Dodge Charger

vs

Ford Shelby GT350H

USA vs USA — 1969 vs 1966

Dodge Charger (1969)
Ford Shelby GT350H (1966)
Specifications
Charger R/T 440 MagnumShelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer
Horsepower375 hp306 hp
Torque450 lb-ft329 lb-ft
Engine Size7,210 cc4,736 cc
0-60 mph6.0 sec6.6 sec
Top Speed130 mph130 mph
¼ Mile14.0 sec14.9 sec
Weight2,850 lbs
Wheelbase2,972 mm2,743 mm
Length5,283 mm4,613 mm
Units Produced18,0251,001
Original MSRP$4,547
Value (Excellent)$180,000$450,000
Collectibility5/1010/10
Rarity5/109/10
The Verdict

It's a closely fought contest. The 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum brings more power, quicker acceleration, better value to the table, and the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer answers with greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.

Overview

In the world of Muscle Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum 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 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum 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 16V 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 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum edges ahead at 6.0 seconds versus 6.6 seconds. 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 18,025 examples. On the collector market, the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer commands a significant premium over the 1969 Dodge Charger R/T 440 Magnum, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.