USA vs USA — 1965 vs 1979
| Mustang Fastback 2+2 | Mustang GT 5.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 225 hp | 225 hp |
| Torque | 312 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,736 cc | 4,942 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 sec | 5.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 120 mph | 145 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.9 sec | 14.0 sec |
| Weight | 2,549 lbs | 3,100 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,549 mm |
| Length | 4,613 mm | 4,571 mm |
| Units Produced | 77,179 | — |
| Original MSRP | $2,589 | $13,270 |
| Value (Excellent) | $60,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 3/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback 2+2 brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1979 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 answers with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, better value. 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 1965 and 1979 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1965 Ford Mustang Fastback 2+2 producing 225 hp and the 1979 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 delivering 225 hp. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1979 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 edges ahead at 5.8 seconds versus 8.0 seconds. The Ford Mustang carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 551 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.