1964 was 1st year that Barracuda had Plymouth, Valiant, and Barracuda badging. Moreover it had the Valiant symbol used throughout rather then the later Fish. Despite strong reviews for the Barracuda, the inexpensive, more clearly unqiue (instead of sedan-based) Ford Mustang outsold the Valiant model by 8:1.
By the end of the first generation (after the 1966 model year), the Commando 273 V8 ? introduced in 1965 using the Formula S ? was producing 235 HP. With 3.23:1 gears it would propel the Barracuda to 60 MPH in 10.3 sec, together with the quarter coming in 17.7 @ 79 MPH. (Road & Track, March 1966). Car & Driver got -60 in 9.1, and 1/4 mile in 17.6 @ 81 MPH (C&D, June/66). Both test cars had automatics.
The Barracuda Formula S made a name for itself with being able to corner better than most American (and European) cars; it provided an excellent balance of acceleration and handling, that has a European feel. Introduced in 1965, the Formula S had stiffer springing, front anti-roll bar, special badging, and more importantly, the 'Commando 273' engine, putting out a 'conservative' 235 hp. (Most engine simulation programs place the Commando 273 at 271 horses output. In modern times, with relatively stock engines [no special pistons or camshaft, etc, my 180 hp 273 Cuda does -60 in 9.5 seconds, my brother's 1966 Commando 273 'Cuda 4 speed significantly quicker.
Engines were the identical in 1965 and 1966. The 4 speed was made available from the introduction.
Motor Trend tested an 1965 model with 3.55 gears and a 4-speed at -60 in 8. seconds, and also the 1/4 mile in 16.1 @ 87 (MT, Jan/65). Though roughly just like a 1995 Neon stick, they were excellent times for the day, when -60 in 12 seconds was considered okay (despite the many muscle cars, which were certainly not what everyone drove).
For 1967 the Barracuda was completely redesigned, with no longer shared any sheet metal with the Valiant. A coupe and convertible were added to the queue. The engine bay of the A body was enlarged, hence the 383 would fit (and fit it did, starting in 1967), plus the 340 may be made optional in 1968. The 225 CID six would generate -60 times of 13.6 sec, and 1/4 mile in 19.4 @ 69.8 MPH. The 273 V8 did -60 in 9.2 sec, quarter-mile in 16.9 @ 85.6 MPG. Both test cars were automatics and 3.23:1 gears. (Car Life, March 1967)
For the reason that engine bay wasn't that large, the 383 were left with just 280 horsepower and 400 lb-ft of torque, down with the 325 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque observed in greater Belvedere and Fury.
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