USA vs USA — 1965 vs 1971
| Skylark GS Stage 1 400 | Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 345 hp | 385 hp |
| Torque | 440 lb-ft | 490 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,555 cc | 7,210 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.0 sec | 5.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.9 sec | 13.8 sec |
| Weight | 3,500 lbs | 3,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm | 2,946 mm |
| Length | 5,067 mm | 5,283 mm |
| Units Produced | 10,743 | 246 |
| Original MSRP | $3,167 | $3,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $95,000 | $275,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 10/10 |
The 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber 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.
Among Muscle Car enthusiasts, the matchup between the 1965 Buick Skylark GS Stage 1 400 and 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber is one for the ages. These Muscle era machines competed directly for buyers' attention and continue to vie for collectors' affections today. The 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber holds a clear advantage in raw power with 385 hp compared to 345 hp, a 40-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 Road Runner relies on a V8 OHV with 7,210 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber edges ahead at 5.6 seconds versus 6.0 seconds. The Buick Skylark GS carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 300 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 246 units built, the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber is considerably scarcer than the Buick Skylark GS's 10,743 examples. On the collector market, the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber commands a significant premium over the 1965 Buick Skylark GS Stage 1 400, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1971 Plymouth Road Runner 440+6 Air Grabber rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.