USA vs USA — 1968 vs 1970
| Road Runner | Road Runner Superbird | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 375 hp |
| Torque | 425 lb-ft | 490 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,981 cc | 7,210 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.4 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 122 mph | 146 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.2 sec | 13.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,500 lbs | 3,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,946 mm | 2,972 mm |
| Length | 5,105 mm | 5,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 84,420 | 1,935 |
| Original MSRP | $2,896 | $4,298 |
| Value (Excellent) | $175,000 | $350,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 10/10 |
Numbers favor the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner offers lighter weight, better value, 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 Plymouth Road Runner. The 1968 and 1970 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird holds a clear advantage in raw power with 375 hp compared to 335 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 (RB big-block) 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 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 6.4 seconds. The Plymouth Road Runner carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 300 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,935 units built, the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird is considerably scarcer than the Plymouth Road Runner's 84,420 examples. On the collector market, the 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird commands a significant premium over the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.