The Mustang Mach 1 Has 3 Advantages Over the Shelby GT350
Ford discontinued the Shelby GT350 in 2020 to a tirade of displeased Mustang and Shelby fans. However, the gap in the lineup was short-lived, as Ford unveiled a rebirth of the famous “Mach 1” badge. Although it isn’t a Shelby in name, the Mustang Mach 1 borrows many track-day components that make it a sharp instrument on the circuit. Here are three advantages of the new Mach 1 over the Shelby GT350, depending on what you’re looking for in a track-friendly pony car.
Is a Shelby GT350 fast?
The Tremec six-speed manual-equipped Shelby GT350 is a quick car with excellent track-day credentials. With its flat-plane-crank 5.2L Voodoo V8 engine, the GT350 could rev all the way up to 8,250 rpm, much higher than the comparable Mustang Mach 1. In MotorTrend’s testing, the 2019 Shelby GT350 hit 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds on the way to a 12.3-second quarter mile. The manual-equipped Mach 1, in comparison, required 4.2 seconds to 60 mph before hitting a 12.6-second quarter mile.
However, the Mach 1 has an acceleration advantage that the Shelby simply doesn’t offer. The newer Mustang model offers a 10-speed automatic transmission, which the Shelby doesn’t. As a result, Hagerty coaxed the automatic-equipped Mach 1 to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds. Of course, you’ll be trading in the driver’s car experience of a traditional three-pedal setup.
Does the Ford Mustang Mach 1 have an automatic transmission?
The second advantage that the Ford Mustang Mach 1 offers is the availability of a 10-speed automatic transmission. While buying a track-ready Mustang with an automatic transmission may seem silly, the auto is faster and more fuel efficient than the manual. Of course, you’ll be overlooking a great manual transmission offering.
However, it’s not limited to an automatic. The track-ready Mustang also offers the Tremec six-speed manual transmission from the Shelby GT350, which many enthusiasts say is a quantum leap beyond the six-speed Getrag MT82.
How much is Ford Mustang Mach 1 worth?
The 2022 Ford Mustang Mach 1 has a starting price of $56,665. That puts it in the same performance bracket as the Nissan Z Performance and Toyota GR Supra 3.0. It’s also cheaper than the original starting price for the Shelby GT350. According to TrueCar, the 2020 GT350 had a starting price tag of around $60,335.
Also, the Mach 1, since it’s newer, will more than likely carry an intact warranty. Furthermore, the GT350 is something of a collectible now, meaning prices are typically higher than $60,000 for a low mileage example. Of course, the Shelby is likely to remain more collectible than the Mach 1, so it might be worth the extra money.
Which one should you buy?
If you want a track-ready Mustang that sounds unlike any other Mustang, buy the GT350. Further, with the same Tremec six-speed, the Shelby is faster and revs higher. However, if you want the fastest of the group, the automatic-equipped Mustang Mach 1 is for you. Scroll down to the following article to read more about Ford Mustangs!
