For someone that likes to take long trips 1000 miles or more round trip what would be the best choice. The 1937 has been modified slightly, dual carbs and dual exhaust, mileage in the 50's. Any opinion good or bad would be appreciated. Why the difference years you say. I like the 34 gangster look but the engine change, cooling, in the 37 appeals also.
Not positive, but I think the '37 is more likely to have a 4.11 rear end while '34 a 4.375. So your engine will be turning over a bit faster on the older car for the same speed.
Both the '37 and '34 are 201 engines and use the same bearings, crank, pistons, etc. But the '37 will have a bit wider block with the water distribution tube so should have a bit better cooling. That said, Plymouths seemed better than the competition on cooling and I've not had cooling issues with my '33 as long as the radiator wasn't clogged. Starting in '35 they used a combination of mechanical and vacuum advance.
It has been a long while since I've ridden in a '34 sedan so I can't recall ride quality. But in general, ride quality was vastly improved in the '35 and '36 time frame on Plymouth as they started to apply the lessons learned from the improved ride of the '34 Airflow models. Basically, moving the engine forward to better equalize weight on both axles and altering the front spring rates to be close to the spring rate of the rear axle. Prior to these design changes cars had a tendency to porpoise a bit when driven on less than perfect roads. I know the '37 Plymouth's I've ridden in are much more comfortable than my '33. And I suspect the '34 ride would be closer to that of my '33 than to the '37.
Thanks, Todd, it is a lot of useful information. I am looking at a 34 and 37 soon.
Hi We b, this 34 has just come up on the FaceBook page cracking looking motor, I know nothing about this car but priced at $7500 it's got to be considered. The car is in PA
she sure looks like a great car to start with, interior is good and body appears good, good luck