360 vs 383

1971 Polara offered both the 360 2bbl and 383 2bbl. By their numbers....
  • 360 - 255 gross HP / 360 ft lbs
  • 383 - 275 gross HP / 375 ft lbs
IMO, it's pretty much a wash and only just proves there's no replacement for displacement. 15 lb/ft of torque is nothing. And at what RPM does the 383 achieve that 20 more hp? Chances are you'd never get to that point with either engine, especially with highway gears in a heavy car. My guess is the only place you'd notice the difference might be when passing someone on the highway.