USA vs USA — 1968 vs 1971
| Road Runner 426 Hemi | Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 425 hp | 385 hp |
| Torque | 490 lb-ft | 490 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,981 cc | 7,210 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.3 sec | 5.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 150 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.5 sec | 13.8 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,946 mm | 2,946 mm |
| Length | 5,156 mm | 5,283 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 246 |
| Original MSRP | — | $3,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $250,000 | $275,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 10/10 |
On balance, the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber counters with stronger collectibility, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi for outright capability, or the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber for a more distinctive ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Plymouth Road Runner. The 1968 and 1971 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi holds a clear advantage in raw power with 425 hp compared to 385 hp, a 40-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Plymouth Road Runner uses a V8 OHV Hemi displacing 6,981 cc, while the Plymouth Road Runner relies on a V8 OHV with 7,210 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi edges ahead at 5.3 seconds versus 5.6 seconds. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.