USA vs USA — 1968 vs 1989
| Mustang GT/CS (California Special) | Mustang LX 5.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 230 hp | 225 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,949 cc | 4,942 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 8.5 sec | 5.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 140 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 16.2 sec | 14.1 sec |
| Weight | 3,000 lbs | 3,100 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,565 mm |
| Length | 4,613 mm | 4,567 mm |
| Units Produced | 4,118 | 209,842 |
| Original MSRP | $3,100 | $11,799 |
| Value (Excellent) | $95,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 4/10 |
The 1989 Ford Mustang LX 5.0 emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, better value. The 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS (California Special) counters with greater rarity, 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 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS (California Special) with the 1989 Ford Mustang LX 5.0 reveals how Ford refined and reimagined one of its most important nameplates over the years. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS (California Special) producing 230 hp and the 1989 Ford Mustang LX 5.0 delivering 225 hp. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1989 Ford Mustang LX 5.0 edges ahead at 5.8 seconds versus 8.5 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 4,118 units built, the 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS (California Special) is considerably scarcer than the Ford Mustang's 209,842 examples. On the collector market, the 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS (California Special) commands a significant premium over the 1989 Ford Mustang LX 5.0, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.