USA vs USA — 1968 vs 1966
| GTO 400 Ram Air | Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 366 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | 445 lb-ft | 329 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 6,555 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.2 sec | 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.2 sec | 14.9 sec |
| Weight | 3,500 lbs | 2,850 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,845 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 5,131 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 87,684 | 1,001 |
| Original MSRP | $3,101 | $4,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $110,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 9/10 |
This matchup is remarkably close. The 1968 Pontiac GTO 400 Ram Air offers more power, quicker acceleration, better value, while the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer counters with lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. Neither holds a decisive advantage, making this a true enthusiast's dilemma. Your choice ultimately depends on which driving philosophy resonates more with you.
The 1968 Pontiac GTO 400 Ram Air and 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer stand as two of the most notable Muscle Car cars from Muscle era. Both emerged during a period of intense competition, and choosing between them remains a passionate debate among collectors. The 1968 Pontiac GTO 400 Ram Air holds a clear advantage in raw power with 366 hp compared to 306 hp, a 60-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Pontiac GTO uses a V8 OHV (Pontiac 400) displacing 6,555 cc, while the Ford Shelby GT350H relies on a V8 OHV with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1968 Pontiac GTO 400 Ram Air edges ahead at 6.2 seconds versus 6.6 seconds. The Ford Shelby GT350H carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 650 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 87,684 examples. On the collector market, the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer commands a significant premium over the 1968 Pontiac GTO 400 Ram Air, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1966 Ford Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.