USA vs USA — 1968 vs 1971
| GT500KR King of the Road | Demon 340 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 275 hp |
| Torque | 440 lb-ft | 340 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,014 cc | 5,572 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5 sec | 6.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 123 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.0 sec | 14.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,500 lbs | 3,100 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 4,699 mm | 4,928 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,570 | 10,098 |
| Original MSRP | $4,473 | $2,721 |
| Value (Excellent) | $350,000 | $80,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1968 Shelby GT500KR King of the Road brings more power, higher top speed, greater rarity to the table, and the 1971 Dodge Demon 340 answers with quicker acceleration, 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 1968 Shelby GT500KR King of the Road versus the 1971 Dodge Demon 340. Both hail from Muscle era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1968 Shelby GT500KR King of the Road holds a clear advantage in raw power with 335 hp compared to 275 hp, a 60-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Shelby GT500KR uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 7,014 cc, while the Dodge Demon relies on a V8 OHV with 5,572 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Dodge Demon 340 edges ahead at 6.5 seconds versus 6.5 seconds. The Dodge Demon carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 400 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,570 units built, the 1968 Shelby GT500KR King of the Road is considerably scarcer than the Dodge Demon's 10,098 examples. On the collector market, the 1968 Shelby GT500KR King of the Road commands a significant premium over the 1971 Dodge Demon 340, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1968 Shelby GT500KR King of the Road rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.