USA vs USA — 1965 vs 2020
| Mustang Convertible | Mustang Shelby GT500 5.2L Predator V8 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 200 hp | 760 hp |
| Torque | 282 lb-ft | 625 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,736 cc | 5,163 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 9.5 sec | 3.3 sec |
| Top Speed | 115 mph | 180 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 17.0 sec | 10.7 sec |
| Weight | 2,600 lbs | 4,225 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,720 mm |
| Length | 4,613 mm | 4,808 mm |
| Units Produced | 101,945 | — |
| Original MSRP | $2,614 | $72,900 |
| Value (Excellent) | $55,000 | $120,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 4/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible brings lighter weight, better value to the table, and the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 5.2L Predator V8 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 1965 and 2020 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 5.2L Predator V8 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 760 hp compared to 200 hp, a 560-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Mustang uses a V8 OHV displacing 4,736 cc, while the Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 relies on a V8 DOHC 32V supercharged cross-plane crank with 5,163 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 5.2L Predator V8 edges ahead at 3.3 seconds versus 9.5 seconds. The Ford Mustang carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 1625 lbs lighter. On the collector market, the 2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 5.2L Predator V8 commands a significant premium over the 1965 Ford Mustang Convertible, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.