Today, dollar for dollar, is the 318 faster than the 340 ???

I think the better question is

5.2l Magnum vs 360 LA yes there’s 5.9l out but there’s a ton of running 5.2l,
Yes the 318 is a great engine but it low cr and poor flowing heads handicaps to usually a sub 300 hp mild cam 4bbl header build, I feel if you took a 5.2l and a 360 LA and did xe268h China air gap and headers the 5.2l would be the better package and if you find a 5.9l all the better.

Too me Mopar people should see the Magnum as our 4.8ls/5.3ls are they as good no but they do respond well to cam, 4bbl, headers. Now if your talking full builds especially with aftermarket heads then any 360/5.9l would make a great base.