Two Cuda or to Barracuda

What's the difference between these two cars of the same Mommy?

The terms "Cuda" and "Barracuda" are often used interchangeably, but they refer to the same line of cars produced by Plymouth, an American automobile brand. The Plymouth Barracuda, commonly referred to as the 'Cuda in certain contexts, underwent several transformations throughout its production history. Here are some key distinctions:

1. Plymouth Barracuda:

- The Plymouth Barracuda was introduced in 1964 as a fastback version of the Plymouth Valiant. It was Plymouth's response to the growing popularity of compact sporty cars. The early Barracudas (1964-1966) shared many components with the Valiant and were available in coupe and convertible body styles.

- The second-generation Barracuda (1967-1969) featured a more distinct design, departing from the Valiant platform. It offered a wider range of engines, including the potent 383 cubic inch V8.

- The third-generation Barracuda (1970-1974) marked a significant departure in design, featuring a more muscular and aggressive appearance. The 'Cuda name was applied to high-performance versions of the Barracuda during this era.

- The Barracuda was discontinued after the 1974 model year due to changing market demands and new safety regulations.

2. Plymouth 'Cuda:

- The term 'Cuda is often used informally to refer to the high-performance variants of the Barracuda produced during the third generation (1970-1974). The 'Cuda was not a separate model but rather a trim and performance package available on the Barracuda.

- The 'Cuda offered a range of powerful engines, including the famous 426 Hemi and the 440 Six Pack. It was designed to compete in the muscle car market against rivals like the Ford Mustang Boss 429 and the Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.

- The 'Cuda gained iconic status among muscle car enthusiasts, and certain rare and high-performance models are highly sought after by collectors today.

In summary, the Barracuda is the model line, and the term 'Cuda is often used to refer to high-performance versions within that line, particularly those produced during the third generation.