ORIGINAL: THUMPIN455

Cant compare horsepower ratings from pre 1972 with post 1972. The standard was changed that year, and even engines that were the same as the year before were rated considerably less. So 200 hp in 66 isnt the same as 200 hp in 96 or 06.

If rated the old way, the new engines would be far and above what the old ones were. Imagine if you will, the 390hp 04 Cobra 4.6 rated the old way, it would be 450+ or possibly to 500. And the latest ZO6 LS7 engine would really be impressive since its rated at 500 right now. As it is, the new ratings are more real world and dyno technology has improved greatly.

Most stone stock 289 Mustangs and Cougars with the 2v would run a mid 16 in the quarter. A 4v would run in the mid to high 15s. The new V6 will run mid 15s as well but the new car is a bit faster than the old ones were stone stock.

Make some mods to both, and the potential of the older car, less expensive parts, and easy or modification/repair and the classic wins for a modded ride.. vs a V6 anyway. A Cobra is another story, but for the price of an 03-04, even these days used, is still more than enough to sink into a 67 coupe or fastback and absolutely waste the blown cobra.

Take a 289 car with a perfomer intake, 600-650 holley, a mild cam, 3.50 gears, headers and 2.5" dual exhaust vs a stock or even a V6 with CAI on it, and the 289 will win. Add a set of TFS or AFR heads to it, a 2500 stall and you can go stomp on some LS1s.. as long as they are stock.. mess with a stalled, full bolt on LS1 and you better be in the 11s..