They are both fun cars, but the SVO has the more modern look of the 87 GT's single headlamps plus it's Bi-wing spoiler. There is a lot of stuff out there for both cars, both used and new to make them perform better, not that they are slow or "horribly slow".
The 86 SVO came with 205 hp stock and a top speed of 140 mph! it is very easy to add adjustible boost and raise both of those figures
Mustang SVO makes its debut as a future-thinking alternative to the small block V8. Easy to distinguish from the rest of its third generation Fox brethren, the SVO features a grille-less swooping nose, large sealed-beam halogen headlights, an asymmetrical hood scoop and a biplane rear spoiler. The powerplant is a further departure. Utilizing an intercooled 2.3-liter turbocharged overhead-cam four-cylinder, the "machine" realizes 175 horsepower. The '85½ and '86 models see increased turbo boost, a revised intake manifold, fuel injectors and exhaust flow take horsepower to 205 and 200 respectively.
Suspension and chassis are given considerable attention as SVO engineers seek balanced performance. Featuring Koni gas-charged shocks, 1.12-inch-diameter antisway bars, forged steel lower trailing arms, four wheel disc brakes and 16-inch wheels with P225/50VR Goodyear Gatorback radials.
Inside, the SVO is extremely well-accommodated. Included are: Hurst shifter, Recaro bucket seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, dead pedal, 140 mph speedometer, 8000 rpm tachometer, turbo boost, water-temperature and oil-pressure gauges.
• Road & Track lauds the SVO: "This may be the best all-around car for the enthusiast driver ever produced by the U.S. industry."
They are very collectible today and go for more money than a GT, They were produced for only 3 years, 84,85,86 with alittle over 9k built total, they were also the Special Vehicles Operations wiith later became the Special Vehicles Team, SVT
support groups on yahoo groups
http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/svoowners