USA vs USA — 1970 vs 1968
| AAR 'Cuda 340 Six Pack | Mustang GT/CS (California Special) | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 230 hp |
| Torque | 340 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,572 cc | 4,949 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.8 sec | 8.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.0 sec | 16.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,400 lbs | 3,000 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 4,871 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,724 | 4,118 |
| Original MSRP | $3,563 | $3,100 |
| Value (Excellent) | $180,000 | $95,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 8/10 |
On balance, the 1970 Plymouth AAR 'Cuda 340 Six Pack makes a stronger case on paper with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. However, the 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS (California Special) counters with lighter weight, better value, and its appeal extends beyond mere numbers. Choose the 1970 Plymouth AAR 'Cuda 340 Six Pack for outright capability, or the 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS (California Special) for a more distinctive ownership experience.
In the world of Pony Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1970 Plymouth AAR 'Cuda 340 Six Pack versus the 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS (California Special). Both hail from Muscle era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1970 Plymouth AAR 'Cuda 340 Six Pack holds a clear advantage in raw power with 290 hp compared to 230 hp, a 60-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Plymouth AAR 'Cuda uses a V8 OHV (340 Six Pack) displacing 5,572 cc, while the Ford Mustang relies on a V8 OHV with 4,949 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Plymouth AAR 'Cuda 340 Six Pack edges ahead at 5.8 seconds versus 8.5 seconds. The Ford Mustang carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 400 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.