Barracuda/Cuda

[blown motor]

I was at a car show last night and there was a 72-74 Barracuda (round tail lights). I didn't find the owner and there was no VIN tag so I'm not sure which year. So it got me wondering what was the difference between the Barracuda and the Cuda?

[anlauto]

VIN number is the only for sure way to tell. The "Cuda" had extra trim and a sport hood etc....but those became options for the Barracuda as well.....so you never know...

[HP_Cuda]

Basically the "Cuda" was the fun optioned musclecar.

You could just about order any wacky combo you wanted.

[Chryco Psycho]

the Cuda was basically the performace build but year to that changed , 70 no less than a 383 Super Commando , 71 340 up , 72-73 was 340 only , 74 was 360 only

[anlauto]

Actually the above information is incorrect. You could get a "BS" Cuda with a 318 all through 1972-74

[blown motor]

This car was badged Barracuda on the back fender. Looked like a 340 in it.

[anlauto]

This car was badged Barracuda on the back fender. Looked like a 340 in it.

That's possible too...You could order a "BH" Barracuda with a 340 as well...

[torredcuda]

And 340 in a `70 `cuda.

[anlauto]

And 340 in a `70 `cuda.

Yes...oddly enough in 1970 You could order a "BS" Cuda with an extra cost option of the 340 when the 383 was standard.
HOWEVER you could not order a 340 in a "JS" Challenger R/T in 1970.

[Chryco Psycho]

OK I stand corrected , I have not seen a 318 2 bbl BS Cuda
& yeah weird that you could option a BS 340 70 but not in the Chall .

[Road_Runner]

My 73 "BH" Barracuda was ordered with the Sport Hood, White Side Stripes, etc. that the Cuda normally came with.  I'm not 100% sure, but one external difference I believe identifies the Barracuda from the Cuda is that the Barracuda could not be ordered with the rear valence cut-outs and instead had exhaust that vented below the plain rear valence panel.  On my hood, there are Barracuda emblems on the side of each scoop vs the "Cuda 340" emblem on 340 Cudas.  Not sure what 318 Cudas would have had..

Later, Jim

['Cuda Hunter]

Didn't cuda's get a blacked out tail panel with the three piece trim on the tail panel?

[diyhemi.com]

3 piece trim was on 72-74 cudas and 70-71 gran coupes. Gran coupes also had the option of the Cuda style rectangle trim for 70-71

[ted]

a 318 cuda has no call outs on the hood