Poll: Which '71? (3/11/2026)

Although passing the peak, the muscle and pony car era was still around and these are beautiful examples  For a number of years, I had a 1/18 SunStar 1971 Ford Mustang diecast model in red.

If you would have asked me 3 or 4 years ago I would have told you I never liked Mustangs newer than 1970. I must have mellowed somewhat because now I realize that I like the ‘71… a lot! Mayhaps in a few years I’ll even like the Merc, but I don’t reckon I will.

I went with the Mustang, but a Torino GT might have been a better comparison.

I prefer the sexy styling of that Mercury.

This year was not the best for both of these marques.  The snout of the Mercury is way overdone and pales in comparison to earlier years. The Mach I is the only Mustang version I like for this model year; the wheels and decal/trim really enhance it.  Mustang gets the easy nod this time.

MAKE mine a MACH 1 please John!.

Mustang for me too. It's too big but it sure looks sleek.

@jack-dodds My thoughts exactly Jack.

@ed-glorius

I voted neither. I am a mustang owner (2014) much as I luv my car I never like them when they became large.  The Mercury could be a possible choice I like the style but not the grill.  A Torino would have gotten my vote 

@kevins The Mustang is a fair bit wider for '71-'73, which I suppose partially explains why it looks slightly ungainly beside the '69-'70.  Mind you when you look at the gorgeous '69 Mach I, I suspect designers had a major challenge on their hands to improve upon it.  Of course the coming oil crisis and resulting Mustang II would make it all a moot point and break the heart of many Mustang freaks, myself included.

Had I used the Torino, I'm positive some here would have complained that's not a "pony car." Only goes to say you can't please all of the people all of the time. 

BTW, if anyone here feels they are willing to take this over, I will gladly give up the reins to this high paying position. It would be fun to sit back and take shots at someone else's labor.

@sizedoesmatter LOL....no worries John B., you do one helluva good job with these comparisons.  I look forward to them very much and I'm sure every Forumite would agree

@jack-dodds Jack +1 Mustang.