Some rivals were faster, others were better engineered, but no other nameplate in the American automotive industry is as iconic as the Ford Mustang. The legendary pony has been with us since the 60s, and it is still one of the first names that come to mind when someone mentions words like muscle or sports car.
The Ford Mustang has always been a genuine sports car. Throughout most of its history, it was available both as a coupe and convertible, and it was always a car that represented the world of the working class. Even today, you can't find a vehicle that offers more power for the money.
In the past, it was reserved for the North American markets only, while the current (sixth) generation has become a global thing. Therefore, it can often be seen on the Australian roads as well, which wasn't the case with the previous generations when it was a real rarity.
The First Generation of Ford Mustang (1965-1973)
Design and Arrival in Australia
The first and the most legendary generation of Ford Mustang appeared in the early ‘60s. After a couple of concepts and prototypes, the production started in 1964, and the Mustang instantly became the most popular car in North America. The main reason for such popularity was the price, which was a real bargain, considering the style and amount of power it offered.
Ford engineers did a great thing by using familiar and simple components from other less attractive models. For example, the Mustang borrowed the chassis, brakes, engine, and other mechanical parts from the North American Ford Falcon.
The car’s appearance in the James Bond movie “Goldfinger” made the original Mustang extremely desirable outside North America. Obviously, Australian drivers wanted to drive this super-attractive sports car as well. It was time to import the Ford Mustang to Australia.
However, the Mustang's popularity was huge in North America, and the Blue Oval company didn't have the time and resources to bother with conversion to right-hand-drive. That was up to Ford Australia, which, interestingly, didn't have the intention to make some serious money on Mustang. The goal was to use this car to popularise the Ford Falcon sedan, which was similar in the mechanical aspect.
The initial plan was to convert 400 vehicles, but the process turned out to be more complicated than engineers expected. Eventually, only 161 Mustangs of the first generation ended up in Australia.
Engine Specs
All models that arrived in Australia featured the same specs. Luckily, they were all equipped with the most powerful Mustang engine available at the time. We are talking about a well-known 289 Windsor engine, which features 4.7 litres in displacement and a max output of 202 kW and 423 Nm of max torque.
Sad to say, all models were equipped with a 3-speed automatic transmission, but we have no doubt that many owners replaced it with a more efficient 4-speed manual a long time ago.
The Second Generation of Ford Mustang (1974-1978)
Today, the second-generation Ford Mustang is one of the most hated cars in the world because of the much smaller size and, more importantly, way underpowered engines. However, things were much different back in the days. The global oil crisis made muscle cars unpopular, and most people were turning to smaller and more efficient cars, including the whole army of Japanese models that were conquering the North American market. Logically, Ford needed an answer to survive.
One of the answers came with the famous pony badge. The new Mustang was significantly smaller, with just 2,443mm wheelbase. Also, it came in a much more practical form—a compact hatchback (the coupe version arrived later). Most important of all, the engine lineup was significantly reduced, so the base variants were equipped with just four cylinders.
Once again, local Ford dealers tried their luck with conversion. Fortunately, they chose a more powerful version, equipped with a 2.8-litre V6 engine, with a max output of just 72 kW and 186 Nm of max torque. The engine was paired with a 4-speed manual gearbox.
The Fourth Generation Ford Mustang Cobra (2001-2003)
The second generation was quickly forgotten, and Australian drivers needed to wait for a very long time to see a new Mustang. The next time Mustang was offered in Australia was in 2001. Once again, it was a model converted to a right-hand drive, with the local dealers organizing the conversion. The job was done by Tickford, a well-known name among car enthusiasts.
The goal was to offer a model that could improve Ford’s sales numbers, considering that the then-new Falcon featured pretty slow figures. That’s why dealers chose only the most attractive version of the fourth-generation Mustang, with the famous “Cobra” badge. Both coupe and convertible body styles were in the offer.
The fourth-generation Ford Mustang Cobra was an upgraded version of the standard model. It was characterised not only by a more powerful engine but also by other mechanical upgrades, including independent rear multi-link suspension, and ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels. It also came with numerous upgrades in terms of convenience features, such as more supportive seats and adjustable headrests.
