USA vs USA — 1966 vs 1966
| Charger Daytona | 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 | 5.5 sec | 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 200 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.5 sec | 14.9 sec |
| Weight | 3,900 lbs | 2,850 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,997 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 5,749 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 503 | 1,001 |
| Original MSRP | $4,369 | $4,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $1,500,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1966 Dodge Charger Daytona 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 1966 Dodge Charger Daytona 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 1966 Dodge Charger Daytona 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 Dodge Charger 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 1966 Dodge Charger Daytona edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 6.6 seconds. The Ford Shelby GT350H carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1050 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.