Performance Review: Ford Mustang Mach 1 170 2.8 V6 - [1974]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Ford Mustang Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Ford Mustang Mach 1 170 2.8 V6 is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1974. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1974 Lamborghini Countach LP400 and the 1974 Lancia Stratos 2.5 V6.This particular Ford Mustang has a 2792cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 6 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V6's includes the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo

The Mustang shares its Petrol V6 engine configuration with the likes of the 2014 Radical RXC 3.5 V6 Twin Turbo and the 2015 Radical RXC Turbo 500 3.5 V6. 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 1311 kgs (2890 lbs) this makes the Ford Mustang Mach 1 170 2.8 V6 in the same weight category as the 2019 Renault Megane RS 1.8 Turbo 300 Trophy-R or the give or take 50kg.

The Ford Mustang shares the same bhp with the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp)

In terms of power the 2792cc 16V V6 engine produces 105 bhp (78 kW) @ 4600 rpm similar to the 2017 Ford Fiesta 1.5 TDCi ST-Line 120 (118 bhp) or the 2013 Skoda Rapid 1.4 tsi Spaceback (120 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V6 throws out 140 lb-ft (189.8 Nm) @ 3200 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (162 lb-ft) or the 2016 Ford Fiesta ST 200 1.6 Turbo (159 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 1981 Ford Fiesta XR2 (105.0 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Ford Mustang.

The Ford Mustang has a Power to weight ratio of 80.0 bhp per ton and 106.7 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1974 Mustang competing with the 1981 Ford Fiesta XR2 (105.0 bhp per ton) or the 1975 Triumph TR7 2.0 8V (105.0 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 106.7 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 1994 Lancia Kappa 3.0 V6 (131.7 lb-ft per ton) or the 2002 Ford Mondeo ST220 (131.6 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 11.40 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 11.8 secs, this made the Ford Mustang Mach 1 170 2.8 V6 as fast as the 1970 Ford Escort MK1 Mexico RS (11.50 secs) the 1956 Austin-Healey 100 SIX BN4 (11.50 secs) the 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle-Malibu SS 350 Coupe 2nd Gen (11.60 secs) the or the 1970 Triumph Stag 3.0 V8 Convertible Mk1 (11.60 secs). This Ford Mustang Mach 1 170 2.8 V6 is also faster than the 1970 Ford Escort MK1 Mexico RS (11.50 secs) the 1956 Austin-Healey 100 SIX BN4 (11.50 secs) the 1973 Chevrolet Chevelle-Malibu SS 350 Coupe 2nd Gen (11.60 secs) the and the 1970 Triumph Stag 3.0 V8 Convertible Mk1 (11.60 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Mustang and the 2012 Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro

When talking about the performance of the Ford Mustang on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 19 secs @ 72.0 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2012 Audi A6 3.0 TDI Quattro (18.92 secs), the 1996 Peugeot 306 GTi 6 (18.93 secs), and the 1998 Peugeot 306 2.0 Rallye (18.93 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1974 version of the Ford Mustang Mach 1 170 2.8 V6 has a maximum speed of 101mph.

Top Speed of the 1974 Mustang equals the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD (112 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1974 Ford Mustang Mach 1 170 2.8 V6 then how about the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E AWD (112 mph), the 2012 Fiat 500 L TwinAir Turbo (112 mph), or the 2011 Dacia Sandero 1.6 16v (112 mph).

Related Links:

1974 Mustang Rivals List.

A Brief History of Ford

Car Comparison