USA vs USA — 1965 vs 2003
| Mustang Convertible | Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 390 hp |
| Torque | 282 lb-ft | 390 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,736 cc | 4,601 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 sec | 4.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 157 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.0 sec | 12.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,600 lbs | 3,607 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,573 mm |
| Length | 4,613 mm | 4,652 mm |
| Units Produced | 101,945 | 13,476 |
| Original MSRP | $2,614 | $34,750 |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 5/10 |
Numbers favor the 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible offers lighter weight, better value, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Ford Mustang. The 1965 and 2003 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator holds a clear advantage in raw power with 390 hp compared to 200 hp, a 190-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 SVT Cobra relies on a V8 DOHC 32V Supercharged with 4,601 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator edges ahead at 4.5 seconds versus 9.5 seconds. The Ford Mustang carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1007 lbs lighter. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 13,476 units built, the 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator is considerably scarcer than the Ford Mustang's 101,945 examples.