USA vs USA — 1959 vs 1951
| El Camino SS 396 | Belvedere 426 Max Wedge | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 375 hp | 425 hp |
| Torque | 415 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,489 cc | 6,981 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.6 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 122 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.9 sec | 13.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,500 lbs | 3,300 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm | 2,946 mm |
| Length | 5,042 mm | 5,067 mm |
| Original MSRP | $2,818 | $3,500 |
| Value (Excellent) | $80,000 | $250,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 9/10 |
The 1951 Plymouth Belvedere 426 Max Wedge emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1959 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396 counters with better value, 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.
The 1959 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396 and 1951 Plymouth Belvedere 426 Max Wedge stand as two of the most notable Muscle Car cars from Post-war. Both emerged during a period of intense competition, and choosing between them remains a passionate debate among collectors. The 1951 Plymouth Belvedere 426 Max Wedge holds a clear advantage in raw power with 425 hp compared to 375 hp, a 50-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Chevrolet El Camino uses a V8 OHV (big-block) displacing 6,489 cc, while the Plymouth Belvedere relies on a V8 OHV with 6,981 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1951 Plymouth Belvedere 426 Max Wedge edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 6.6 seconds. On the collector market, the 1951 Plymouth Belvedere 426 Max Wedge commands a significant premium over the 1959 Chevrolet El Camino SS 396, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1951 Plymouth Belvedere 426 Max Wedge rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.