Plymouth Superbird

vs

Shelby GT500 Super Snake

USA vs USA — 1970 vs 1967

Plymouth Superbird (1970)
Shelby GT500 Super Snake (1967)
Specifications
Superbird 440 Super CommandoGT500 Super Snake 427 Twin-Supercharged
Horsepower375 hp800 hp
Torque480 lb-ft
Engine Size7,210 cc6,997 cc
0-60 mph5.5 sec4.5 sec
Top Speed150 mph170 mph
¼ Mile13.5 sec11.6 sec
Weight3,800 lbs3,300 lbs
Wheelbase2,997 mm2,743 mm
Length5,690 mm4,613 mm
Units Produced1,9201
Original MSRP$4,298
Value (Excellent)$500,000$4,000,000
Collectibility10/1010/10
Rarity9/1010/10
The Verdict

Numbers favor the 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake 427 Twin-Supercharged with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1970 Plymouth Superbird 440 Super Commando offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.

Overview

In the world of Muscle Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1970 Plymouth Superbird 440 Super Commando versus the 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake 427 Twin-Supercharged. Both hail from Muscle era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake 427 Twin-Supercharged holds a clear advantage in raw power with 800 hp compared to 375 hp, a 425-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Plymouth Superbird uses a V8 OHV (Chrysler RB 440) displacing 7,210 cc, while the Shelby GT500 Super Snake relies on a V8 OHV Twin-Supercharged with 6,997 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake 427 Twin-Supercharged edges ahead at 4.5 seconds versus 5.5 seconds. The Shelby GT500 Super Snake carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 500 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1 units built, the 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake 427 Twin-Supercharged is considerably scarcer than the Plymouth Superbird's 1,920 examples. On the collector market, the 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake 427 Twin-Supercharged commands a significant premium over the 1970 Plymouth Superbird 440 Super Commando, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.