How much horsepower does a 1971 Super Bee have?
The 1971 Plymouth Super Bee offered several engine options, with horsepower ranging from about 300 hp to 425 hp depending on the configuration. The top-tier option was the 426 Hemi at roughly 425 horsepower.
In 1971, horsepower figures are SAE net measurements, reflecting the era’s emissions controls. The Super Bee’s lineup included a 383-cubic-inch V8 with both two-barrel and four-barrel carbs, a 440-cubic-inch V8 with a six-barrel setup, and the famed 426 Hemi. Each variant delivered distinct performance figures that were widely advertised by Plymouth and matched to consumer expectations for a muscle car of the period.
Engine options that defined the Super Bee in 1971
Below is a snapshot of typical horsepower ratings across the main engine choices offered for the 1971 Super Bee.
- 383 cubic-inch V8, 2-barrel: about 300 horsepower (net)
- 383 cubic-inch V8, 4-barrel: about 335 horsepower (net)
- 440 cubic-inch V8 with 6-barrel (Six-Pack): about 390 horsepower (net)
- 426 cubic-inch Hemi: about 425 horsepower (net)
These figures reflect the engines as installed in the Super Bee and the ratings used at the time. Real-world performance could vary based on gearing, transmission, exhaust, and other options.
What impacted horsepower ratings and performance?
By 1971, horsepower ratings in marketing materials were SAE net, which generally produced lower numbers than the earlier SAE gross ratings. Emissions controls and tightening insurance standards also influenced performance and acceleration, so even identical engine displacements could feel different from year to year.
Summary
The 1971 Super Bee offered a spectrum of power, from roughly 300 hp in its smaller V8s to 425 hp with the 426 Hemi, making it one of the era’s most versatile muscle cars. Buyers could choose between lighter, more economical setups or the legendary Hemi for top-tier performance.
