Rocket 350 vs Chevy 350 are two famous cars that receive the attention of many speed enthusiasts. Oldsmobile owned by General Motors produced the famous Rocket 350 between 1968-1980. Meanwhile, Chevy 350 is equally famous for its outstanding advantages.
Both models use gasoline to operate and 350 cubic inches. However, Rocket 350 vs Chevy 350 also has small differences in torque, engine block, and horsepower. It is this small difference that makes a big difference. To better understand the difference in engines and purposes of Rocket 350 vs Chevy 350, let’s learn more details in this article.
Rocket 350 Vs Chevy 350: The Basic Differences
Although the two models have the same attributes, their intended use is different. If you are looking for a car with fast speed and can participate in racing, then Rocket 350 will be a better choice.
However, if you are looking for an engine to drive heavy vehicles to transport, then you should choose the Chevy 350. Because it has the ability to tow other heavy vehicles and the ability to move well on the sections. difficult road.
Some basic different specifications
Before we compare the details and functions of each part between Rocket 350 vs Chevy 350, we need to have an overview of the attributes of these two vehicles. Below is a comparison table of the basic properties for you to have an overview.
| Attributes | Rocket 350 | Chevy 350 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 160-325 hp | 145-300 hp |
| Engine block material | Aluminum | Cast iron |
| Average piston compression ratio | 10.25:1 | 8.0:1 |
| Stroke | 3.75 | 3.48 |
| Torque output | 380 lb-ft | 360 lb-ft |
| Red line | 6500 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel economy | 15 MPG | 18 MPG |
The Difference In Every Detail
Through the detailed information table above, you can also see the basic differences in engines and attributes to make the best choice for you. However, let’s find out more information about each attribute to help you make a perfect choice.
Horse Power
Horsepower is understood as how much energy the engine can produce during travel. Thus, the higher the horsepower, the faster the engine runs. So, if you want to find a car in terms of speed, you should learn about the horsepower of that car. Remember, horsepower is the key to determining engine speed.
Rocket 350 is a better choice in terms of horsepower and engine speed. The Rocket 350’s 160-325 hp is definitely superior to the Chevy 350’s 145-300 hp. Rocket 350 has the ability to move faster and give you emotional races.
Engine Block
The engine block is also known as the cylinder block. It is the part that contains all the components of the engine in the car. The engine block consists of a number of different parts such as the intake/exhaust passage, crankcases, coolant passages, and some other parts.
To make engine blocks, manufacturers have a wide choice of materials and components. Rocket 350’s engine block is made of aluminum. Meanwhile, the old Chevy 350 engine block is made of cast iron.
As you know, the advantage of an aluminum engine is its lightweight, so it can work fast and improve the horsepower of the car. Meanwhile, the engine block of the Chevy 350 is made of cast iron, so it is heavier than aluminum but has longer durability than aluminum. Cast iron engines will help your car be able to withstand great pressure from the inside of the car.
So if you are looking for a car with good horsepower then you should choose Rocket 350 with an aluminum body. However, the Chevy 350 will be the perfect choice for you to operate for a long time because its engine is cast iron and iron casing.
Piston Compression Ratio
As you know, the compression ratio of the piston is the ratio of the cylinder’s volume to the piston in the top and bottom positions. In other words, it is the ratio of the volume of the gas in the cylinder when the piston is at the top and at the bottom when in operation.
The higher this ratio, the more power the car will produce. A higher piston compression ratio means the engine generates more power from combustion. A high compression ratio will enable the engine to achieve a good combustion temperature with a low amount of fuel. Therefore, it will help save fuel for car owners during travel.
If you are comparing the Roket 350 and Chevy 350 in terms of piston compression ratio, the Rocket 350 will prevail in this situation. The Rocket 350 has an average PCR (piston compression ratio) of 10.25:1. That is the great advantage of this engine to achieve high speed in movement. On the other hand, the Chevy 350’s average PCR was 8.0:1. This ratio is not low when compared to other models, but it is not equal to the rate of the Rocket 350.
Torque Output
Torque output is the force of the drive shaft, so it is the rotational force the motor can produce. The higher the torque, the more torque the engine generates and the faster your car will move. However, in order for the engine to generate more torque, you will have to consume a large amount of fuel.
The Rocket 350’s torque output is 380 lb-ft and the Chevy 350 is 360 lb-ft. So when you look at these 2 stats you will know that Rocket 350’s engine will run faster than Chevy 350’s engine.
An important note that you need to remember is that the larger the capacity, the worse the durability. More torque output means Rocket 350 runs faster than Chevy 350. However, the higher the power speed, the less durable the Rocket 350 will be. So Rocket 350 is not a good choice for heavy vehicles.
Red Line
The red line is a warning sign about the maximum speed that the car’s engine can reach without affecting the durability of the engine. In other words, it is the speed limit that you should use to protect the engine and prolong the life of the car.
The red line in cars refers to the maximum speed your engine can reach without causing any damage. It’s basically the limit you’re allowed to use your engine. So the engine’s overall horsepower and efficiency are determined by the red line.
Rocket 350’s red line is 6500 RPM, while Chevy 350’s is 5200 RPM. So you can accelerate with Rocket 350 without worrying about engine durability. However, the Chevy 350 will not be a good choice for speed.
On the other hand, this is not to say that the Chevy 350 is a weak and slow-moving engine. It can still move at normal speeds while still ensuring the safety of heavy vehicles.
Energy Saving
Fuel economy is one of the most important factors when you decide to buy a car. Fuel consumption is usually determined by the amount of fuel the engine consumes when traveling for one mile. The fuel economy of the Rocket 350 is 15 MPG (Miles Per Gallon) and Chevy 350 is 18 MPG.
The Chevy 350 has a relatively low horsepower so it has better fuel economy than the Rocket 350. So the lower the horsepower a car has, the less fuel it will consume. The Chevy 350 can travel 18 miles on a gallon of gas. Meanwhile, the Rocket 350 can only travel 15 miles with a gallon of gas. Because engines that make more horsepower tend to consume more fuel.
If you are looking for a car that is fuel-efficient and has a long life, you should buy the Chevy 350. Because the difference in speed between the Chevy 350 and the Rocket 350 is not too big.
Conclusion
If Rocket 350 dominates in horsepower and travel speed, Chevy 350 has high durability and the ability to withstand great pressure. So, if you are looking for a good-speed engine, you should buy the Rocket 350. However, if your aim is to find a durable and strong engine to tow other heavy vehicles, then the Chevy will be the one. Perfect choice.
Rocket 350 will consume more fuel due to its large horsepower and fast speed. Meanwhile, the Chevy 350 is capable of great fuel economy and still ensures an average speed. So, depending on your purposes and needs to make the best choice between Rocket 350 and Chevy 350.