Italy vs USA — 1972 vs 1965
| Stratos HF Stradale | Cobra 427 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 190 hp | 425 hp |
| Torque | 166 lb-ft | 480 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,418 cc | 6,997 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.7 sec | 4.2 sec |
| Top Speed | 144 mph | 165 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.2 sec | 12.2 sec |
| Weight | 2,165 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,180 mm | 2,286 mm |
| Length | 3,710 mm | 3,962 mm |
| Units Produced | 492 | 348 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,200,000 | $4,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 9/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1972 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale brings stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Italy and USA automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1972 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale versus 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 425 hp compared to 190 hp, a 235-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lancia Stratos uses a V6 DOHC Ferrari Dino 65° (Tipo 829) displacing 2,418 cc, while the Shelby Cobra relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 6,997 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 edges ahead at 4.2 seconds versus 5.7 seconds. On the collector market, the 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 commands a significant premium over the 1972 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1972 Lancia Stratos HF Stradale rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.