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Body style: Coupé (two-door)
Segment: Coupe
Production years: 1981

FORD Mustang 1981
FORD Mustang (1981)

The Mustang's third-generation covered a wider area, but it was split into a few updates along the road. In 1981 Ford introduced a turbo version.

After a few oil crises, the customers were concerned only when a crisis started, while the big companies began to be worried all the time. Ford tried to offer both performance and fuel-efficiency in the same package.

The Fox-body Mustang was a love and hate affair for the American carmaker. The former glory now was struggled to keep pace with regular vehicles. But, at least, it looked like it was able to score a ten-second on a quarter-mile run. It's four, squared headlights next to the raked grille, and the angular look of the greenhouse made a good impression when the Mustang was introduced. While the front was still attractive, the back of the car lost its appeal and featured bland-looking taillights.

Inside, it was no different from most compact-sized vehicles on the market, with a squared look for the instrument cluster and in-dash, buried, dials. The interior styling was influenced by European trends but applied half-way.

The Mustang's biggest news was the introduction of a turbocharger applied on the base, a 2.3-liter engine. It was a big improvement since it offered a maximum output of 131 hp. At the same time, a 5.0-liter V8 produced a mere 140 hp.

FORD Mustang 1981
  1 gasoline engine
  • 2.3L 4MT (120 HP)

FORD Mustang
2.3L 4MT (120 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 2.3L 4MT (120 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:2302 cm3
Power:88 KW @ 5200 RPM
120 HP @ 5200 RPM
118 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Torque:135 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
183 Nm @ 3200 RPM
Fuel System:Carburetor
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:103 mph (166 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:195/75 R14
DIMENSIONS
Length:179.1 in (4549 mm)
Width:69.1 in (1755 mm)
Height:51.5 in (1308 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.6/57 in (1,438/1,448 mm)
Wheelbase:100.4 in (2550 mm)
Ground Clearance:4.5 in (114 mm)
Cargo Volume:30 cuFT (850 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:2659 lbs (1206 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:16.8 mpg US (14 L/100Km)
Highway:26.1 mpg US (9 L/100Km)
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