USA vs USA — 1968 vs 1971
| Road Runner 426 Hemi | Road Runner 440+6 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 425 hp | 385 hp |
| Torque | 490 lb-ft | 490 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,981 cc | 7,210 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.3 sec | 5.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 150 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.5 sec | 13.8 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,700 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,946 mm | 2,946 mm |
| Length | 5,156 mm | 5,258 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 902 |
| Original MSRP | — | $3,540 |
| Value (Excellent) | $250,000 | $150,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 8/10 |
This matchup is remarkably close. The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi offers more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed, while the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 counters with stronger collectibility, better value. Neither holds a decisive advantage, making this a true enthusiast's dilemma. Your choice ultimately depends on which driving philosophy resonates more with you.
The Plymouth Road Runner lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi with the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 reveals how Plymouth refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. The 1968 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi holds a clear advantage in raw power with 425 hp compared to 385 hp, a 40-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 Road Runner relies on a V8 OHV with 7,210 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1968 Plymouth Road Runner 426 Hemi edges ahead at 5.3 seconds versus 5.7 seconds. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.