1968 'Plymouth Road Runner vs. Pontiac GTO'

[Paul Ceasrine]

The '1968' Battle of the mid-sized body Dealership Musclecars.

Plymouth 383 Road Runner
* Engine............383/335 HP
* Car Weight....#3424 lbs.
* Wt/Hp.............10.22

Released on September 12, 1967

A 'bare-bones' Belvedere, with a some 'novelty emblems' and a Power-Bulge Hood with 'non-functional' air-induction vents.

An improved 'steady-and-durable' 383 now rated at 335 HP, thanks to the addition of the Camshaft and Valve Springs
from the 440 Super Commando, as well as an Oil-Pan Windage Tray.

For good measure, the 'wind-swept design' Exhaust Maniolds from the 440 Super Commando (with 2 1/2" Header-Outlets}
were added, to improve exhaust flow.

Not necessarily designed for the Drag Strip { NHRA E/S or E/SA Class }, but more for the young Street-Racer
ie; ''Budget-Minded Econo-Racer" who could only afford $3000 for a performance car.

[Paul Ceasrine]

1968 Pontiac GTO
Engine...............400/350 HP {Standard}
Car Weight.......#3504 lbs.
Wt/Hp................10.01

Released in September 1967

A 'dressed' up version of the 'Original Musclecar', with a few more bells and whistles, as well as a new design.

Available with the 'Standard' 400/350 HP, generally a good street performer.

Also to be classed in NHRA E/S or E/SA, but this version was more of a 'Gentleman's Musclecar'.

[Paul Ceasrine]

Jack,

When they both were introduced in the early Fall of 1967,

The Road Runner was only available as a 'Pillared-Coupe'.

The GTO was available in both the 'Hardtop' or 'Convertible'.

After January 1968 (mid-year addition) the Road Runner was available
in the Hardtop Model as well.

[Paul Ceasrine]

1968 Plymouth Road Runner

Pillared Coupe with the 383/335 HP 'H-Code'

Base Cost {October 1967}...........$2896

Included;
* 4-Speed Manual
* 8 3/4" Rear-End, with 3.23 Gears {Open Rear}

Options
* Sure-Grip.............................................. .......$39
* Torque-Flite Automatic Transmission.....$196

The 'first' Road Runner 'Print Ad' {September 1967 - Hot Rod Magazine}




1968 Pontiac GTO

Hardtop with the 400/350 HP

Base Cost..........$3101

Included;
* 4-Speed Manual {Wide-Ratio}
* 3.23 Gears {Open-Rear}

Options
* Safe-T-Track Differential.................$42
* Turbo-Hydramatic Automatic.......$236

[Charlie A]

[Paul Ceasrine]

Originally Posted by Paul Ceasrine

1968 Plymouth Road Runner

Pillared Coupe with the 383/335 HP 'H-Code'

Base Cost {October 1967}...........$2896

Standard Equipment Included;
* 4-Speed Manual
* 8 3/4" Rear-End, with 3.23 Gears {Open Rear}

Options
* Sure-Grip Differential..................................$39
* Torque-Flite Automatic Transmission.....$196

The 'first' Road Runner 'Print Ad' {September 1967 - Hot Rod Magazine}




1968 Pontiac GTO

Hardtop with the 'standard' 400/350 HP

Base Cost..........$3101

Standard Equipment Included;
* 4-Speed Manual Muncie M-21 {Wide-Ratio}
* 3.55 Gears {Open-Rear}

Note: 3.36 Gears {Open-Rear} with the Turbo Hydra-Matic

Options
* Safe-T-Track Differential.................$42
* Turbo-Hydramatic Automatic.......$236

Both cars relative in cost............