Despite all the great features, the sales didn’t meet expectations. Only 377 units were sold between 2001 and 2003, mainly due to the high asking price.
Ford Mustang Cobra Specs
- Engine Displacement: 4.6L
- Forced Induction: N/A
- Max Power: 240kW
- Max Torque: 430Nm
- Transmission: 5-speed Manual
- Front Suspension: Independent, Macpherson strut, anti-roll bar
- Rear Suspension: Independent, multi-link, double wishbone, anti-roll bar
- Front Brakes: Ventilated Discs
- Rear Brakes: Ventilated Discs
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 5.5s
- Top Speed: 240km/h
The Sixth Generation of Ford Mustang (2015-Present)
In 2015, the Mustang finally became a global thing. After 50 years of keeping it exclusive to the North American market, the sixth generation was offered internationally. The new design was adapted to other parts of the world, and we saw Ford Mustang offered in Europe and Australia as well. For the first time, there was no need for conversion, as right-hand-drive models were coming out from the factory line in Detroit.
Design and Features
Although the sixth generation of Mustang came with a pretty similar size as the fifth generation, the design was all-new. For the first time, we saw a Mustang that could meet demands from drivers in foreign markets, particularly the chassis. Even the most basic versions were equipped with independent rear suspension, which significantly improved the handling and overall driving experience.
Ford Mustang Australia came with two engine options in the offer, with a small 2.3-litre turbo-four and a well-known 5.0-litre V8 Coyote engine. Also, there are two body styles in the offer, coupe and convertible, and two transmission options.
Dimensions
- Height: 1387mm
- Length: 4789mm
- Width: 1916mm
- Wheelbase: 2720mm
- Weight: 1600-1720kg
- Rear track: 1663mm
- Front track: 1597mm
Ford Mustang Gtdi
While the North American Mustang was offered with a V6 engine in the base version, models in Europe and Australia were equipped with a new 2.3-liter turbo-four EcoBoost engine. Despite the small displacement, this unit is pretty capable. It puts out around 233kW and remains fuel-efficient at the same time.
Like any other version of the Mustang, this model was also offered in two body styles, coupe and convertible. Still, an important thing to know is that the Australian Mustang convertible comes with automatic transmission only, while the coupe is available with manual gearbox.
Although we're talking about a base trim level, the Gtdi comes with a pretty long list of standard features. Some of the things worth mentioning are leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and handbrake, automatic climate control, 9-speaker audio system, LED daytime lights, 19-inch wheels, rear diffuser, sports suspension and voice controls.
Mustang Gtdi Specs
- Engine Displacement: 2.3L
- Number of Cylinders: 4
- Forced Induction: Turbocharger
- Max Power: 233kW
- Max Torque: 432Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic (Coupe, Convertible), 6-speed manual (Coupe)
- Fuel Economy (claimed): 9.4 L/100km
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 5.8s (Coupe, manual transmission)
Ford Mustang GT
Besides the new turbo-four, the 2015 Ford Mustang came in a genuine “American muscle” version, equipped with a large 5.0-litre V8 engine. Unlike the base engine, this one is naturally aspirated and offers a much better sound. Logically, it is also much more powerful, as the total output goes up to 306kW.
Other than the engine, the GT Ford Mustang isn’t much different compared to the Gtdi. The list of standard features is pretty much the same, while the same variants are in the offer. You can choose between coupe and convertible body styles, manual and automatic transmission.
Ford Mustang GT Specs
- Engine Displacement: 5.0L
- Number of Cylinders: 8
- Forced Induction: N/A
- Max Power: 306kW
- Max Torque: 530Nm
- Transmission: 6-speed automatic (Coupe, Convertible), 6-speed manual (Coupe)
- Fuel Economy (claimed): 12.6 L/100km (automatic), 13.1 L/100km (manual)
- Acceleration (0-100km/h): 4.8s (Coupe, manual transmission)
2018 Facelift
Three years after the launch, the Blue Oval company decided to update the sixth generation of the legendary pony car. Changes were numerous, and of course, the easiest to notice are styling changes. They are mild, but everyone could see the slightly revised front end, new wheels, and new colour options.
