USA vs USA — 1979 vs 1964
| Mustang GT 5.0 | Mustang K-Code Hi-Performance | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 225 hp | 271 hp |
| Torque | 300 lb-ft | 314 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,942 cc | 4,736 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 5.8 sec | 6.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 145 mph | 130 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.0 sec | 14.8 sec |
| Weight | 3,100 lbs | 2,678 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,549 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 4,571 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | — | 7,273 |
| Original MSRP | $13,270 | $2,911 |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | $150,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 3/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1979 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 brings quicker acceleration, higher top speed, better value to the table, and the 1964 Ford Mustang K-Code Hi-Performance answers with more power, lighter weight, stronger collectibility. 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 1964 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1964 Ford Mustang K-Code Hi-Performance holds a clear advantage in raw power with 271 hp compared to 225 hp, a 46-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 OHV (solid lifter, high-performance) with 4,736 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1979 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 edges ahead at 5.8 seconds versus 6.5 seconds. The Ford Mustang carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 422 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 1964 Ford Mustang K-Code Hi-Performance commands a significant premium over the 1979 Ford Mustang GT 5.0, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1964 Ford Mustang K-Code Hi-Performance rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.