First launched in 1969 and last used in 2004, Ford revived the Mach 1 nameplate in 2021 as a track special after its 17-year hiatus. Coming with an elongated hood and a fastback roofline, it also includes retro-styled cues like faux fog lights, the classic Mustang grille, and prancing pony badges which point to its roots and set it apart from all the other Mustangs. Aimed at filling the space left by the outgoing Mustang Bullitt coupe and the highly coveted Shelby GT350, the Mustang Mach 1 has proved to be a worthy successor.Though fractionally slower and marginally less powerful, the Mach 1 matches the track performance and handling of the GT350. In fact, it is the most track capable Mustang south of the GT500. Other things that make the Mach 1 stand out are its bleeding-edge tech features, its accessibility, and appeal to a wider audience. Not meant for the purists, it's a Mustang that can act as a daily driver but still be a beast on the track where it attacks corners like the GT350.Without further ado, let's dive into the 10 reasons why we prefer the new Ford Mustang Mach 1 over the Shelby GT350
10 Cheaper Than The Shelby GT350
The 2021 Mustang Mach 1 starts at $52,720 while the 2019 Shelby GT350 started at $60,745. Even with the $3500 Handling Pack, a massive upgrade that transforms the Mach 1 into a more track-capable 'Stang, it still ends up cheaper.
That makes Mach 1 the more affordable option for people looking to buy a Mustang that's a serious upgrade over the standard GT. And with Mustang Bullitt Coupe and Shelby GT350 retired, it's the only option for those wanting a new and shiny performance Mustang but can't afford the Shelby GT500.
9 Much Prettier Wheels
The 2021 Mach 1 (with Handling Pack) brings much prettier wheels with a layered split-spoke design. The nice-looking rims are actually inspired by a bird's nest. With a stacked 3D effect and tarnished dark paint, they look much better than the Shelby GT350's carbon-fiber wheels, not to mention that they're a lot more practical for everyday use. For even more grip, these intricate rollers come wrapped in sticky and wider Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 radials.
It's not all about the looks, though. Sure, they are one inch wider than the base wheels, but each is still 2 lbs lighter (use cast aluminum). Lighter wheels improve track performance because they represent unsprung weight and rotational mass, which helps put more horsepower on the road and improve handling.
8 Aggressive Aerodynamic Bits Make The Mach 1 Pop A Bit More
The much-revised aerodynamics of the Mach 1 offer better stability at high speeds and also bring high levels of cornering ability. Add the Handling Pack and the Mach 1 turns into a different monster. The Pack brings a form that makes the car pop a bit more than the Shelby GT350 and also function that matches its track performance and handling.
Notable additions include front-wheel lip moldings and an aggressive front splitter that spans across the lower front, helping the Mach 1 tires stick to the ground around fast corners. In addition, it comes fitted with a rear spoiler with a Gurney flap from the GT500. Overall, the Handling Pack brings a 150% improvement over the Mustang GT.
7 Its No-Lift Shift & Auto Rev-Matching Technology
No-lift shifting and auto rev-matching make the manual Mach 1 more fun for the non-pros. While rev-matching was made available in the GT350, it's only in the 2019 model. This feature mostly comes in handy for drivers who don't know how to heel-and-toe.
Moving to the No-Lift-Shift feature, a driver doesn't need to lift his foot during rapid-fire upshifts in the Mach 1 because the revs are automatically restricted from going up. It helps in achieving quicker shifts and reducing power loss. On the flip side, during upshifts in the GT350, drivers have to lift their foot off the gas when changing gears as constant full-throttle power application can damage components.
6 It's More Comfortable
The Shelby GT350 is a hardcore, track-dedicated car that sacrifices some creature comforts found on regular Mustangs. Not the Mach 1; on the inside, it's track-focused but not track-dedicated. It comes with the more comfortable seats from the regular GT, a heated steering wheel wrapped in Alcantara, and even its shifter leans more on aesthetics than a performance-oriented look.
While the GT350 is the better option for the track, the Mach 1 is the better option for a great touring experience.
5 Better Fuel-Efficiency
Using its lower displacement 5.0-liter dual-overhead V8, the 2021 Mustang Mach 1 achieves a better average EPA rating of 18 mpg. That's 15 mph around the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
The 2019 GT350 has an EPA fuel economy of 16 mpg on average, 14 mpg in city driving, and 21 mpg on the highway. Though it provides more ponies, the Shelby GT350 will add significant running costs in the long term. And because they have the same tank size, the Mach 1 will always cover a longer distance on a full tank.
4 It Has Better Low-End Torque
The biggest differences between the two cars are the engines. The GT350 had the highest revving engine of any road-going Mustang (8250 rpm) in 2019 that rewarded drivers who wanted to push it to the limit and unlock the 526 hp from its 5.2-liter V8 code-named Voodoo.
On the other hand, the 5,0-liter Coyote V8 (480 hp) in the Mustang Mach 1 has a lower redline but a higher low-end torque. With the better low-end torque, power comes early and is very useful when setting the best times on the track.
3 It Offers An Optional Automatic Transmission
Those looking for a purist setup in the 2021 Mach 1 will be happy with the Tremec 3160 6-speed manual transmission. Luckily, those who prefer to relax and let the gears shift themselves on long drives and in stop-go traffic get a 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission option with the Mach 1.
The automatic transmission makes it more accessible and easier to drive for most than the Shelby GT350. Manual transmissions are just not everyone's cup of tea.
2 A Better Daily Driver
The Shelby GT350 is made to be the best track toy for the Mustang crowd while the Mach is a true dual-use vehicle. After a weekend on the track, it can also be used as a daily driver without any inconveniences. Because the Mach 1 comes with Ford's latest adaptive magnetic dampers, it absorbs road bumps better than the 2019 GT350.
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The hardcore GT350 is a brutal, in-your-face, unapologetic track car. Owners have to keep another ride in their garage for daily use.
1 Has The Best Parts From The Shelby GT350 And The GT500
Most of the bits in the Mach 1 are sourced from the Shelby GT350 and the extreme high-performance GT500. The Tremec 6-speed manual transmission, parking lights, Michelin performance tires, engine intake manifold, oil filter adapter, and oil cooler were swiped from the GT350. The last three helped boost power from 460hp to 480hp.
Also, the Mach 1's exhaust, rear subframe, rear wing, and diffuser were snatched from the GT500 parts shelf. Sourcing the best parts resulted in a potent beast that’s a worthy replacement to the Shelby GT350. It's the best of both worlds.