USA vs USA — 1968 vs 1970
| Road Runner 426 Hemi | Duster 340 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 425 hp | 275 hp |
| Torque | 490 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,981 cc | 5,572 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.3 sec | 6.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 150 mph | 121 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.5 sec | 14.4 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,048 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,946 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 5,156 mm | 5,125 mm |
| Original MSRP | — | $2,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $250,000 | $45,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 5/10 |
Two outstanding machines, each with compelling strengths. The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi excels in more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed, while the 1970 Plymouth Duster 340 stands out for stronger collectibility, better value. The best advice? Drive both if you can, then follow your instincts.
The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi and 1970 Plymouth Duster 340 share a manufacturer in Plymouth, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Plymouth brand. The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi holds a clear advantage in raw power with 425 hp compared to 275 hp, a 150-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 Duster relies on a V8 OHV with 5,572 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi edges ahead at 5.3 seconds versus 6.2 seconds. On the collector market, the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi commands a significant premium over the 1970 Plymouth Duster 340, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.