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

Based on 5-year routine maintenance labor at a $150/hr indie shop rate, the Plymouth Valiant is cheaper to maintain — about $288 less over 60,000 miles. Parts cost is not included.

What's the labor difference between the 225ci I6 and the 318ci 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 Valiant or Plymouth Valiant?

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

1978 Plymouth Valiant vs 1978 Plymouth Valiant — Labor Times, Costs & Recalls

Specifications

Year

1978

Engine

225ci I6

318ci V8

Drivetrain

RWD

Transmission

automatic

Fuel

gas

Powertrain

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

Horsepower

—hp

140hp

Torque

—lb-ft

245lb-ft

0–60 mph

—

12.5s

Quarter Mile

—

18.5s @ 75 mph

Top Speed

—

105 mph

Skidpad

—

60–0 Braking

—

70–0 Braking

—

Curb Weight

—

3,400 lb

Max Towing

—

2,000 lb

Max Payload

—

1,100 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

★ WINNER

5-Year Maintenance

$6,844

0.11 $/mi

5-Year Maintenance

$7,132

0.12 $/mi

🏆

ADVANTAGEPlymouth Valiant — Saves you $288 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

0.4 hrs$1,200 / 5yr

0.3 hrs$1,020 / 5yr

Tire rotation

0.5 hrs$600 / 5yr

Front brake pads

1.0 hrs$460 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$520 / 5yr

Rear brake pads

1.0 hrs$440 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$500 / 5yr

Differential fluid

1.0 hrs$380 / 5yr

1.2 hrs$440 / 5yr

Wiper blades

0.2 hrs$240 / 5yr

0.3 hrs$300 / 5yr

Brake fluid flush

0.8 hrs$270 / 5yr

12V battery

0.3 hrs$245 / 5yr

Cabin air filter

0.3 hrs$210 / 5yr

0.4 hrs$255 / 5yr

Coolant flush

1.2 hrs$230 / 5yr

Spark plugs

0.8 hrs$200 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$230 / 5yr

Intake manifold gasket

3.5 hrs$185 / 5yr

4.5 hrs$230 / 5yr

Oxygen sensor

1.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

1.8 hrs$195 / 5yr

Water pump

2.5 hrs$173 / 5yr

Oil pan gasket

3.5 hrs$144 / 5yr

4.2 hrs$170 / 5yr

Fuel filter

0.3 hrs$150 / 5yr

Serpentine belt

0.6 hrs$125 / 5yr

0.7 hrs$140 / 5yr

Engine air filter

0.2 hrs$120 / 5yr

Alternator

1.2 hrs$120 / 5yr

Valve cover gasket

1.2 hrs$96 / 5yr

1.5 hrs$114 / 5yr

Power steering flush

0.5 hrs$95 / 5yr

0.6 hrs$110 / 5yr

Ignition coil

0.8 hrs$80 / 5yr

1.0 hrs$92 / 5yr

Starter motor

1.2 hrs$76 / 5yr

Thermostat

1.0 hrs$67 / 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.