USA vs USA — 2003 vs 2020
| Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator | Mustang Shelby GT500 5.2L Predator V8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 390 hp | 760 hp |
| Torque | 390 lb-ft | 625 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,601 cc | 5,163 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 4.5 sec | 3.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 157 mph | 180 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 12.8 sec | 10.7 sec |
| Weight | 3,607 lbs | 4,225 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,573 mm | 2,720 mm |
| Length | 4,652 mm | 4,808 mm |
| Units Produced | 13,476 | — |
| Original MSRP | $34,750 | $72,900 |
| Value (Excellent) | $75,000 | $120,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator brings lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 5.2L Predator V8 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 SVT Cobra. The 2003 and 2020 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 5.2L Predator V8 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 760 hp compared to 390 hp, a 370-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra uses a V8 DOHC 32V Supercharged displacing 4,601 cc, while the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 relies on a V8 DOHC 32V supercharged cross-plane crank with 5,163 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 5.2L Predator V8 edges ahead at 3.3 seconds versus 4.5 seconds. The Ford Mustang SVT Cobra carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 618 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 5.2L Predator V8 commands a significant premium over the 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.