USA vs USA — 1970 vs 1966
| GSX Stage 1 455 | Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 360 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | 510 lb-ft | 329 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,456 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.5 sec | 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.4 sec | 14.9 sec |
| Weight | 3,600 lbs | 2,850 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 5,156 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 678 | 1,001 |
| Original MSRP | $3,283 | $4,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $250,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 9/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1970 Buick GSX Stage 1 455 brings more power, quicker acceleration, better value to the table, and the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer answers with lighter weight, stronger collectibility. 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 1970 Buick GSX Stage 1 455 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 1970 Buick GSX Stage 1 455 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 360 hp compared to 306 hp, a 54-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Buick GSX uses a V8 OHV (Buick 455 Stage 1) displacing 7,456 cc, while the Ford Shelby GT350H relies on a V8 OHV with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1970 Buick GSX Stage 1 455 edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 6.6 seconds. The Ford Shelby GT350H carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 750 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.