Which is cheaper to maintain, the Plymouth Cuda or the Plymouth Cuda?

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the Plymouth Cuda is cheaper to maintain — about $261 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the 340ci V8 and the 383ci V8?

Across 25 common maintenance jobs, hours vary by drivetrain and engine layout. See the side-by-side table on this page for each job's labor hours and estimated cost.

Are there any active recalls on the Plymouth Cuda or Plymouth Cuda?

The Plymouth Cuda has 0 open NHTSA recalls. The Plymouth Cuda has 0 open recalls. Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer.

1971 Plymouth Cuda vs 1971 Plymouth Cuda — Labor Times, Costs & Recalls

Specifications

Year

1971

Engine

340ci V8

383ci V8

Drivetrain

RWD

Transmission

—

Fuel

gas

Powertrain

Engine output, acceleration, top speed, handling, braking — and Nürburgring if either car ran one.

Horsepower

275hp

300hp

Torque

340lb-ft

410lb-ft

0–60 mph

6.2s

7.2s

Quarter Mile

14.4s @ 98 mph

15.3s @ 92 mph

Top Speed

125 mph

115 mph

Skidpad

—

60–0 Braking

—

70–0 Braking

—

Curb Weight

3,475 lb

Performance specs synthesized from manufacturer figures and instrumented magazine tests (Car and Driver, Motor Trend, Road & Track). MPG from EPA fueleconomy.gov. Numbers flagged as "low confidence" by AI generation are conservative estimates from related platforms.

Cost of Ownership

Avg Used Market

n/a

Avg Used Market

$48,000–$95,000

median ~$68,000

Plymouth Cuda: E-body Cuda values vary wildly by originality, rust, and documentation. 383 is base V8 (not Hemi/440-6), so less collectible than top trims but still strong demand. Most survivors have 60-120k miles due to storage years. Restored examples command high end; project cars with rust $25-40k. Market cooled slightly from 2021-22 peak but remains robust for documented cars.

AI-estimated US used-market price range. LOW = private-party, base trim, typical mileage. HIGH = dealer retail (Carvana/CarMax), desirable trim, below-average mileage. Local prices vary ±20% with condition, mileage, and region. Treat as a ballpark, not a quote.

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$6,791

0.11 $/mi

5-Year Maintenance

$7,052

0.12 $/mi

🏆

ADVANTAGEPlymouth Cuda — Saves you $261 over 5 years (4% less in routine maintenance labor)

Routine maintenance only. Cost = labor hours × $150/hr × estimated 5-yr frequency. Parts cost not included.

Maintenance Breakdown

Hours per common service. Lower is faster (and cheaper) at the shop.

Oil & filter change

0.3 hrs$1,020 / 5yr

Tire rotation

0.4 hrs$480 / 5yr

0.5 hrs$600 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr

Front brake pads

1.0 hrs$460 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr

Differential fluid

1.2 hrs$440 / 5yr

Brake fluid flush

0.8 hrs$270 / 5yr

Cabin air filter

0.4 hrs$255 / 5yr

12V battery

0.3 hrs$245 / 5yr

Wiper blades

0.2 hrs$240 / 5yr

Intake manifold gasket

3.5 hrs$185 / 5yr

4.5 hrs$230 / 5yr

Coolant flush

1.0 hrs$200 / 5yr

Spark plugs

0.8 hrs$200 / 5yr

Oxygen sensor

1.8 hrs$195 / 5yr

Water pump

2.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

Oil pan gasket

4.2 hrs$170 / 5yr

Fuel filter

0.3 hrs$150 / 5yr

0.4 hrs$180 / 5yr

Serpentine belt

0.7 hrs$140 / 5yr

Engine air filter

0.2 hrs$120 / 5yr

Alternator

1.2 hrs$120 / 5yr

Valve cover gasket

1.5 hrs$114 / 5yr

Power steering flush

0.6 hrs$110 / 5yr

Ignition coil

1.0 hrs$92 / 5yr

Thermostat

1.2 hrs$77 / 5yr

Starter motor

1.0 hrs$70 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$76 / 5yr

PCV valve

0.3 hrs$65 / 5yr

Active Recalls

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

Open NHTSA Recalls

CLEAR

✓ Both vehicles are completely clear of open safety recalls.

The Verdict

TOO CLOSE TO CALL

Across cost of ownership and recall count, neither vehicle pulls decisively ahead. Pick on personal preference — drivetrain, transmission feel, brand loyalty, or the engine that puts a smile on your face.

Open the full dashboard for either truck

Labor times, torque specs, fluid capacities, DTC codes, repair procedures, recalls, common platform problems.