Ford has created some of the most legendary rides of all time. Among them is the Mustang. The Ford Mustang has been on the market since 1964. It has captured the hearts of gearheads and general car lovers alike, more so than arguably any other American vehicle since. Though the Mustang as a whole has a high reputation, there are some models that stand above the rest. One of those is the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R.

Overall, people consider Cobra Mustangs to be at the top of the list of iconic muscle cars. The 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R takes this reputation and expands on it extensively. Of course, this version of the Ford Mustang has the performance you’d expect from a ride like this, but this one is exceptional for more reasons than one. It’s fast, has a distinct look thanks to some aspects of its exterior, and it’s the perfect middle ground between the Mustangs of yesterday and some more modern versions.

There is much for car enthusiasts to love about the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R. It’s a car that exceeds all expectations and is a clear highlight from a long-standing and revered nameplate. Here’s what makes the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R one of the best Mustangs ever.

2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R Engine And Performance

2000 SVT Ford Mustang Cobra R engine
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There is almost no point in saying that the Ford Mustang is a fast car. However, the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R deserves to have this fact repeated. This version of the Ford Mustang packs a 5.4-liter DOHC V8 engine. The maximum output for this mighty machine is 385 horsepower at 6,250 rpm, with a torque of 385 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. The car has a compression ratio of 9.6:1. The 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R is a rear-wheel drive vehicle with a six-speed manual transmission.

Regarding speed, this one is easily one of the fastest Mustangs. In fact, it was the fastest ever at the time of production. It accelerates from 0 to 60 miles per hour in only 4.7 seconds. This bad boy goes a quarter-mile in just 13.2 seconds and has a top speed of 170 miles per hour. Another positive thing about this Mustang is that it features track-capable brakes, allowing it to come to a complete stop from 60 miles per hour in only 127 feet. As many Mustangs fans will know, this car came without any features that are not required for track use. This is true of all SVT Cobra Rs.

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The 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R Exterior Is Similar To The Classics

2000 SVT Ford Mustang Cobra R rear
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Regarding the Ford Mustang, many fans have divided opinions between the classics and the versions produced today. Luckily for both groups of car enthusiasts, the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R is a healthy blend of both. Sure, the car's exterior is more modern than it is classic, but it reminds us more of the older versions than the new ones. One of the most prominent aspects of the car is the front air splitter. This adds a sporty and dynamic look to the vehicle that not all Mustangs have. It also has a pretty unique rear high-mount wing that makes it stand out from other models of the famous car. And, as only 300 units of the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R exist, the car only comes in Performance Red Clearcoat. The wheels are 18-inch 5-spoke cast aluminum. The vehicle also originally came with custom tires.

The 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R is a car that practically all Mustang fans can appreciate. It has a modern look, but also contains elements of the classics. The way this car looks is just one reason why it’s one of the best Ford Mustangs of all time.

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Price Of The 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R

2000 SVT Ford Mustang Cobra R side
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One of the reasons the 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R stands out is that it’s now a collectible. This is notable because Mustangs from this era have not reached this status yet, but this one is a significant exception. As such, this version of the Mustang is both rare and expensive on the market. The funny thing is that as of a few years ago, there was still a listing for a new one with only about 85 miles on the odometer. Currently, the car has an average value of $76,898 based on 19 sales. The lowest-priced option went for $41,800, whereas the most expensive sold for $121,000.

Not everyone loves more recent Ford Mustangs. However, the track-focused 2000 SVT Mustang Cobra R is one of the most prominent exceptions. This one is super rare, the automaker designed it to be as fast as possible, and it has a look that people from all corners of the car world like. The Mustang name has a long-standing legacy, and this model is one of the many that have exceeded expectations in every way possible.

Sources: Performance Ford, Classic.com