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Here's How the Ford Mustang Differs In Europe From the U.S. Model

Introduced in December 2013, the sixth-generation Ford Mustang is a car of many firsts for the breed. Not only did the S550 Mustang introduce what the Ford Motor Company calls independent rear suspension, but it also reintroduced a four-cylinder engine, something the pony car didn’t have since the boxy Fox Body.
Ford Mustang 11 photos
Photo: Ford
U.S. vs European Ford Mustang differencesU.S. vs European Ford Mustang differencesU.S. vs European Ford Mustang differencesU.S. vs European Ford Mustang differencesU.S. vs European Ford Mustang differencesU.S. vs European Ford Mustang differencesU.S. vs European Ford Mustang differencesU.S. vs European Ford Mustang differencesU.S. vs European Ford Mustang differencesU.S. vs European Ford Mustang differences
The S550 Mustang also spawned Ford’s first-ever flat-plane crankshaft V8 engine in the form of the Voodoo 5.2-liter V8 available in the GT350 and GT350R. Most importantly, however, the sixth generation of Ford’s most iconic nameplate was developed in accordance with the One Ford plan. In plain English, the S550 Mustang has been designed for the world market. Right now, the pony car is sold in 140 countries or thereabout. Still, there are differences between the North American and European models.

Due to different legislation, the North American Mustang and its British equivalent are distinguishable in more than one way. And no, I am not referring to the change from left- to right-hand drive. As highlighted in a video by Car Throttle, there are a handful differences you should know about.

First and foremost, the U.S. specification of the V8-powered GT has a little more get-up-and-go than the UK model. Car Throttle explains that the deficit (435 hp and 400 lb-ft vs. 410 hp and 391 lb-ft) is due to the right-hand drive conversion. More specifically, the exhaust manifold is constrained by the steering shaft. Be that as it may, it’s only half the truth due to the fact all V8-powered Mustangs in Europe, including LHD models, are less powerful than U.S. models (421 PS or 415 hp in Europe vs. 441 PS / 435 hp in the U.S.).

Other areas where the EU and U.S. Mustang differ are the hood vents (Europe doesn’t get those), the absence of the 3.73:1 heavier duty rear axle in Europe, the visual difference in terms of rear lights, the way the headlights operate, the lack of a V6 engine in Europe, the marginally larger mirrors in Europe due to legislation, as well as the lack of Recaro seats in RHD cars.

On that note, the Old Continent doesn’t get the Shelby-ified GT350 and the even more hardcore Shelby GT350R, which is a bit of a shame.

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About the author: Mircea Panait
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After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well.
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