What is the difference between a Road Runner and a GTX?
When it comes to classic American muscle cars, the Plymouth Road Runner and the Plymouth GTX are two iconic names that often spark curiosity among car enthusiasts. Both vehicles were produced by Plymouth during the golden era of muscle cars in the late 1960s and early 1970s. While they share some similarities, they were designed with distinct purposes and appeal to different types of drivers. Let’s dive into the key differences between these two legendary vehicles.
1. Target Audience and Market Position
The Plymouth Road Runner and GTX were aimed at different segments of the muscle car market:
- Plymouth Road Runner: The Road Runner was designed as a no-frills, budget-friendly muscle car. It focused on delivering raw power and performance at an affordable price, making it accessible to younger buyers and those who wanted a fast car without the extra luxury.
- Plymouth GTX: The GTX, on the other hand, was marketed as a more upscale and refined muscle car. It combined high performance with additional comfort and luxury features, appealing to buyers who wanted both speed and sophistication.
In essence, the Road Runner was the "blue-collar" muscle car, while the GTX was the "gentleman’s hot rod."
2. Features and Trim Levels
One of the most noticeable differences between the two cars lies in their features and trim levels:
- Road Runner: The Road Runner came with minimalistic features to keep costs low. It had a basic interior, fewer options, and a focus on performance essentials. However, it still packed a punch with its powerful engines and lightweight design.
- GTX: The GTX offered more premium features, such as upgraded interiors, better sound insulation, and additional options like air conditioning and power windows. It was essentially a high-performance version of the Plymouth Belvedere with added luxury.
These differences in features made the GTX a more comfortable ride, while the Road Runner prioritized speed and simplicity.
3. Engine Options
Both cars shared some engine options, but there were distinctions in their standard offerings:
- Road Runner: The base engine for the Road Runner was a 383 cubic-inch V8, but buyers could upgrade to the legendary 426 HEMI or the 440 Six-Pack for maximum performance.
- GTX: The GTX came standard with the 440 cubic-inch V8 engine, known as the "Super Commando." Like the Road Runner, it also offered the 426 HEMI as an optional upgrade.
While both cars could be equipped with similar high-performance engines, the GTX’s standard engine was more powerful than the Road Runner’s base option.
4. Price Point
Price was another significant factor that differentiated the two models:
- Road Runner: The Road Runner was intentionally priced lower to attract budget-conscious buyers. Its affordability was one of its biggest selling points.
- GTX: The GTX was more expensive due to its additional features, luxury touches, and higher standard engine performance.
This pricing strategy allowed Plymouth to cater to a broader range of customers by offering two distinct muscle cars at different price levels.
Conclusion
In summary, the Plymouth Road Runner and GTX were both exceptional muscle cars that catered to different audiences. The Road Runner was all about delivering raw power and performance at an affordable price, making it a favorite among younger, budget-conscious buyers. The GTX, on the other hand, offered a blend of luxury and performance, appealing to those who wanted a more refined driving experience. Whether you prefer the simplicity of the Road Runner or the sophistication of the GTX, both cars remain icons of the muscle car era and continue to be celebrated by enthusiasts today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the Plymouth Roadrunner banned from NASCAR?
The Plymouth Superbird was too fast for its own good and ended up being disqualified from NASCAR. When the Plymouth Superbird 'aero-car' first drove onto the track in 1970, hoping to rev NASCAR into a new era, things didn't go smoothly.
Can a roadrunner really outrun a coyote?
While Looney Tunes' cartoon roadrunner might have been able to out-run the coyote every time, real-life roadrunners aren't so lucky. Coyotes can out-pace roadrunners substantially, clocking up to ~43 miles per hour, compared to the roadrunners ~20 miles per hour.
How much is a 1970 Plymouth GTX worth today?
The value of a 1970 Plymouth GTX can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $61,100 for a 1970 Plymouth GTX in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1970 Plymouth GTX at auction over the last three years was $121,000.
Is the GTX the same as a Road Runner?
By 1968, some of the original muscle cars were moving away from their roots as relatively cheap, fast cars as they gained features and increased in price. Plymouth developed the Road Runner to market a lower-priced, basic trim model to its upscale GTX.
What does GTX cars stand for?
So then, what does GTX stand for in cars? According to the late Jack Smith of Plymouth- The X is only a letter that was added to make their version of GTO. This means that GTX doesn't stand for anything specific in cars. However, based on today's trim specifications, you could interpret it as Grand Touring Extra.
What is a Plymouth GTX?
The Plymouth GTX is an automobile introduced as the Belvedere GTX in 1967 by the Plymouth division. It was positioned as a mid-sized upscale-trimmed performance muscle car through the 1971 model year.
What is the fastest bird?
the Peregrine Falcon
What is the fastest bird? There are two entries for “world's fastest bird” in the Guinness Book of World Records. The fastest in horizontal flight is the White-throated Needle tail at 170 km/h, and the other record for fastest speed in a downward dive (called a stoop) is held by the Peregrine Falcon at 389 km/h.
How much horsepower did the GTX Plymouth have?
375-hp
Base motor in the GTX was the 375-hp, Super Commando 440-cid V-8, capable of 0-60 mph in 6.8 seconds, with a quarter-mile time of 14.6 seconds and a top speed of 121 mph.
Is the roadrunner faster than a coyote?
Coyotes can run at around 40 miles per hour, while the mostly ground-based roadrunner has a top speed of half that. In a foot race, the coyote always wins, but remember that the roadrunner is a bird and has wings.
What does GTX stand for?
Giga Texel Shader eXtreme
GTX stands for "Giga Texel Shader eXtreme" and is a type of graphics processing unit (GPU) produced by NVIDIA. GPUs are specialized circuits that are designed to accelerate the rendering of images and video, which are important for many applications, including gaming, video editing, and scientific simulations.
