USA vs USA — 1965 vs 1970
| Skylark GS Stage 1 400 | Superbird 426 Hemi | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 345 hp | 425 hp |
| Torque | 440 lb-ft | 490 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,555 cc | 6,981 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.0 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 140 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.9 sec | 13.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,500 lbs | 3,750 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm | 2,946 mm |
| Length | 5,067 mm | 5,639 mm |
| Units Produced | 10,743 | 1,920 |
| Original MSRP | $3,167 | $4,298 |
| Value (Excellent) | $95,000 | $500,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
The 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1965 Buick Skylark GS Stage 1 400 counters with lighter weight, 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 1965 Buick Skylark GS Stage 1 400 and 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi stand as two of the most notable Muscle Car cars from Muscle era. Both emerged during a period of intense competition, and choosing between them remains a passionate debate among collectors. The 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi holds a clear advantage in raw power with 425 hp compared to 345 hp, a 80-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Buick Skylark GS uses a V8 OHV (Buick 400 Stage 1) displacing 6,555 cc, while the Plymouth Superbird relies on a V8 OHV (426 Hemi) with 6,981 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 6.0 seconds. The Buick Skylark GS carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 250 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,920 units built, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi is considerably scarcer than the Buick Skylark GS's 10,743 examples. On the collector market, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi commands a significant premium over the 1965 Buick Skylark GS Stage 1 400, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1970 Plymouth Superbird 426 Hemi rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.