AMC Javelin

vs

Plymouth AAR 'Cuda

USA vs USA — 1968 vs 1970

AMC Javelin (1968)
Plymouth AAR 'Cuda (1970)
Specifications
Javelin SST 390AAR 'Cuda 340 Six Pack
Horsepower315 hp290 hp
Torque425 lb-ft340 lb-ft
Engine Size6,391 cc5,572 cc
0-60 mph6.8 sec5.8 sec
Top Speed125 mph125 mph
¼ Mile14.8 sec14.0 sec
Weight3,200 lbs3,400 lbs
Wheelbase2,794 mm2,743 mm
Length4,877 mm4,871 mm
Units Produced56,4622,724
Original MSRP$2,740$3,563
Value (Excellent)$45,000$180,000
Collectibility7/109/10
Rarity6/109/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1968 AMC Javelin SST 390 brings lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 1970 Plymouth AAR 'Cuda 340 Six Pack answers with quicker acceleration, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

In the world of Pony Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1968 AMC Javelin SST 390 versus the 1970 Plymouth AAR 'Cuda 340 Six Pack. Both hail from Muscle era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1968 AMC Javelin SST 390 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 315 hp compared to 290 hp, a 25-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the AMC Javelin uses a V8 OHV (AMC 390) displacing 6,391 cc, while the Plymouth AAR 'Cuda relies on a V8 OHV (340 Six Pack) with 5,572 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Plymouth AAR 'Cuda 340 Six Pack edges ahead at 5.8 seconds versus 6.8 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 2,724 units built, the 1970 Plymouth AAR 'Cuda 340 Six Pack is considerably scarcer than the AMC Javelin's 56,462 examples. On the collector market, the 1970 Plymouth AAR 'Cuda 340 Six Pack commands a significant premium over the 1968 AMC Javelin SST 390, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1970 Plymouth AAR 'Cuda 340 Six Pack rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.