Are the Superbird and Daytona the same car?
The short answer is no. The Superbird and the Daytona are two distinct Mopar aerodynamic cars built for NASCAR, one from Plymouth in 1970 and the other from Dodge in 1969. They share a similar racing-inspired philosophy, but they are not the same model.
A NASCAR-inspired duo, not twins
In the late 1960s, Chrysler’s Mopar division pursued homologation-driven designs to maximize high-speed stability on superspeedways. The Daytona came from Dodge, based on the Charger; the Superbird came from Plymouth, based on the Road Runner lineage. Each car was engineered to meet NASCAR’s production requirements while standing out with bold aero features.
What made them similar
Both cars were developed to comply with NASCAR’s homologation rules and featured prominent aerodynamic packages designed to improve high-speed performance. They shared core elements such as a long, pointed nose, a front air dam, a tall rear wing, and heavy-duty performance hardware intended for racing durability.
What made them different
They were built on different base models and carried different branding. The Dodge Daytona was based on the Dodge Charger, with its own distinctive grille and front-end styling. The Plymouth Superbird was based on the Plymouth Road Runner/Satellite lineage, incorporating Plymouth-specific sheetmetal and trim. Inside and on the road, each bore the identity of its respective brand—Dodge for the Daytona and Plymouth for the Superbird.
Production numbers, availability, and legacy
Understanding their rarity helps explain why they remain highly coveted among collectors. Here are the key production figures and related notes.
- Plymouth Superbird (1970): Approximately 1,920 units were built.
- Dodge Charger Daytona (1969): About 503 units were produced for the initial NASCAR-driven run.
- Base cars and aero kits: The Daytona used the Dodge Charger as its starting point; the Superbird used the Plymouth Road Runner/Satellite family as its starting point, each receiving a unique nose cone and rear wing.
- Performance context: Both cars were primarily designed to win on superspeedways, with high-performance V8 options and reinforced drivetrains suitable for racing-inspired use.
These numbers reflect the era’s emphasis on race-focused homologation, and they underpin why both cars are celebrated as iconic Mopar legends rather than a single model.
Key differences between the Daytona and the Superbird
While sharing a common racing mission, the two cars diverged in branding, base platforms, and styling details.
- Branding and base model: Daytona is Dodge Charger-based; Superbird is Plymouth Road Runner-based (within the broader Plymouth lineup).
- Front-end styling: Each car wears a different nose and grille treatment reflecting its brand identity.
- Aero treatment: Both employ a large rear wing and a front air-dam, but the exact geometry and mounting differ to fit their respective bodies.
- Interior and trim: Distinctive badging, instrument clusters, and trim cues reflect Dodge vs. Plymouth nomenclature and option packages.
In practical terms, they are siblings in purpose but not twins in form or branding.
What collectors should know
For enthusiasts and buyers, the key considerations are originality, documentation, and provenance. Authentic Superbirds and Daytonas command attention for their rarity and historical significance, with values influenced by condition, originality of the aero components, and the integrity of the powertrain and driveline restoration.
Engine and performance notes
Both cars offered high-performance Mopar powertrains for their era, with big-block V8 options common among examples. Exact engine configurations varied by year and option packages, so prospective buyers should verify the specific combination of engine, exhaust, and drivetrain for any particular car.
Summary
In short, the Superbird and Daytona are not the same car. They are two distinct Mopar aerocar concepts created to meet NASCAR rules, sharing a similar aerodynamic philosophy but differing in base model, branding, and styling. Today they remain highly prized for their bold design and racing heritage, representing a unique chapter in American automotive history.
