Classic Mustang Owner Is New Mustang’s Toughest Critic

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Will styling and performance be enough to win over Mach 1 owner Gareth Ainsworth?

When it comes to new cars, retro seems to be a common theme with new styling. Even though the proportions have changed for safety — of both the driver and pedestrians — visual cues from the past are thrown at new cars in an attempt to go back to the glory days.

Now, we aren’t complaining about the new S550, as it sets a new world-wide path for the Mustang. But how does it compare to an old one? Well, ask someone who owns one! Gareth Ainsworth owns a vintage Mach 1, and he drives it back-to-back against the new 5.0 in the video above.

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Features like line-lock are a bit different, and the steering wheel might be on the other side, but if you live in Britain, your affinity for Mustangs likely lies with something else. Those retro cues become slightly more important overseas, where the Mustang has been a bit of a reach for some, if only because it was never sold there before.

Admiration for the Mustang is universal, regardless of the accent, and the new 5.0 still does the lurid burnouts you’d expect. Gareth, the 5.0’s ultimate critic, is nearly convinced enough to buy a new one. All it takes is another open spot in the stable.

Patrick Morgan is an instructor at Chicago's Autobahn Country Club and contributes to a number of Auto sites, including MB World, Honda Tech, and 6SpeedOnline. Keep up with his latest racing and road adventures on Twitter and Instagram!


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