USA vs Australia — 1970 vs 1971
| Superbird 426 Hemi | Valiant Charger VH R/T E49 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 425 hp | 302 hp |
| Torque | 490 lb-ft | 305 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,981 cc | 4,343 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.5 sec | 6.1 sec |
| Top Speed | 140 mph | 140 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.5 sec | 14.4 sec |
| Weight | 3,750 lbs | 3,010 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,946 mm | 2,667 mm |
| Length | 5,639 mm | 4,572 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,920 | 149 |
| Original MSRP | $4,298 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $500,000 | $750,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi brings more power, quicker acceleration, better value to the table, and the 1971 Chrysler Australia Valiant Charger VH R/T E49 answers with lighter weight, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between USA and Australia automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi versus 1971 Chrysler Australia Valiant Charger VH R/T E49 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi holds a clear advantage in raw power with 425 hp compared to 302 hp, a 123-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Plymouth Superbird uses a V8 OHV (426 Hemi) displacing 6,981 cc, while the Chrysler Australia Valiant Charger relies on a Inline-6 OHV Hemi (E49 265) with 4,343 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 6.1 seconds. The Chrysler Australia Valiant Charger carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 740 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 149 units built, the 1971 Chrysler Australia Valiant Charger VH R/T E49 is considerably scarcer than the Plymouth Superbird's 1,920 examples.