USA vs USA — 1969 vs 1968
| Mustang Boss 302 | Javelin SST 390 | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 290 hp | 315 hp |
| Torque | 290 lb-ft | 425 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 4,949 cc | 6,391 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.9 sec | 6.8 sec |
| Top Speed | 127 mph | 125 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.6 sec | 14.8 sec |
| Weight | 3,233 lbs | 3,200 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,743 mm | 2,794 mm |
| Length | 4,775 mm | 4,877 mm |
| Units Produced | 8,641 | 56,462 |
| Original MSRP | $3,588 | $2,740 |
| Value (Excellent) | $200,000 | $45,000 |
| Collectibility | 9/10 | 7/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 brings higher top speed, greater rarity, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1968 AMC Javelin SST 390 answers with quicker acceleration, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
In the world of Pony Car cars, few comparisons generate as much discussion as the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 versus the 1968 AMC Javelin SST 390. Both hail from Muscle era and represent the pinnacle of their respective manufacturers' ambitions. The 1968 AMC Javelin SST 390 holds a clear advantage in raw power with 315 hp compared to 290 hp, a 25-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Ford Mustang uses a V8 OHV (canted valve) displacing 4,949 cc, while the AMC Javelin relies on a V8 OHV (AMC 390) with 6,391 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1968 AMC Javelin SST 390 edges ahead at 6.8 seconds versus 6.9 seconds. Rarity plays a significant role here — with only 8,641 units built, the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 is considerably scarcer than the AMC Javelin's 56,462 examples. On the collector market, the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 commands a significant premium over the 1968 AMC Javelin SST 390, reflecting differences in prestige and rarity. From a collectibility standpoint, the 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302 rates higher among enthusiasts and auction houses.