the 440 is one of the few "factory" motors that I can say pull in 3rd gear (727) like it's in first gear. The biggest difference with the 440 and per say a "spunky" 340 isn't so much in the stop light wars, but when the gearing unfavorable and the wind resistance is a force, the 440 pulls like no other engine (factory). One that was on que with it was my brothers 71 (or was it '70 ??) 454 vette, that somebody changed to headers. I think that 454 had over 500 ft lbs and 390 hp is what the console plate said ??????