USA vs USA — 1971 vs 1979
| Mustang Mach 1 | Mustang GT 5.0 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 225 hp |
| Torque | 360 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,752 cc | 4,942 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5 sec | 5.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 122 mph | 145 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.6 sec | 14.0 sec |
| Weight | 3,450 lbs | 3,100 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,794 mm | 2,549 mm |
| Length | 4,893 mm | 4,571 mm |
| Units Produced | 36,499 | — |
| Original MSRP | $3,268 | $13,270 |
| Value (Excellent) | $75,000 | $35,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 3/10 |
Numbers favor the 1979 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 with quicker acceleration, higher top speed, lighter weight. The 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 offers more power, and has its own devoted following. For those who let their heart decide, either car delivers a rewarding ownership experience.
Few model names carry as much weight as the Ford Mustang. The 1971 and 1979 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 285 hp compared to 225 hp, a 60-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. 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 350 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.