Italy vs USA — 1971 vs 1966
| Pantera GTS | GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 330 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | 325 lb-ft | 329 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,763 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.2 sec | 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 161 mph | 127 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.3 sec | 14.7 sec |
| Weight | 3,126 lbs | 2,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,514 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 4,267 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 7,260 | 1,001 |
| Original MSRP | $10,000 | $4,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $200,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1971 De Tomaso Pantera GTS brings quicker acceleration, higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1966 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.
The rivalry between Italy and USA automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1971 De Tomaso Pantera GTS versus 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1971 De Tomaso Pantera GTS holds a clear advantage in raw power with 330 hp compared to 306 hp, a 24-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the De Tomaso Pantera uses a V8 Ford 351 Cleveland displacing 5,763 cc, while the Shelby GT350H relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 De Tomaso Pantera GTS edges ahead at 5.2 seconds versus 6.6 seconds. The Shelby GT350H carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 326 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,001 units built, the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer is considerably scarcer than the De Tomaso Pantera's 7,260 examples.