USA vs USA — 1969 vs 2003
| Mustang 428 Cobra Jet | Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 335 hp | 390 hp |
| Torque | 427 lb-ft | 390 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 7,014 cc | 4,601 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.5 sec | 4.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 129 mph | 157 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 13.5 sec | 12.8 sec |
| Weight | 3,450 lbs | 3,607 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,573 mm |
| Length | 4,775 mm | 4,652 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 13,476 |
| Original MSRP | $3,561 | $34,750 |
| Value (Excellent) | $175,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 7/10 | 5/10 |
Numbers favor the 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1969 Ford Mustang 428 Cobra Jet offers stronger collectibility, 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 1969 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 335 hp, a 55-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Mustang uses a V8 OHV (FE big-block) displacing 7,014 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 5.5 seconds. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.