Germany vs USA — 1970 vs 1966
| GT 1900 | GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 102 hp | 306 hp |
| Torque | 112 lb-ft | 329 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 1,897 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 10.5 sec | 6.6 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 127 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.5 sec | 14.7 sec |
| Weight | — | 2,800 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,416 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 4,113 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 103,463 | 1,001 |
| Original MSRP | — | $4,547 |
| Value (Excellent) | $40,000 | $450,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 8/10 |
Numbers favor the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1970 Opel GT 1900 offers 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 Germany and USA automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1970 Opel GT 1900 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 102 hp, a 204-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Opel GT uses a Inline-4 OHV 8V displacing 1,897 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 10.5 seconds. 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 Opel GT's 103,463 examples. On the collector market, the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer commands a significant premium over the 1970 Opel GT 1900, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.