USA vs USA — 1970 vs 1951
| Barracuda Hemi 'Cuda | Belvedere 426 Max Wedge | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 425 hp | 425 hp |
| Torque | 490 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,981 cc | 6,981 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.0 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 137 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.1 sec | 13.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,600 lbs | 3,300 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,946 mm |
| Length | 4,699 mm | 5,067 mm |
| Units Produced | 652 | — |
| Original MSRP | $4,390 | $3,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $4,000,000 | $250,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Hemi 'Cuda brings quicker acceleration, higher top speed, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1951 Plymouth Belvedere 426 Max Wedge answers with lighter weight, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Plymouth has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Hemi 'Cuda with the 1951 Plymouth Belvedere 426 Max Wedge highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Hemi 'Cuda producing 425 hp and the 1951 Plymouth Belvedere 426 Max Wedge delivering 425 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Plymouth Barracuda uses a V8 OHV (Hemi) displacing 6,981 cc, while the Plymouth Belvedere relies on a V8 OHV with 6,981 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Hemi 'Cuda edges ahead at 5.0 seconds versus 5.5 seconds. The Plymouth Belvedere carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 300 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Hemi 'Cuda commands a significant premium over the 1951 Plymouth Belvedere 426 Max Wedge, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.