USA vs USA — 1965 vs 1984
| Mustang Fastback 2+2 | Mustang SVO 2.3 Turbo | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 225 hp | 205 hp |
| Torque | 312 lb-ft | 240 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,736 cc | 2,301 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 sec | 7.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 120 mph | 138 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.9 sec | 15.5 sec |
| Weight | 2,549 lbs | 2,899 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,552 mm |
| Length | 4,613 mm | 4,541 mm |
| Units Produced | 77,179 | 9,844 |
| Original MSRP | $2,589 | $15,596 |
| Value (Excellent) | $60,000 | $45,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 7/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback 2+2 brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1984 Ford Mustang SVO 2.3 Turbo answers with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, greater rarity. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Ford Mustang. The 1965 and 1984 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback 2+2 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 225 hp compared to 205 hp, a 20-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Mustang uses a V8 OHV displacing 4,736 cc, while the Ford Mustang SVO relies on a Inline-4 SOHC 8V Turbocharged with 2,301 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1984 Ford Mustang SVO 2.3 Turbo edges ahead at 7.5 seconds versus 8.0 seconds. The Ford Mustang carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 350 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 9,844 units built, the 1984 Ford Mustang SVO 2.3 Turbo is considerably scarcer than the Ford Mustang's 77,179 examples. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.