Ford Mustang GT specs
Top Speed: 149 mph / 240 km/h
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
0 - 1/4 Mile: 13.2 seconds at 109 mph
Engine: 5.0 liter V8 412 horsepower
Ford Mustang GTTop Speed: 149 mph / 240 km/h
0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
0 - 1/4 Mile: 13.2 seconds at 109 mph
Engine: 5.0 liter V8 412 horsepower
Ford has always been around; never being out of the limelight but this time it is in the spotlight because of its better and more powerful Mustang, the Mustang GT 5.0. It is almost half a century when the first Mustang was produced, but even now the car has its own charm and chivalry despite competition from some big names like the Dodge Challenger and Chevy Camaro. Ford has always made incremental changes and a steady improvement to the Mustang, which has not only made it stand amidst the newer arriving models but has also made it the number one car among the top-ranking cars in the segment. While the Mustang stays, the other cars of its genre have either stagnated or gone out of production.
There are some great visual changes in the Ford Mustang GT, some of which are the new 5.0 liter V-8 engine, better fuel economy and a much sleeker look. While there are several other noticeable things in the Ford Mustang GT it is the engine which leads the pack.
The Mustang has a four-cam, aluminum constructed, 32-valve, 5.0 liter V-8 engine. The engine produces an incredibly linear and smooth thrust. This is a 412 horsepower engine and produces 390 pound feet of torque allowing it to reach the point of 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds while reaching a quarter mile in just 13.2 seconds at the speed of 109 mph. The V-8 engine from Ford is revolutionary for reasons like its capability to make the tach needle move about quickly and that too without vibrating. In addition, the throttle has been fine-tuned to be gentle and progressive making it a great feature in the Ford Mustang GT.
Other distinguishing features
Transmission: the Mustang has six speed transmissions in the both automatic and manual models. The shifter is much more comfortable than the one on the competitor Camaro. However, the short shifter on the manual transmission conflicts with things that might be kept in the cup holders.
Interiors: the interiors of the Mustang GT have been spruced up with soft-touch materials. However, to get the upgraded interior model, one would have to shell out the extra $3,200 for the premium version. The base GT has plain and deep-grained plastic interiors, which seem a little impoverished for a $30,000 price. Other than that the interiors are great and have been put in with great precision.
Tires: the Mustang GT is fitted with 255/40ZR-19 Pirelli P Zero tires, which are the standard tires for any Mustang and the GT is no exception. The grip of the tires is solid and this is proved by the 0.94 g, which the car pulled on the skidpad. When compared with the other cars in the segment such as the Challenger and the Camaro, the Mustang GT came on the top because of its better handling. It can make sharp turns but still maintain precise trajectory while turning. The Mustang GT goes along with a rear end live axle but this does not toss the car off course. The steering is more communicative and is agile making driving the Mustang better when compared with the Camaro.
Height adjustment: for those who like high-seated cars, the Mustang GT would be a great option since it provides a seat much higher than its predecessors and the instrument panel. Even for an average sized person, there is no need for height adjustment as the seats sits pretty high in relation to the instrument panel. This greatly provides visibility to the driver and shrinks the car's size as perceived. The trunk of the Mustang is slightly larger than the previous versions and the opening is not constricted.
Cylinder heads: the cylinder heads on the Mustang GT are new relative to that of the earlier 4.6 model. Creating better intake valve geometry vertically, the exhaust and the intake cam have been moved outboard. The valves have been made lighter and they allow the engine to reach the 7,000 rotations per minute mark. The oil capacity of the engine has been increased requiring a change after nearly 10,000 miles of traveling.
Comparing the Mustang GT with the Camaro and Challenger, the former scores on several aspects and these include it being lighter and slightly smaller than both. This feature assures that the Mustang does not take up much space in the garage as the other two cars mentioned. The Mustang is livelier and is fun to drive with its capability to run at 7,000 rpm without making much noise so that one can enjoy the bliss of driving a powerful yet smoothly driven car.
Despite the attractions in the Ford Mustang GT, there are a few glitches as well. First of these is the cap-less fuel port. While Ford introduced this concept for doing away with the hard-to-turn cap, it needs refinement of some sort as the fuel gets spilled on the car. When the tank is full, there can be leakage seen down the quarter panel of the Mustang.
Another thing that can be a little disturbing for sleek car lovers is that the Mustang GT is no beauty. It can be called handsome due to the power that it exudes but it isn't sleek and sexy when compared with Camaro. Although Ford tried to nip-tuck the exteriors, the rear overhang spoils the proportions of the car. Nevertheless those who look for macho looks and features would surely opt for the Mustang GT. As compared to the Camaro, the chassis of the Mustang GT is not as composed and balanced but still it is not difficult to control the motions.
Ford has been able to stick around with its Mustang for quiet some time now even though most of the contemporary cars in the segment from other makers have come and gone. The reason for this is the constant upgrade and improvements that Ford has put in the Mustang. The new 5.0 liter engine might not be the best engine by Ford but still it is strong enough to provide the Mustang the required strength to make it the best selling Ford car.
