USA vs USA — 1974 vs 1963
| SV-1 351 Windsor | Cobra 289 FIA Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 175 hp | 271 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,753 cc | 4,727 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 117 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.8 sec | 13.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,450 lbs | 2,150 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,438 mm | 2,286 mm |
| Length | 4,496 mm | 3,835 mm |
| Units Produced | 2,854 | 654 |
| Original MSRP | $7,490 | $5,995 |
| Value (Excellent) | $60,000 | $2,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 9/10 |
Numbers favor the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1974 Bricklin SV-1 351 Windsor offers better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
In the world of Sports Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1974 Bricklin SV-1 351 Windsor versus the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster. Both hail from Muscle era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster holds a clear advantage in raw power with 271 hp compared to 175 hp, a 96-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 9.5 seconds. The Shelby Cobra 289 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1300 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 654 units built, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster is considerably scarcer than the Bricklin SV-1's 2,854 examples. On the collector market, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1974 Bricklin SV-1 351 Windsor, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.