Slideshow: Performance Mustangs- Then and Now
Is newer really better? Let's look at some of the top performing Mustangs of the past 50 years.
2018 Ford Mustang GT
1. Is the 2018 Ford Mustang GT the best overall performance version made in its 54 years of production? Some fans claim the older models are better. Here we take a ride down memory lane and look at the top previous Mustang models and how they compare to the latest offering.
1966 Ford Mustang GT350H (Hertz)
The Mustang was born in late 1964 and was introduced as a 1965 model. Mechanically it was nothing out of the ordinary, using many parts from the anemic Ford Falcon economy car. But with its long hood, bucket seats, and available four-on-the-floor transmission shifter hooked to a small V-8 engine (an inline six from the Falcon was standard), sales jumped from the estimated 100,000 to over a million into the second year.
The model that really put performance on the map was the 1966 Shelby GT350 consumers could drive from Hertz car rental. For only $17 a day and 17 cents a mile, you could rule the street with a GT "Stang", with its 306 horsepower V-8. The first 100 cars were made with the 4-speed manual gearbox, but due to customers burning out the clutch, the remaining 901 rentals produced came with a 3-speed automatic. Either way, the 0-60 time of about 6.5 seconds and a quarter mile of just over 15 seconds was considered quick back in the day ( but not now as a 2017 Nissan Altima with V-6 can beat it).
Eventually, Hertz sold off the GT350 cars. Realizing they were abused and trashed, most were sold as parts, and a few complete cars were rebuilt by enthusiasts. Very few survived, and can bring a nice price at auction.
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 429
It wasn't until the supercar craze in 1970 the Mustang reached its maximum performance image. Two models stand out, and are top for collectors today, starting with the BOSS 429. This is not a car Ford wanted to make, but NASCAR rules stated that in order for an engine to be used in stock car racing, at least 500 units had to be sold to the public. The Mustang as chosen to house the monster 429 engine, and got the BOSS label. It was actually introduced in the 1969 model year but was not refined in the second (and last) 1970 year. The engine was so big, a special shop had to do a custom fit, and even a minor spark plug change required the engine to be removed! Horsepower was listed at 375.
Performance figures are open to debate. In 100% stock form, the BOSS cars were not much quicker than Mustangs loaded with the 335 horsepower 428 Cobra jet. In factory trim, both were good for about 13.8 in the quarter mile. The Boss cars were just too heavy, rear traction was weak, and a factory limiter kept engine revs below 6,000 rpm. But by removing the limiter, re-jetting the carbs, using larger tires, and pouring racing fuel in the tank, some claimed quarter mile times of just under 13 seconds which is quick even by today's standards. But with no air conditioning, engine heat, poor handling, and gas mileage of 6 mpg in the city, not many sold. Finding one in original shape today can fetch a cool half million.
1970 Ford Mustang Boss 302
The most underrated performance Mustang of the 70's is the BOSS 302. This was a car you could drive on the street, and with a light small block engine, it could handle very well too. Power was supplied by a 302 cubic inch V-8 (5.0 liter) cranking 290 horsepower and hooked to a 4-speed manual tranny. Not only was the motor light, but the car was about 350 pounds lighter than the 428 Mustang. In stock form, the quarter mile was close to the 428 at about 14 seconds. But if ordered with auto locker 4:30 rear axle, smog gear removed, re-jetted carbs, and low tire pressures, some managed to down the quarter in 13.5 seconds. Unfortunately, so equipped, highway speed was limited to about 55 mph, and the 6-11 mpg fuel economy was not much better than the BOSS 429. Still, the overall price tag was reasonable at about $3,500 to $4,500 and was a blast to drive. This is more you can say about the redesigned 1971 BOSS Mustangs that grew in size, were packed with huge big block engines, and were clumsy to drive.
2018 Ford Mustang GT
This brings us to the new Mustang. To see how it compares, Ford sent us a brand new 2018 GT Premium loaded up with all the goodies. This included the new 10-speed automatic gearbox we have been waiting for. Total tab was just over $50,000. Adjusted for inflation, this isn't much more than the $6,000 customers paid for the BOSS 429 back in 1970. In fact, the base GT price of $36,000 is actually cheaper than the $3,500 1970 Mach 1 Mustang when you adjust for inflation and consider all the standard equipment we are getting in the newer 2018 models.
When matched with the 1970 Mustangs, there is no comparison. The newer car rides better, corners faster, brakes in shorter distances, has a nicer cabin with quality materials, and quicker. Oh yes, quicker! The horsepower rating is 460 using 93 octane fuel. Even with the weaker 91 octane, our 10-speed automatic car hit 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds, and a quarter in 12.9. There is NO Mustang from the 1965-2005 model years that can touch that. Let's not forget the great fuel economy, which was a real 24 mpg when cruising at 75 mph. The 1970 Mustang with 428 Cobra Jet engine was lucky to get 15mpg at the same speed.
We were also sent a 2017 Mustang with the 2.3-liter ECO-Boost 4-cylinder rated at 310 horsepower. It hit 0-60 in 6 seconds (factory claims 5.6) and quarter mile in 13.8. That matches the 1970 428 Cobra Jet! Add to that fuel economy of 30 mpg highway using premium blend.
The older Mustangs will always be in demand to collectors or those who want to relive their "olden days". They looked good and sounded great. But the new mustangs also look good, sound great, and are superior in every way. This is why we should look forward to another 54 years.
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