sec |
| Weight | 3,197 lbs | 3,417 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,819 mm |
| Length | 4,604 mm | 4,877 mm |
| Value (Excellent) | $300,000 | $95,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 7/10 |
Numbers favor the 1971 Holden Monaro HQ GTS 350 with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1968 Holden Monaro GTS HK GTS 327 offers lighter weight, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Holden Monaro GTS. The 1968 and 1971 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1971 Holden Monaro HQ GTS 350 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 300 hp compared to 250 hp, a 50-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Holden Monaro GTS uses a V8 Chevrolet 327 displacing 5,359 cc, while the Holden Monaro relies on a V8 OHV with 5,735 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Holden Monaro HQ GTS 350 edges ahead at 6.8 seconds versus 7.0 seconds. The Holden Monaro GTS carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 220 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.