Italy vs USA — 1969 vs 1966
| Fulvia HF 1600 | GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 132 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | 116 lb-ft | 329 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,584 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.0 sec | 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 118 mph | 127 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.8 sec | 14.7 sec |
| Weight | 2,072 lbs | 2,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,330 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 3,920 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 6,419 | 1,001 |
| Original MSRP | $4,800 | $4,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $80,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 8/10 |
Numbers favor the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1969 Lancia Fulvia HF 1600 offers lighter weight, better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
The rivalry between Italy and USA automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1969 Lancia Fulvia HF 1600 versus 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer holds a clear advantage in raw power with 306 hp compared to 132 hp, a 174-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Lancia Fulvia uses a V4 DOHC displacing 1,584 cc, while the Shelby GT350H relies on a V8 OHV 16V with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer edges ahead at 6.6 seconds versus 9.0 seconds. The Lancia Fulvia carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 728 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 1,001 units built, the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer is considerably scarcer than the Lancia Fulvia's 6,419 examples. On the collector market, the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer commands a significant premium over the 1969 Lancia Fulvia HF 1600, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.