The Ford Mustang has enjoyed many different generations and special editions. However, one of the often-overlooked champions of equine evolution is the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator. However, while the Terminator was a standout when it came out, how does it hold up to other pony cars? Is the supercharged steed up to the task of running with newer Mustangs?

Is the Terminator supercharged?

The Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator from 2003 and 2004 packed supercharged V8 power to catapult the New Edge SN-95 platform to new heights. Specifically, the Terminator uses a 4.6L DOHC V8 with an Eaton M112 supercharger to swell power figures up to nearly 400 horsepower. In the early 2000s, you’d have to look to a Chevrolet Corvette Z06 and its 405 ponies to compete. 

How much HP does a Terminator Cobra make?

The 2003 and 2004 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator produces 390 horsepower. However, many fans and self-describing muscle car historians say the figure was closer to 420 horsepower. As a result, the Terminator hit 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.5 seconds in Car and Driver’s testing. That’s as fast as a pre-facelift S550 Ford Mustang GT and the final S197-era GT, both of which pack 5.0L Coyote V8 power from a more modern age. 

Moreover, the Terminator isn’t far off from the pace of the venerable Boss 302 from 2012. The Boss 302 will clear the quarter mile in about 12.8 seconds, compared to the Cobra Terminator’s 12.9 seconds. Not too shabby for a car with nearly 20 years under its belt and less horsepower than all of these newer pony cars.  

How much is a 2003 Terminator Cobra worth?

If you want one of the Blue Oval’s hidden pony car gems, Kelley Blue Book (KBB) says a 2003 Cobra Terminator is worth about $17,915 with average mileage. However, a lower-mileage example with around 50,000 miles on the odometer has a value closer to $26,607. Of course, a cursory internet search will reveal that, depending on your location and its mileage, a Terminator can sell for well over $30,000. 

Moreover, potential owners who want a 2004 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator will have to part with a little more. Specifically, a 2004 example with average mileage has a fair purchase price of around $19,085. However, getting your hands on one of the fabled Mystichrome Cobras might require some magic. 

How fast is a supercharged Mustang?

The SVT Cobra Terminator is one of the marque’s first mainstream Mustangs with a supercharger, and it was swift enough to blast to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. However, other supercharged Mustangs since then have been even faster. For instance, the S197-generation 2013 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500 will smash a sprint to 60 mph in around 3.5 seconds. However, the Terminator is quick enough to go toe-to-toe with some of the fastest naturally aspirated Mustangs of the last 10 years. 

What do you think of the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra Terminator? Tell us in the comments below!