Performance Review: Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 - [1983]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Ford Mustang Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1983. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1984 Audi Quattro Sport 2.2 T and the 1984 Ferrari 288 GTO.This particular Ford Mustang has a 4942cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The Mustang shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Mustang's Rear Wheel Drive, Coupe combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1347 kgs (2969 lbs) this makes the Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 in the same weight category as the 2021 Aston-Martin Valkyrie Coupe 6.5 V12 or the give or take 50kg.

The Ford Mustang shares the same bhp with the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (197 bhp)

In terms of power the 4942cc 16V V8 engine produces 175 bhp (130 kW) @ 4000 rpm similar to the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (197 bhp) or the 2020 Abarth 695 70th Anniversario 1.4 Turbo (177 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 245 lb-ft (332.1 Nm) @ 2400 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (236 lb-ft) or the 2020 Toyota Camry TRD 3.5 V6 (267 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Ford Mustang you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2006 Mini Cooper S R56 (154.8 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Ford Mustang.

The Ford Mustang has a Power to weight ratio of 129.9 bhp per ton and 181.8 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1983 Mustang competing with the 2006 Mini Cooper S R56 (154.8 bhp per ton) or the 2003 Chrysler Crossfire 3.2 V6 2d (154.8 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Ford Mustang generating around 181.8 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2015 BMW 3 Series 340i F30 LCI (206.8 lb-ft per ton) or the 2012 Porsche Cayman S 3.4l (206.8 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 7.80 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.1 secs, this made the Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 as fast as the 2017 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-3 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2015 Ford Focus 2.0 ST-2 TDCi 185PS (7.80 secs) the 2007 Lexus IS 250 AWD (7.80 secs) the or the 2001 MG ZT 2.5 V6 190 (7.80 secs). This Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 is also faster than the 2016 Audi A3 2.0 TDI Quattro (7.90 secs) the 2013 Skoda Octavia RS TDI (7.90 secs) the 2013 Subaru BRZ 2L 210ps Sportshift (7.90 secs) the and the 2011 Infiniti FX 30d 3.0 V6 Diesel (7.90 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Mustang and the 1987 Buick Regal GNX 3.8 V6 Turbo

When talking about the performance of the Ford Mustang on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 16.16 secs @ 84.6 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1987 Buick Regal GNX 3.8 V6 Turbo (16.09 secs), the 2012 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Clubman (16.09 secs), and the 2005 BMW 3 Series 330i M-Sport Manual E90 (16.09 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1983 version of the Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 has a maximum speed of 126mph.

Top Speed of the 1983 Mustang equals the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo (137 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1983 Ford Mustang GT 5.0 V8 then how about the 2021 Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo (137 mph), the 2020 Ford Puma ST 1.5 Turbo (137 mph), or the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.0 EcoBlue Wagon (137 mph).

Related Links:

1983 Mustang Rivals List.

A Brief History of Ford

Car Comparison