USA vs USA — 1966 vs 1966
| Charger R/T 440 | Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 375 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | 480 lb-ft | 329 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,210 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.0 sec | 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.8 sec | 14.9 sec |
| Weight | 3,800 lbs | 2,850 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,997 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 5,283 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 96,108 | 1,001 |
| Original MSRP | $3,506 | $4,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $200,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1966 Dodge Charger R/T 440 brings more power, quicker acceleration, better value to the table, and the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer answers with lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
In the world of Muscle Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1966 Dodge Charger R/T 440 versus the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer. Both hail from Muscle era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1966 Dodge Charger R/T 440 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 375 hp compared to 306 hp, a 69-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Dodge Charger uses a V8 OHV (RB big-block) displacing 7,210 cc, while the Ford Shelby GT350H relies on a V8 OHV with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1966 Dodge Charger R/T 440 edges ahead at 6.0 seconds versus 6.6 seconds. The Ford Shelby GT350H carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 950 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,001 units built, the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer is considerably scarcer than the Dodge Charger's 96,108 examples. On the collector market, the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer commands a significant premium over the 1966 Dodge Charger R/T 440, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.