Elvis Presley vs. Richard Petty: A tale of two Kings

America is not a monarchy, thankfully, but through its long and storied history, America has had two kings: Elvis Presley, the King of Rock 'n' Roll, who should have turned 81 today; and Richard Petty, aka "The King", who thankfully is still going strong at age 78.

Here's how America's two kings measure up in five key metrics:

RECORDS -- Petty won 200 races, including 27 in a season and 10 in a row in 1967. Those records almost surely will never be broken. He's also tied with the late Dale Earnhardt for most NASCAR championships with seven.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America, Elvis earned 90 gold, 52 platinum and 25 multi-platinum albums. All told, the RIAA says Elvis sold 135.5 million albums in the United States, second only in history to the Beatles.

Advantage: Even.

MOVIES -- According to IMDB, Petty has appeared in more than 40 films and television shows, including 1964's "Thunder In Dixie" and the Tom Cruise hit "Days of Thunder" from 1990. In 2006, Petty played a minor, but heartfelt role as "The King" in "Cars," a huge critical and commercial success.

IMDB's website shows 488 soundtrack credits and more than 30 movie roles for Elvis. During his later years, Elvis was in a lot of crappy flicks, but early movies like "King Creole," "Follow That Dream" and "Blue Hawaii" have held up well.

Advantage: Elvis.

PRESIDENTS -- Elvis went to the White House to meet Richard Nixon on Dec. 21, 1970. "I'm on your side," Elvis told Nixon, adding that he had been studying up on the culture of drugs and Communist brainwashing. Elvis then asked Nixon if he could have a badge from the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, which he was given.

President Ronald Reagan flew to Daytona International Speedway for the 1984 Firecracker 400, which turned out to be Petty's 200th and final race victory. Afterwards, Petty, a lifelong Republican, met President Reagan in the press box.

Advantage: Petty, by a landslide.

COOLEST CAR -- Petty's winged 1970 Plymouth Superbird was one of most badass cars in the entire history of NASCAR. And how many guys have a color named after them?

Elvis was a Cadillac man most of his life, but he also owned a pimpalicious 1973 Stutz Blackhawk.

Advantage: Petty.

CLOTHING -- Elvis wore crazy flamboyant outfits when he performed, with wide bell bottoms, huge collars and lots of sequins.

King Richard wears Charlie One Horse cowboy hats and Spy sunglasses. His cool factor is still off the charts.

Advantage: Petty.