USA vs USA — 1963 vs 1963
| Corvette C2 Sting Ray Coupe | Cobra 289 FIA Roadster | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 360 hp | 271 hp |
| Torque | 352 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,359 cc | 4,727 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.6 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 143 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.1 sec | 13.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,050 lbs | 2,150 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,489 mm | 2,286 mm |
| Length | 4,445 mm | 3,835 mm |
| Units Produced | 117,964 | 654 |
| Original MSRP | $4,252 | $5,995 |
| Value (Excellent) | $250,000 | $2,500,000 |
| Collectibility | 10/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 9/10 |
The 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight. The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray Coupe counters with more power, better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Among Sports Car enthusiasts, the matchup between the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray Coupe and 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster is one for the ages. These Muscle era machines competed directly for buyers' attention and continue to vie for collectors' affections today. The 1963 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray Coupe holds a clear advantage in raw power with 360 hp compared to 271 hp, a 89-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Chevrolet Corvette uses a V8 OHV (small-block) displacing 5,359 cc, while the Shelby Cobra 289 relies on a V8 OHV with 4,727 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 5.6 seconds. The Shelby Cobra 289 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 900 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 654 units built, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster is considerably scarcer than the Chevrolet Corvette's 117,964 examples. On the collector market, the 1963 Shelby Cobra 289 FIA Roadster commands a significant premium over the 1963 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Sting Ray Coupe, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.