USA vs USA — 1971 vs 2013
| Mustang Mach 1 | Mustang Shelby GT500 (S197 II) | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 662 hp |
| Torque | 360 lb-ft | 631 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,752 cc | 5,812 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5 sec | 3.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 122 mph | 200 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.6 sec | 11.6 sec |
| Weight | 3,450 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,794 mm | 2,720 mm |
| Length | 4,893 mm | 4,841 mm |
| Units Produced | 36,499 | — |
| Original MSRP | $3,268 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $75,000 | $80,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 brings stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (S197 II) answers with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. 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 1971 and 2013 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (S197 II) holds a clear advantage in raw power with 662 hp compared to 285 hp, a 377-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Mustang uses a V8 OHV displacing 5,752 cc, while the Ford Mustang relies on a V8 DOHC 32V Supercharged with 5,812 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (S197 II) edges ahead at 3.5 seconds versus 6.5 seconds. On the collector market, the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (S197 II) commands a significant premium over the 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.