Germany vs USA — 1970 vs 1963
| GT 1900 | Cobra 289 FIA Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 102 hp | 271 hp |
| Torque | 112 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,897 cc | 4,727 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 13.2 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,150 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,416 mm | 2,286 mm |
| Length | 4,113 mm | 3,835 mm |
| Units Produced | 103,463 | 654 |
| Original MSRP | — | $5,995 |
| Value (Excellent) | $40,000 | $2,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 9/10 |
Numbers favor the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1970 Opel GT 1900 offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
The rivalry between Germany and USA automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1970 Opel GT 1900 versus 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster holds a clear advantage in raw power with 271 hp compared to 102 hp, a 169-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Opel GT uses a Inline-4 OHV 8V displacing 1,897 cc, while the Shelby Cobra 289 relies on a V8 OHV with 4,727 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 10.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 654 units built, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster is considerably scarcer than the Opel GT's 103,463 examples. On the collector market, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1970 Opel GT 1900, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.