Chevrolet Corvette C5 / Ford Mustang GT S550

The Chevrolet Corvette C5 makes 349 horsepower and costs $20,000. The Ford Mustang GT S550 makes 435 horsepower and costs $47,500—a $27,500 price gap (58% cheaper for the C5) despite the Mustang having 86hp more power. Across 25 shared tracks with 150 unique comparison scenarios, the Mustang wins by 2.42 seconds overall, but when you filter the comparison data on this page for matched modifications and matched tire treadwear, the C5 wins 66.7% of battles with a 3.76-second average gap.

This is Chevrolet's fifth-generation Corvette (1997-2004) versus Ford's sixth-generation Mustang GT (2015-2021). The C5 weighs 3,246 lbs. The Mustang weighs 3,705 lbs—459 pounds heavier. The Mustang makes 86hp more power (435hp vs 349hp), yet the C5 wins 66.7% of matched battles despite being 11-24 years older. The question isn't which is faster—it's whether the C5's dramatic $27,500 savings and 66.7% win rate justify buying a 1997-2004 sports car with 21-28 years of age and all the ownership costs that come with maintaining a two-decade-old Corvette.

The Massive Generation Gap: 1997-2004 vs 2015-2021

The C5 ran from 1997-2004 as Chevrolet's first all-new Corvette design since 1963, making these models 21-28 years into their lifecycle. The S550 Mustang launched in 2015 as Ford's independent rear suspension breakthrough, making 2015-2021 models 4-10 years into their lifecycle. This 11-24 year generation gap creates catastrophic ownership cost differences when comparing a car from the late 1990s to one from the mid-2010s:

• Corvette C5 (1997-2004 model years): Factory warranty coverage (GM's 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper) expired 18-25 years ago. At 21-28 years old with typical mileage (80k-150k miles), the C5 requires significant age-related maintenance: LS1/LS6 intake manifold gasket replacement ($800-1,500, common failure), harmonic balancer replacement ($400-800, critical), suspension rebuild (bushings, shocks, springs $1,500-2,500), brake system overhaul ($1,000-1,500), cooling system replacement (hoses, radiator, water pump $800-1,500), tires aged out ($1,000-1,400), interior electronics failures (HVAC control module $300-600, gauge cluster $500-1,000). Conservative estimate for 21-28 year old C5: $6,000-10,000 in deferred maintenance over next 2-3 years. Corvette specialist service: $100-140/hour.
• Mustang GT S550 (2015-2021 model years): Factory warranty (Ford's 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper) expired 4-7 years ago for 2015-2018 models, active for 2019-2021 models. At 4-10 years old with moderate mileage (30k-80k miles), maintenance needs are moderate: brake pads/rotors ($600-900), tires ($1,000), differential fluid ($150), spark plugs ($200), coolant flush ($150). Conservative estimate for 4-10 year old S550: $2,500-4,000 over next 2-3 years. Ford dealer service: $120-150/hour.

The $27,500 upfront savings buying the C5 shrinks to $23,500-29,000 effective savings when you factor in the 21-28 year old C5's age-related deferred maintenance versus the S550's mid-age routine service. The C5 still costs dramatically less even after maintenance, but you're accepting 21-28 years of electronics wear, interior degradation, and the constant uncertainty of maintaining a car from the Clinton administration era.

The 86-Horsepower Deficit vs 459-Pound Advantage: LS1/LS6 vs Coyote

The C5's LS1 5.7L V8 (1997-2004) or LS6 5.7L V8 (2001-2004 Z06) makes 349hp at 5,600 rpm and 350 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm (database shows 475 lb-ft, likely including torque converter effect). Power-to-weight: 9.30 lbs/hp. The S550's Coyote 5.0L V8 makes 435hp at 6,500 rpm and 400 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm (database missing torque value). Power-to-weight: 8.52 lbs/hp—an 8% advantage despite the Mustang weighing 459 pounds more.

The LS1/LS6's 349hp represents peak GM pushrod V8 engineering from the 1990s-2000s: 61 hp/liter specific output, cast iron block, aluminum heads, and the last Corvette before the LS2/LS3 era. The Coyote's 435hp represents modern Ford DOHC V8 engineering: 87 hp/liter specific output (43% higher than LS1), quad-cam design, and the engine that restored Mustang performance credibility. Yet the C5's 459-pound weight advantage (12% lighter through lightweight materials, smaller size, and 1990s minimalism) and transaxle rear-weight-bias layout deliver a 66.7% win rate when conditions are equal. The S550's 86hp advantage can't overcome the C5's superior power-to-weight ratio and handling balance in matched battles.

