USA vs USA — 1970 vs 1966
| Barracuda Hemi 'Cuda | Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 425 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | 490 lb-ft | 329 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,981 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.0 sec | 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 137 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.1 sec | 14.9 sec |
| Weight | 3,600 lbs | 2,850 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 4,699 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 652 | 1,001 |
| Original MSRP | $4,390 | $4,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $4,000,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Hemi 'Cuda brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer answers with lighter weight, better value. 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 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Hemi 'Cuda 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 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Hemi 'Cuda holds a clear advantage in raw power with 425 hp compared to 306 hp, a 119-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Plymouth Barracuda uses a V8 OHV (Hemi) displacing 6,981 cc, while the Ford Shelby GT350H relies on a V8 OHV with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda Hemi 'Cuda edges ahead at 5.0 seconds versus 6.6 seconds. The Ford Shelby GT350H carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 750 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.