USA vs Italy — 1965 vs 1967
| Cobra 427 | Mangusta | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 425 hp | 230 hp |
| Torque | 480 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 6,997 cc | 4,728 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 4.2 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 165 mph | — |
| ¼ Mile | 12.2 sec | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,286 mm | 2,500 mm |
| Length | 3,962 mm | 4,330 mm |
| Units Produced | 348 | 401 |
| Value (Excellent) | $4,000,000 | $400,000 |
| Collectibility | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 10/10 | 10/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 brings more power to the table, and the 1967 De Tomaso Mangusta answers with better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between USA and Italy automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 versus 1967 De Tomaso Mangusta is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 425 hp compared to 230 hp, a 195-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Shelby Cobra uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 6,997 cc, while the De Tomaso Mangusta relies on a V8 with 4,728 cc. On the collector market, the 1965 Shelby Cobra 427 commands a significant premium over the 1967 De Tomaso Mangusta, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.