USA vs USA — 1964 vs 1966
| GTO 389 Tri-Power | Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 348 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | 428 lb-ft | 329 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,375 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.6 sec | 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 125 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.8 sec | 14.9 sec |
| Weight | 3,400 lbs | 2,850 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,921 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 5,181 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 32,450 | 1,001 |
| Original MSRP | $2,852 | $4,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $120,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 9/10 |
Numbers favor the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight. The 1964 Pontiac GTO 389 Tri-Power offers more power, 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 Muscle Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1964 Pontiac GTO 389 Tri-Power 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 1964 Pontiac GTO 389 Tri-Power holds a clear advantage in raw power with 348 hp compared to 306 hp, a 42-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pontiac GTO uses a V8 OHV (Pontiac 389) displacing 6,375 cc, while the Ford Shelby GT350H relies on a V8 OHV with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer edges ahead at 6.6 seconds versus 6.6 seconds. The Ford Shelby GT350H carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 550 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,001 units built, the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer is considerably scarcer than the Pontiac GTO's 32,450 examples. On the collector market, the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer commands a significant premium over the 1964 Pontiac GTO 389 Tri-Power, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.