USA vs USA — 1979 vs 2013
| Mustang GT 5.0 | Mustang Shelby GT500 (S197 II) | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 225 hp | 662 hp |
| Torque | 300 lb-ft | 631 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,942 cc | 5,812 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.8 sec | 3.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 145 mph | 200 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.0 sec | 11.6 sec |
| Weight | 3,100 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,549 mm | 2,720 mm |
| Length | 4,571 mm | 4,841 mm |
| Original MSRP | $13,270 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | $80,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1979 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 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 1979 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 225 hp, a 437-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Mustang uses a V8 OHV displacing 4,942 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 5.8 seconds. On the collector market, the 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 (S197 II) commands a significant premium over the 1979 Ford Mustang GT 5.0, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1979 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.