Shelby Cobra Daytona

vs

Shelby GT500 Super Snake

USA vs USA — 1965 vs 1967

Shelby Cobra Daytona (1965)
Shelby GT500 Super Snake (1967)
Specifications
Cobra Daytona CoupeGT500 Super Snake 427 Twin-Supercharged
Horsepower390 hp800 hp
Torque340 lb-ft
Engine Size4,727 cc6,997 cc
0-60 mph4.5 sec4.5 sec
Top Speed190 mph170 mph
¼ Mile12.5 sec11.6 sec
Weight2,300 lbs3,300 lbs
Wheelbase2,286 mm2,743 mm
Length4,140 mm4,613 mm
Units Produced61
Value (Excellent)$50,000,000$4,000,000
Collectibility10/1010/10
Rarity10/1010/10
The Verdict

The 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake 427 Twin-Supercharged emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, greater rarity. The 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe counters with higher top speed, lighter weight, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.

Overview

The 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe and 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake 427 Twin-Supercharged share a manufacturer in Shelby, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Shelby brand. The 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake 427 Twin-Supercharged holds a clear advantage in raw power with 800 hp compared to 390 hp, a 410-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Shelby Cobra Daytona uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 4,727 cc, while the Shelby GT500 Super Snake relies on a V8 OHV Twin-Supercharged with 6,997 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake 427 Twin-Supercharged edges ahead at 4.5 seconds versus 4.5 seconds. The Shelby Cobra Daytona carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1000 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1 units built, the 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake 427 Twin-Supercharged is considerably scarcer than the Shelby Cobra Daytona's 6 examples. On the collector market, the 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe commands a significant premium over the 1967 Shelby GT500 Super Snake 427 Twin-Supercharged, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.