USA vs USA — 1965 vs 2012
| Mustang Hardtop | Mustang Shelby GT500 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 101 hp | 662 hp |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft | 631 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,786 cc | 5,812 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 14.2 sec | 3.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 95 mph | 202 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 19.5 sec | 11.6 sec |
| Weight | 2,399 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,720 mm |
| Length | 4,613 mm | 4,825 mm |
| Units Produced | 680,989 | — |
| Original MSRP | $2,368 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | $75,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 2/10 | 4/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop brings stronger collectibility, better value to the table, and the 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 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 2012 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 662 hp compared to 101 hp, a 561-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Mustang uses a Inline-6 OHV displacing 2,786 cc, while the Ford Mustang relies on a V8 DOHC 32V Supercharged with 5,812 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 edges ahead at 3.5 seconds versus 14.2 seconds. On the collector market, the 2012 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 commands a significant premium over the 1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.