USA vs USA — 1971 vs 1967
| Mustang Mach 1 | GT500 428 Cobra Jet | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 335 hp |
| Torque | 360 lb-ft | 440 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,752 cc | 7,014 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5 sec | 5.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 122 mph | 135 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.6 sec | 13.5 sec |
| Weight | 3,450 lbs | 3,400 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,794 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 4,893 mm | 4,673 mm |
| Units Produced | 36,499 | 2,048 |
| Original MSRP | $3,268 | $4,317 |
| Value (Excellent) | $75,000 | $300,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 10/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 7/10 |
The 1967 Shelby GT500 428 Cobra Jet emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 counters with 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.
Among Muscle Car enthusiasts, the matchup between the 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 and 1967 Shelby GT500 428 Cobra Jet is one for the ages. These Muscle era machines competed directly for buyers' attention and continue to vie for collectors' affections today. The 1967 Shelby GT500 428 Cobra Jet holds a clear advantage in raw power with 335 hp compared to 285 hp, a 50-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Mustang uses a V8 OHV displacing 5,752 cc, while the Shelby GT500 relies on a V8 OHV (Ford 428 Cobra Jet) with 7,014 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1967 Shelby GT500 428 Cobra Jet edges ahead at 5.5 seconds versus 6.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 2,048 units built, the 1967 Shelby GT500 428 Cobra Jet is considerably scarcer than the Ford Mustang's 36,499 examples. On the collector market, the 1967 Shelby GT500 428 Cobra Jet commands a significant premium over the 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1967 Shelby GT500 428 Cobra Jet rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.