273 vs 318 [in England!]

[Nick UK]

Helllo from the United Kingdom

I have a choice to purchase a 69 273 Dart or a 71 318 Dart Swinger. I live in England - for the cars themselves check this site; http://www.madders.freeserve.co.uk/mainpage.html [might seem pricey- but bear in mind shipping costs, import duties and profit]
I actually prefer the styling of the 69 in a lot of ways but reckon a 71 with a 318 might be a sweeter drive.
Price of petrol here [£5 - or 10 US dollars a gallon] means outright performance won't be a priority for the future- just a set of duels to make it sound right.
I'm just interested if there are any particular problems or advantages with either of these models- they are pretty rare over here.

Cheers for any advice

Nick.

 

[valiant360]

69 dart all the way, way cooler body style. Motors I think would be more or less the same power, no phenomenal difference. That is of course only if the dart is a two door.

 

[gerty]

If it were my choice I'd go for the 69. I have owned a couple of the later ones and loved them but the older ones are just more unique.
Bob

 

[ValiantMike]

They both have nice bodylines that are similar in general. Either the 273 or the 318 will produce adequate power to get around, and both can accept bolt-ons(intakes,4bbl carb,headers,etc.) that would easily increase HP to mid to high 200s. One thing to remember is that the 273 is one of the most fuel efficient engines that Mopar produced, and if I'm not mistaken, was even more efficient than the famous slant six. With fuel prices quickly on the rise with no end in site I'd be strongly considering the 273 car. In the end, it will be the one that you like the best. Mike

 

[mullinax95]

69 273 Dart

 

[BrianT]

I like the older body style better, but both would do.

The 71 has disc brakes and factory air.

Same price, tough decision. Can you drive them or see them in person?

 

[Nick UK]

Thanks for your replies everyone. Seems the 69 273 is favourite- my gut feeling as well. Nice to know they can be tuned if you have the cash.

The cars are being shipped as we speak- I wouldn't consider buying without a drive.

[I've only recently considered the A-bodies- In England our garages are smaller, so the smaller size US cars are in more demand.However, things like early Mustangs and even Falcons are over priced these days, so out of my range. People have jumped on the bandwagon here with those, so its nice to find another stylish smaller car that has a keen following, that people rate highly!]

Cheers,

no doubt I'll be on again,

Nick