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Plymouth Barracuda III AAR 5.6 V8 (290 Hp) TorqueFlite
Overall Rating
Plymouth Barracuda:
The Plymouth Barracuda is a two-door pony car that was manufactured by Chrysler Corporation from 1964 through 1974 model years.
The first-generation Barracuda was based on the Chrysler A-body and was offered from 1964 until 1966. A two-door hardtop fastback design, it shared a great majority of parts and bodywork with the Plymouth Valiant, except for the distinctive wraparound rear glass.
The second-generation Barracuda, though still Valiant-based, was heavily redesigned. Built from 1967 through 1969, it was available as a two-door in fastback, notchback, and convertible versions....(Read more on Wikipedia)
III Overview:
Plymouth Barracuda (III). With 475 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1629 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.
The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda III predates modern safety testing standards like Euro NCAP. Safety features were rudimentary by today's standards, focusing on basic structural integrity and seatbelts.
AAR 5.6 V8 (290 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Excellent, responsive performance from the AAR 340, with the TorqueFlite offering smooth shifts for a more relaxed, yet still potent, drive.
Fuel Economy
Poor fuel economy, the automatic transmission might slightly impact efficiency compared to the manual, but still very thirsty.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic muscle car styling and presence
- • Wide range of powerful V8 engine options, including Hemi and Six-Barrel
- • Strong aftermarket support for parts and modifications
- • High collector's value, especially for rare trims
- • Engaging and raw driving experience
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy across most V8 models
- • Limited modern safety features and crash protection
- • Handling and braking are not up to modern standards
- • Interior comfort and refinement are basic
- • Rust can be a significant issue on unrestored examples
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Plymouth |
| Model: | Barracuda |
| Generation: | III |
| Modification (Engine): | AAR 5.6 V8 (290 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1970 |
| End of production: | 1970 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 290 Hp @ 5000 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 52.1 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 475 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | LA |
| Engine displacement: | 5563 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 102.6 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84.1 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.6 kg/Hp, 178 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.4 kg/Nm, 291.6 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1629 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 167 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 72 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4742 mm mm |
| Width: | 1902 mm mm |
| Height: | 1293 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2743 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1516 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1542 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | TorqueFlite |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 279.4x63.5 mm |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Rigid axle suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Leaf spring |
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