Performance Review: Ford Mustang SVT Cobra 4.6 V8 - [1997]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Ford Mustang Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra 4.6 V8 is the 5 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1997. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1997 TVR Speed 12 7.7L V12 and the 1997 McLaren F1 GT 6.1 V12.This particular Ford Mustang has a 4601cc 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 1538 kgs (3390 lbs) this makes the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra 4.6 V8 in the same weight category as the 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 5.5 V8 C8 or the give or take 50kg.

The Ford Mustang shares the same bhp with the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp)

In terms of power the 4601cc 32V V8 engine produces 305 bhp (227 kW) @ 5800 rpm similar to the 2023 Porsche Cayenne Coupe E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (300 bhp) or the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (300 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 300 lb-ft (406.7 Nm) @ 4800 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (295 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 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 2013 Maserati Ghibli S 3.0 V6 Turbo (223.2 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Ford Mustang.

The Ford Mustang has a Power to weight ratio of 198.3 bhp per ton and 195.0 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1997 Mustang competing with the 2013 Maserati Ghibli S 3.0 V6 Turbo (223.2 bhp per ton) or the 2008 Lotus Europa SE 2.0 Turbo (223.1 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 195.0 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 2017 BMW 4 Series M4 Convertible F83 (219.9 lb-ft per ton) or the 2017 BMW 4 Series M4 Competition Package F83 (219.9 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 5.90 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 6.1 secs, this made the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra 4.6 V8 as fast as the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost Automatic Wagon (5.90 secs) the 2019 Ford Focus ST 2.3 EcoBoost Automatic (5.90 secs) the 2017 Hyundai i30 N Performance 2.0 Turbo (5.90 secs) the or the 2015 Seat Leon ST Cupra 280 (5.90 secs). This Ford Mustang SVT Cobra 4.6 V8 is also faster than the 2019 Land-Rover Defender 110 3.0 Turbo (6.00 secs) the 2017 Dodge Challenger GT 3.6 V6 AWD (6.00 secs) the 2017 Toyota Century 5.0 V8 (6.00 secs) the and the 2015 Seat Leon ST Cupra 265 DSG (6.00 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Mustang and the 1992 BMW 5 Series M5 E34

When talking about the performance of the Ford Mustang on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14 secs @ 97.7 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1992 BMW 5 Series M5 E34 (13.94 secs), the 1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop 289 4.7 V8 (13.96 secs), and the 1965 Ford Mustang 289 Fastback 4.7 V8 (13.96 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1997 version of the Ford Mustang SVT Cobra 4.6 V8 has a maximum speed of 152mph.

Top Speed of the 1997 Mustang equals the 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt 5.0 V8 (163 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1997 Ford Mustang SVT Cobra 4.6 V8 then how about the 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt 5.0 V8 (163 mph), the 2019 Renault Megane RS 1.8 Turbo 300 Trophy-R (163 mph), or the 1996 Lotus Esprit 2.0 Turbo GT3 (163 mph).

Related Links:

1997 Mustang Rivals List.

A Brief History of Ford

Car Comparison