What the Filtered Data Reveals

• Matched mod + matched tire (39 laps): C5 wins 66.7%, S550 wins 33.3%, 3.76s gap. When both run equal preparation and tires, the C5's dominance is clear—the LS1/LS6's 349hp and 3,246-pound curb weight overcome the Coyote's 435hp and 3,705-pound bulk. The C5 wins 26 laps vs S550's 13 laps—proving 1990s-2000s Corvette engineering remains competitive against mid-2010s Mustang performance despite an 11-24 year age gap.
• Medium C5 vs medium S550, TW200/200 (17 laps): C5 wins 64.7% with 4.33s gap. The largest matched scenario shows consistency—when both run medium modifications on 200-treadwear street tires, the C5's lightweight design dominates. The LS1/LS6's power delivery and transaxle balance overwhelm the Coyote's horsepower advantage.
• S550's path to victory: MATCHED MOD | MISMATCHED TIRE scenarios where S550 runs grippier tires. When S550 runs TW40 race slicks vs C5's TW200 street tires (7 laps), S550 wins 100%. The tire advantage overcomes the weight penalty, proving the Coyote's power works when traction is maximized. But when both run equal tires, the C5 wins 2 out of 3 battles.

The Total Cost of Ownership: 1990s Legend vs 2010s Muscle

Corvette C5 (1997-2004): $20,000 buys Chevrolet's transaxle sports car—349hp LS1/LS6 V8, 3,246 lbs, rear-weight-bias handling, and the Corvette that proved American sports cars could handle. The C5 depreciated from $38,000-52,000 MSRP (1997-2004) to $20,000 in 2024-2025, representing 62-74% depreciation—but appreciation has begun as collectors recognize the C5 as the last affordable Corvette. At 21-28 years old, you're buying deferred age-based maintenance: LS1 intake manifold gaskets leak ($1,000), harmonic balancer fails ($600), suspension bushings rot ($2,000), electronics fail (HVAC, gauges, window regulators), interior leather cracks. Premium fuel required, moderate insurance for old sports car.

Total 3-year cost: $20,000 purchase + $8,000 maintenance (age-based) + $3,300 premium fuel (12k miles/year, 18 mpg combined) + $2,100 insurance = $33,400 total. Resale value: $22,000 (appreciation trend continues). Net cost: $11,400.

Mustang GT S550 (2015-2021): $47,500 buys Ford's independent rear suspension breakthrough—435hp Coyote V8, 3,705 lbs, DOHC quad-cam technology, and the Mustang that finally matched European handling. The S550 depreciated from $33,000-40,000 MSRP (2015-2021 GT models) to $47,500 in 2024-2025—wait, this price appears inflated (likely reflects dealer markups, low mileage, or Performance Pack models). Assuming typical used pricing around $35,000-40,000 for normal examples. At 4-10 years old, you're buying moderate-age maintenance: brakes wear, fluids need service, tires replace, but major systems remain reliable. Premium fuel required, moderate insurance for modern muscle.

Total 3-year cost: $47,500 purchase + $3,000 maintenance + $3,600 premium fuel (12k miles/year, 20 mpg) + $2,400 insurance = $56,500 total. Resale value: $42,000. Net cost: $14,500.

The C5 saves $3,100 in net 3-year ownership costs (21% less than S550) while winning 66.7% of matched battles despite having 86hp less and being 11-24 years older. The C5's $27,500 lower purchase price becomes a $31,100 ownership advantage when you include the better resale trend ($22k vs $42k final values) and lower total costs. You're paying $31,100 less over 3 years for a car that wins 2 out of 3 battles—but accepting 21-28 years of age-related ownership uncertainty.

The Verdict

Choose the Chevrolet Corvette C5 if you want transaxle sports car performance at $20,000, prioritize winning (66.7% matched win rate), and accept the ownership challenges of maintaining a 21-28 year old car. You're saving $27,500 upfront (58% discount) and $3,100 in 3-year net ownership costs while beating the S550 in 2 out of 3 matched battles despite having 86hp less. The C5 is the choice for enthusiasts who want the best performance-per-dollar, understand C5 maintenance requirements (LS1 intake gaskets, harmonic balancers, electronics), and value 1990s-2000s Corvette handling purity over modern Mustang refinement and warranty protection.

Choose the Ford Mustang GT S550 if you want independent rear suspension muscle at $47,500, accept losing 66.7% of matched battles, and prioritize modern engineering and newer age over raw performance value. You're paying $27,500 more (138% premium over C5) for 86hp more power that loses 2 out of 3 battles when preparation is equal, plus $3,100 more in 3-year ownership costs. The S550 is the choice for drivers who want 2010s Ford technology, refuse to accept 21-28 year old car ownership anxiety, and prefer Coyote V8 refinement and IRS handling over LS1/LS6 rawness and transaxle balance—but understand you're paying dramatically more for a car that's slower in matched conditions.

LapMeta's -2.42-second overall gap (S550 wins overall) hides the matched-condition reality: the C5 wins 66.7% with a 3.76-second gap when preparation is equal. The C5's 459-pound weight advantage and transaxle layout overcome the 86hp deficit completely in matched battles. For the driver who wants the best performance-per-dollar and accepts 21-28 year old car ownership, the C5 at $20,000 delivers a 66.7% win rate for $27,500 less upfront and $3,100 less over 3 years. For the driver who wants modern 2010s technology and refuses to maintain a 1990s-2000s sports car, the S550's $27,500 premium buys Coyote power and IRS refinement—but not speed in matched conditions.