USA vs USA — 1971 vs 1968
| Mustang Mach 1 | Mustang GT/CS (California Special) | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 230 hp |
| Torque | 360 lb-ft | 310 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,752 cc | 4,949 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.5 sec | 8.5 sec |
| Top Speed | 122 mph | 115 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.6 sec | 16.2 sec |
| Weight | 3,450 lbs | 3,000 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,794 mm | 2,743 mm |
| Length | 4,893 mm | 4,613 mm |
| Units Produced | 36,499 | 4,118 |
| Original MSRP | $3,268 | $3,100 |
| Value (Excellent) | $75,000 | $95,000 |
| Collectibility | 7/10 | 8/10 |
| Rarity | 5/10 | 8/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 brings more power, quicker acceleration, higher top speed to the table, and the 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS (California Special) answers with lighter weight, greater rarity, stronger collectibility. 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 1971 and 1968 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 230 hp, a 55-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1 edges ahead at 6.5 seconds versus 8.5 seconds. The Ford Mustang carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 450 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 36,499 examples. On the collector market, the 1968 Ford Mustang GT/CS (California Special) commands a significant premium over the 1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity.