USA vs USA — 1966 vs 1965
| GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer | Cobra Daytona Coupe | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 306 hp | 390 hp |
| Torque | 329 lb-ft | 340 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,736 cc | 4,727 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.6 sec | 4.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 127 mph | 190 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.7 sec | 12.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,800 lbs | 2,300 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,286 mm |
| Length | 4,613 mm | 4,140 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,001 | 6 |
| Original MSRP | $4,547 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $450,000 | $50,000,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 10/10 |
The 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer counters with 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.
The 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer and 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe share a manufacturer in Shelby, but that's where the similarities get interesting. These two models reveal the versatility and ambition of the Shelby brand. The 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe holds a clear advantage in raw power with 390 hp compared to 306 hp, a 84-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe edges ahead at 4.5 seconds versus 6.6 seconds. The Shelby Cobra Daytona carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 500 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 6 units built, the 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe is considerably scarcer than the Shelby GT350H's 1,001 examples. On the collector market, the 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe commands a significant premium over the 1966 Shelby GT350H Hertz Rent-A-Racer, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.