USA vs USA — 1968 vs 1971
| Road Runner | Road Runner 440+6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 385 hp |
| Torque | 425 lb-ft | 490 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,981 cc | 7,210 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.4 sec | 5.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 122 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.2 sec | 13.8 sec |
| Weight | 3,500 lbs | 3,700 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,946 mm | 2,946 mm |
| Length | 5,105 mm | 5,258 mm |
| Units Produced | 84,420 | 902 |
| Original MSRP | $2,896 | $3,540 |
| Value (Excellent) | $175,000 | $150,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 8/10 |
The 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner counters with lighter weight, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Tracing the evolution of the Plymouth Road Runner from 1968 to 1971 offers a compelling look at how automotive design and engineering progressed. These two variants showcase the changing face of Plymouth. The 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 385 hp compared to 335 hp, a 50-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 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 edges ahead at 5.7 seconds versus 6.4 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 902 units built, the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 is considerably scarcer than the Plymouth Road Runner's 84,420 examples.