Thoughts. Plymouth Barrucuda/Cuda v Dodge Challenger

[victorypark]

Have been doing some research of late and considering going down the Dodge, Plymouth path.

Have been paying close attention to the Challenger, Barracuda and Cuda.....don't even mind the Dodge Charger (around a 1970 or so).

$$$ wise they get up a fair whack in price but like most muscle cars, anything with authenticity, matching ###, uniqueness etc will pumo the price right up so I'm none too fussed about the rareness factor.

Like to hear the thoughts from those more in the know with these makes and models and if someone could point me in the right direction re: forums/websites for these, both locally and o/s.


Many thanks all.

[Chryco Psycho]

 The E body is unique , biggest engines in the smallest body Ford & GM limited engine sizes in these mid size cars Mopar did not , the Ebody was very advanced with far better suspension over the competition as well for its day , the 71 B body used a lot of similar features & parts as the Ebody cars . Not a lot to choose between the Cuda & Chall , the Cuda is 2" shorter in wheelbase but otherwise virtually identical chassis so it really comes down to preferred styling
I do have a 71 Charger with good bang for the $$ if interested , Petty / nascar  body style .

[HP_Cuda]

Beware Mopar is not the cheapest classic musclecar you can restore.

Not in a long shot....

[Charles]

Well if you're looking at the Cudas/Challengers, you're definitely in the right place. I absolutely love the 70/71 Cudas and Challengers, they're some of the best looking cars ever produced. They're really small like Chryco said and the performance is definitely there. However, because of the seat position and everything, I'm like 6'5, and I fit real well in these cars in terms of leg room for driving. 

Some of the cars can be quite expensive, especially numbers matching high performance Mopars (even project cars can be expensive if you get into 440+6/Hemi or AAR/TA cars). If you want to get one, I would recommend just looking around for awhile and learning as much as you can before going all-in on something.

[victorypark]

Thanks for all the feedback and advice forum members. Like most things in life I research my subject matter thoroughly.  I made a grave mistake in 2009 when I imported a sight unseen "S" code Mustang into Australia and was the worst thing, at the time, I had ever done. Bodywork like swiss cheese.

Once bitten, twice shy.

I just don't have the quantity here in Australia to be able to choose from thus my need to head abroad (U.S.) to hopefully find my next ride.........

Feel free to post any other info I might find useful or relevant including websites, possible literature I could read.

Many thanks all. 

[HP2]

Thanks for all the feedback and advice forum members. Like most things in life I research my subject matter thoroughly.  I made a grave mistake in 2009 when I imported a sight unseen "S" code Mustang into Australia and was the worst thing, at the time, I had ever done. Bodywork like swiss cheese.

Once bitten, twice shy.

I just don't have the quantity here in Australia to be able to choose from thus my need to head abroad (U.S.) to hopefully find my next ride.........

Feel free to post any other info I might find useful or relevant including websites, possible literature I could read.

Many thanks all. 

Ahhh, another Aussie on the board. You might head over to protouring.com and look up member -George-. He has imported several US cars over the last several years to include a couple of Challengers, a Charger, and  a Mustang. He has experience with several different agents and can give you some good/bad experiences on what to look out for with the old mopars. Heck, he might even have one or two for sale.

As for the Challenger vs Cuda thing, its mostly a personal preference. The Dodge is slightly longer with more stylized body lines. The Cuda is smoother sided and shorter and is more like a stylized 1st gen Camaro in appearance. Both are smaller than comparable B bodies (Charger Road Runner) of the era.  70-71 tend to be the highest priced of the 5 year run but are also the models with the greatest choice in factory performance options. 72-74 will be priced more reasonably but will lack the performance legacy of the earlier modles. All can be made to run very well, so your overall objectives and budget may drive your choice. If you want the factory pedigrees, a stock restoration, or a big budget, then you will want to look at 70-71. If you simply want the body style and plan on performance mods and changes, then the 72-74s may be better choices as you can get a better car for less money overall.

[dutch]

cudas are better...... 

[CudaChris74]

Cuda's have alot nicer lines, the best looking car ever!
2nd would be Mad Max's XB coupe, that back-end is sooo baddass looking!!

[magicr]

Cuda's have alot nicer lines, the best looking car ever!

That is if you like Chivy Camaro's. ha, ha.