How Does the 2019 Mustang Bullitt Stack up to the Original?

How far has the Mustang Bullitt come in 51 years? Take a rare look at both of these legendary cars, side by side.

No matter how you slice it, 51 years is a long time. Especially in the automotive world, where mid-cycle refreshes occur every two turns of the calendar. Despite this, tradition and heritage is also a big thing in the world of cars. Just take the Mustang, for example. America’s pony car is a symbol of what makes this country so great. And its many iterations and special editions, like the Mustang Bullitt, each have their own unique story to tell.

The Mustang Bullitt didn’t even start life as a thing, but credit the legendary Steve McQueen flick for doing just that. Now, fans of the unmistakably Highland Green ride can once again buy a Bullitt straight from Ford, just in time for the rediscovery of the movie car. All of which got The Fast Lane Car wondering. How do these two, very different versions of the Mustang Bullitt stack up?

Despite their obvious differences, on the exterior, these two models share several similarities. Including, of course, that Dark Highland Green paint. Though the 2019 Mustang Bullitt is also available in Shadow Black. Like the original, you won’t find a pony badge in the black painted grille, and there’s even a chrome grille surround trim piece. The hood sports a pair of vents that are a nod toward the original. And though the wheels aren’t satin grey Torq Thrusts, they are five spokes with a machined lip, at least.

You won’t find many similarities on the inside, where the new Bullitt features a much more plush interior than the original. It also has brushed aluminum on the dash and a cool, cue ball-style shift knob. And with a GT350 exhaust manifold, bigger throttle body, and high-flow airbox, the new Mustang Bullitt is most certainly more powerful than the old one.

Sure, we didn’t expect these two cars to be that much alike. But comparing the two is an experience we’re lucky to be able to do, given the fact that we nearly lost the original forever.

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Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.

He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.