However, updates under the skin were far more important. The most important one is definitely a new 10-speed automatic transmission, developed by GM and Ford together. A 6-speed manual remains an option. Another important mechanical update is the optional MagneRide adjustable suspension, which came directly from the track-focused Shelby GT350.
On the inside, you can notice a few modifications on the dashboard, while there is also a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster offered as an optional feature.
Ford Mustang Bullitt (2018-2020)
Through all these years of production, Mustangs have been known for a variety of special versions. While most of them remained exclusive to the US market, one of them was offered in Australia. In 2018, we saw a special version that paid tribute to the legendary Mustang driven by Steve McQueen.
The new model doesn’t look like Ford Mustang 1969 but comes with a plethora of unique features. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is the legendary Dark Highland Green colour, but the version in the Black finish was offered too. Furthermore, these versions come with lots of exclusive chrome details, unique wheels, blacked grille and many more. On the inside, you can notice a new gear shifter, new instrument cluster, and Recaro seats.
Besides lots of visual details, the Mustang Bullitt also offers a lot of mechanical upgrades. The 5.0-litre V8 engine received a larger 87mm throttle body, modified GT350 manifold and cold air intake with recalibration. So, the max output went up to 345kW.
This version was available only in a coupe body style and only with a manual transmission.
Ford Mustang Mach 1 (2021-Present)
For the 2021 model year, Ford discontinued the Bullitt, as well as the GT350 (not available in Australia). The replacement came in the form of the Ford Mustang Mach 1. Car enthusiasts are pretty familiar with this badge, which was always reserved for hi-performance versions of the famous pony car. Before the 2021 model year, the last time it was used was in 2004.
In our eyes, the Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a mix of Bullitt and GT350. On one side, the engine is the same as in the Bullitt - a 345-kW Coyote. On the other hand, most of the chassis and suspension setup comes directly from the legendary Shelby GT350, making it perfect for the track. Some of the features we should mention are a lightweight Tremec six-speed manual transmission, intake manifold, oil-filter adapter, engine oil cooler, and front and rear subframe. Moreover, some parts even come from the flagship GT500, such as the rear axle cooling system, rear toe link, and rear diffuser.
Are Mustangs a dangerous car?
Well, the answer is both yes and no. If you look at some statistics, especially in North America, the number of collisions involving Mustangs is bigger than most other cars. The main reason lies in the fact that this is a quite affordable car that offers a ridiculous amount of power.
For example, the 2021 Mustang GT with a V8 engine starts at around $50,000, making it accessible to younger and not-so-experienced drivers who usually search for the most power for their money. On the other hand, those buyers usually neglect the fact that Mustangs are far from perfectly designed cars. They are large, heavy, and not particularly manoeuvrable.
Still, we have to say that new Mustangs are far better than the old ones. Unlike older generations that featured extremely rudimental suspensions (including leaf springs), the sixth generation is far more advanced. As we already mentioned, every Mustang in the offer comes standard with an independent rear suspension, as well as with things like anti-roll bars and gas dampers.
Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that the sixth-generation Ford Mustang has earned more than decent ratings on all relevant crash tests around the world. Finally, every model comes standard with driver aids like blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane departure warning, lane-keeping assist, forward collision warning, pedestrian detection and automatic emergency braking, to name a few.
Need a part for an old Ford Mustang? Try Carpart.com.au!
Owning an old Mustang in Australia is not as convenient as owning a Mustang in the US. While used parts for the first generation of this pony car can be found on every corner of North America, things are much complicated here.
Fortunately, Carpart.com.au can help you if you need a replacement part for your old-timer. New or used, it doesn't matter. All you need to do is request a part from our website, and we will find the best deals for you.
Also, you can advertise your Ford Mustang for sale on our website and get more interested buyers.
By Nebojsa Grmusa