USA vs Australia — 1971 vs 1971
| Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber | Valiant Charger VH R/T E49 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 385 hp | 302 hp |
| Torque | 490 lb-ft | 305 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,210 cc | 4,343 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 sec | 6.1 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 140 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.8 sec | 14.4 sec |
| Weight | 3,800 lbs | 3,010 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,946 mm | 2,667 mm |
| Length | 5,283 mm | 4,572 mm |
| Units Produced | 246 | 149 |
| Original MSRP | $3,547 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $275,000 | $750,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber brings more power, quicker acceleration, better value to the table, and the 1971 Chrysler Australia Valiant Charger VH R/T E49 answers with higher top speed, lighter weight. 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 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber 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 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber holds a clear advantage in raw power with 385 hp compared to 302 hp, a 83-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Plymouth Road Runner uses a V8 OHV displacing 7,210 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 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber edges ahead at 5.6 seconds versus 6.1 seconds. The Chrysler Australia Valiant Charger carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 790 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.