GIZMOTOO

I am one of the older guys who is a Mustang fanatic. The 2005 GT was a must have vehicle based on its clean retro look, performance, and modern technology. My only other Mustang, which was also special ordered from the factory, was a 1970 Boss 302. It was highly optioned. For those of you who don't know or remember, the items listed below were optional on the 1970 Boss 302. All are standard on a 2005 GT Deluxe.

(1) Power steering
(2) Positraction (actually called traction-lok)
(3) One piece mag type wheels (i.e., Magnum 500 chrome wheels). Hub caps and trim rings were std.
(4) Rear spoiler
(5) Tachometer which also included a trip odometer
(6) Console
(7) Fold down rear seat.
(8) Radio (AM, AM with 8 track tape, or AM/FM Stereo were the options)
(9) Tinted windows, although back window or backlite only was tinted on all cars.
(10) Intermittant wipers
(11) Tilt steering wheel

Now a question. My recollection is that a factory stock 1970 boss 302 with the standard wide ratio four speed, 3.50 rear end, and polyglas F60-15 tires had a quarter mile top speed of approximately 92 MPH. I assume this would equate with an E.T. in the mid fourteen second range. Does anyone remember if this is correct. In a related note, I believe the 05 GT is quicker to 60 MPH than the 1970 Bosss 302. Is this also correct ?

97svtgoin05gt

This thing will be moved shortly, but I believe this car is better in every way. As cool as the '70 was, it was a blatant rattle trap compared to this car. Considering the SN-95s were rattle traps compared to this car, the 70 will pale in comparison.

As much legacy? No. As much and more every way else? Yes.

BLAKE

I think it's an apples-oranges issue. The boss 302 is a very limited edition sport model that will always have a mystique around it.

By what terms do you measure "better"?
Price? -> the Boss will ALWAYS be worth more money.
Performance? -> the 05 benefits from 40 years of improvement in engineering. It had better perform.
Style? -> way too subjective to make a ruling on. Impossible to measure.
Safety? -> surely the Boss doesn't have a chance in this category.

I'd rather have a Boss 302 to cruise, but I'd rather have an 05 to brave the commute. Again, depends on the parameters.

ZRX4ME

I had always heard that a stock boss 302 was a very low 15 sec car.

OLTIMER

You're right Gizmotoo. The '05 Gt is a better car in every way. I know that we are all smitten with the muscle cars of the '60s and I would certainly love to own one. However in most instances the '05 Gt is faster than the stock Mustangs of the '60s. If you get the Speedchannel be on the Lookout for an episode of Dream Car Garage called Muscle Car Shootout. They tested about 8 cars ( Boss 429 included ). If I remember accurately the 4 speed manual ran 13.70 in the quarter. I personally drove a brand new '66 Shelby Gt 350 H( auto trans ) and I know the 05 Gt is quicker. So those of us who own an 05 should all be thankful to have such a great car . All the modern Amenities with acceleration to match or better many cars from a bygone era.

Thunder Road

The Boss 302 ran high 14s in the 1/4, 0-60 in the 5.8s range. Keep in mind that tires esp and suspensions in 69 are way inferior to todays tires and suspension. Also remember the Boss 302 was a racing engine, only put in the Mustang to legalize them for Trans Am racing. They had HUGE ports and valves and didnt really start making good power till around 4000 rpm. Not the best situation for a street car. They were rated at 290 hp(because insurance companys penalized for over 300 hp) though probably put out caround 350-365. Also keep in mind that hp in those days was Brake HP not net like todays. Net HP is a higher rating.
The Boss 302 came std with your choice of a wide or close ratio 4 spd. Std rear gears were indeed 3.5 with 3.9 or 4.30s available as an option.
As there were less than 9000 made its a very valuable in the market today.

For the record the Boss 429 ran very high 13s, and was severly limited on traction. You could spin the wheel sall the way through the 1/4.

1 COBRA

I would take the '05 after all the kinks are worked out any day. I would do the same in a similar Vette comparison.

future9er24

ManEHawke

Very hard to judge.
If I had 25k and there was a Boss 302 and 05 Mustang GT, I would take the boss.
Performace wise the 05 has the upperhand in every level including more reliable fun. (carving corners is a very fun thing to do)

Dan

You can't be modern technology and design. The old ones are classics, sound great and are amazing to look at but as far as driveability, enjoyment and performance, you can't beat the new car.

jgsmuzzy

when the S197 is common everywhere, who is going to see you, drive a Boss 302 around and you will stop traffic.

Yes a 2005 model is going to be better engineered, safer, more fuel efficient, quieter, all those things. No one would be buying the new mustang if it was still the same as a 1970 car.

Evil_Capri

I'd take the Boss 302 . . .

78Mach1

70 Boss or 05 GT? Both in same condition? Stupid question!!! Boss anyday, it is worth more to begin with and will only increase in value while the GT will be depreciating for the next 25 years!

78Mach1

I will pick up your 05 GT in 20 years for a few hundred dollars and sell my Boss to buy a new house!

Fordracing200

Exactly, the 70 hands down

FoMoCo Jeppe

70 boss... no doubt.. the 05 is a nice car but.. to much plastic.. haha my spelling sux..