USA vs USA — 1965 vs 1968
| Mustang Hardtop | Mustang GT/CS (California Special) | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 101 hp | 230 hp |
| Torque | 140 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 2,786 cc | 4,949 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 14.2 sec | 8.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 95 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 19.5 sec | 16.2 sec |
| Weight | 2,399 lbs | 3,000 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 4,613 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 680,989 | 4,118 |
| Original MSRP | $2,368 | $3,100 |
| Value (Excellent) | $35,000 | $95,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 2/10 | 8/10 |
Numbers favor the 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS (California Special) with more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed. The 1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop offers lighter weight, better value, 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 1965 and 1968 iterations represent different chapters in this storied nameplate's history, each reflecting the priorities and technologies of its era. The 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS (California Special) holds a clear advantage in raw power with 230 hp compared to 101 hp, a 129-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 OHV with 4,949 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS (California Special) edges ahead at 8.5 seconds versus 14.2 seconds. The Ford Mustang carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 601 lbs lighter. 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 680,989 examples. On the collector market, the 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS (California Special) commands a significant premium over the 1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.