Exterior:
* Taillights: This is the easiest way to tell them apart. 1964 1/2 Mustangs have single, round taillights, while 1965 Mustangs have stacked, horizontal taillights.
* Gas Cap: 1964 1/2 Mustangs have a gas cap on the left rear fender, while 1965 Mustangs have it integrated into the rear panel, often with a small lip or indentation around it.
* Fender Side Scoops (optional): While both years offered them, the 1965 scoops were slightly different in shape and design.
* Grille: Subtle differences exist in the grille's design and the placement of the emblem. A close inspection is needed to spot these.
* Rear bumper: The 1965 bumper is slightly different in shape.
* Hood: The 1965 hood has slightly more pronounced contours and a different shape in the area around the grill.
Interior:
* Dashboard: While similar, there are minor differences in the design of the instrument panel and the placement of some controls. These are more subtle than the exterior differences.
* Steering Wheel: Slight variations can exist depending on the options and trim level; however this is not a definitive feature.
Other Differences:
* Production Numbers: A significant difference is the number of cars produced. The 1964 1/2 model year ran from April to November 1964 and had far fewer cars built than the full 1965 model year.
In summary, the taillights are the most reliable and easily identifiable difference between a 1964 1/2 and a 1965 Mustang. The gas cap location is another good indicator. Other differences require a more detailed examination.
