USA vs USA — 1968 vs 1966
| GT500KR King of the Road | Charger Fastback 383 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 325 hp |
| Torque | 440 lb-ft | 410 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,014 cc | 6,276 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5 sec | 6.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.0 sec | 14.9 sec |
| Weight | 3,500 lbs | 3,600 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,997 mm |
| Length | 4,699 mm | 5,257 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,570 | 37,344 |
| Original MSRP | $4,473 | $3,122 |
| Value (Excellent) | $350,000 | $110,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 6/10 |
This matchup is remarkably close. The 1968 Shelby GT500KR King of the Road offers greater rarity, stronger collectibility, while the 1966 Dodge Charger Fastback 383 counters with quicker acceleration, better value. Neither holds a decisive advantage, making this a true enthusiast's dilemma. Your choice ultimately depends on which driving philosophy resonates more with you.
The 1968 Shelby GT500KR King of the Road and 1966 Dodge Charger Fastback 383 stand as two of the most notable Muscle Car cars from Muscle era. Both emerged during a period of intense competition, and choosing between them remains a passionate debate among collectors. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1968 Shelby GT500KR King of the Road producing 335 hp and the 1966 Dodge Charger Fastback 383 delivering 325 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Shelby GT500KR uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 7,014 cc, while the Dodge Charger relies on a V8 OHV with 6,276 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1966 Dodge Charger Fastback 383 edges ahead at 6.4 seconds versus 6.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,570 units built, the 1968 Shelby GT500KR King of the Road is considerably scarcer than the Dodge Charger's 37,344 examples. On the collector market, the 1968 Shelby GT500KR King of the Road commands a significant premium over the 1966 Dodge Charger Fastback 383, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.