USA vs USA — 1969 vs 1970
| Barracuda 'Cuda 440 Six Pack | Duster 340 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 390 hp | 275 hp |
| Torque | 480 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,210 cc | 5,572 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 sec | 6.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 135 mph | 121 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.5 sec | 14.4 sec |
| Weight | — | 3,048 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 4,800 mm | 5,125 mm |
| Original MSRP | — | $2,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $150,000 | $45,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 6/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1969 Plymouth Barracuda 'Cuda 440 Six Pack brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1970 Plymouth Duster 340 answers with stronger collectibility, 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 1969 Plymouth Barracuda 'Cuda 440 Six Pack with the 1970 Plymouth Duster 340 highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. The 1969 Plymouth Barracuda 'Cuda 440 Six Pack holds a clear advantage in raw power with 390 hp compared to 275 hp, a 115-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Plymouth Barracuda uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 7,210 cc, while the Plymouth Duster relies on a V8 OHV with 5,572 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1969 Plymouth Barracuda 'Cuda 440 Six Pack edges ahead at 5.6 seconds versus 6.2 seconds. On the collector market, the 1969 Plymouth Barracuda 'Cuda 440 Six Pack commands a significant premium over the 1970 Plymouth Duster 340, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.