USA vs USA — 1965 vs 2003
| Mustang Hardtop | Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 101 hp | 390 hp |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft | 390 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,786 cc | 4,601 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 14.2 sec | 4.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 95 mph | 157 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 19.5 sec | 12.8 sec |
| Weight | 2,399 lbs | 3,607 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,573 mm |
| Length | 4,613 mm | 4,652 mm |
| Units Produced | 680,989 | 13,476 |
| Original MSRP | $2,368 | $34,750 |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 2/10 | 5/10 |
The 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop counters with lighter weight, better value, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
The Ford Mustang lineage tells a fascinating story of automotive evolution. Comparing the 1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop with the 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator reveals how Ford refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. The 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator holds a clear advantage in raw power with 390 hp compared to 101 hp, a 289-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Mustang uses a Inline-6 OHV displacing 2,786 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 14.2 seconds. The Ford Mustang carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1208 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 680,989 examples. On the collector market, the 2003 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator commands a significant premium over the 1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.