Ford Mustang
History: Fourth Generation
1994 - 2003
Introduction: The fourth generation Mustang would keep soldiering on its outdated
Fox platform, until it was the last Pony car standing.
1994 Ford Mustang
Comments: The Mustang debuted with an all new body for 1994, but was still based on the old
Fox platform. The wheelbase grew 0.8 inches to 101.3 inches, while the front and rear track
increased on the GT. Four wheel disc brakes were standard, with anti-lock brakes optional on
both the GT and the base model car. The base car was now powered by a new 3.8 liter V6 which
replaced the previous 2.3 I4. Using a number of aluminum components, it was almost as light as
the much smaller four cylinder engine. The 5.0 V8 was given better breathing and output
increased to 215 bhp. A five speed manual transmission was standard, and a four speed automatic
was optional for both engines. Traction-Lok was also available. In pursuit of greater
structural rigidity, the hatchback model was dropped, leaving only the two door coupe and
convertible. The coupe's roof line was designed to resemble a hardtop option for the convertible
that was never produced. At the top was a new Cobra model with a 245 bhp version of the 5.0 V8.
Once again, the Mustang was chosen to be the pace car at the Indy 500, and approximately 1,000
replica models were sold. Much more limited were the 250 Cobra R models sold by Ford's SVT
unit. These were delivered without air conditioning, radio, and much of the insulation, and
were designed to be sold to race car drivers. Quite a few ended up on the streets, however.
Production: 137,074
Engines: 3.8 liter V6 145 bhp. 5.0 liter V8 HO 225 bhp. Cobra: 5.0 liter V8 HO 245 bhp.
Performance: Cobra: 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, 1/4 mile in 14.5 seconds @ 98.0 mph.
1995 Ford Mustang
Comments: Ford tightened the reins on the Cobra R for 1995, requiring buyers to show a
competition license in order to buy one. Available only in Crystal White, Cobra R models
came a racing fuel cell and a special engine cooling package, but with no power windows,
insultation, radio, or back seat. Buyers were expected to install their own competition
racing seats within their own roll cages. Delivery weight was a mere 3,325 lbs. The
biggest news was that the engine had been prepped by Jack Roush Technologies. The
351 Windsor V8 was rated at a stout 300 bhp and all Cobra Rs received a Tremec five
speed manual transmission, a final drive ratio of 3.27:1, a revised suspension, and
P255/45R17 BF Goodrich Comp T/A tires mounted on huge 17"x9.0" wheels.
Lessor Mustangs continued with either the 3.8 V6 or the 5.0 V8. 1995 would be the last
year of the fabled "5.0" V8.
Production: 137,074
Engines: 3.8 liter V6 145 bhp. 5.0 liter V8 HO 225 bhp. Cobra: 5.0 liter V8 HO 245 bhp.
Performance: Cobra: 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, 1/4 mile in 14.5 seconds @ 98.0 mph.
1996 Ford Mustang
Comments: The 5.0 liter V8 that had been a Mustang trademark for over 20 years was finally
discontinued (although it would still live on in the Ford Explorer SUV). In its place was
a much more modern 4.6 liter V8 rated at the same 225 bhp. The 3.8 liter V6 carryover from
the year before. The Mustang Cobra received a heavily massaged and completely modern
4.6 V8 that was rated at a stout 305 bhp. Cobra's also received Ford's "Mystic" paint
which looked black in dim light, but changed to different colors in the sun.
Production:
Engines: 3.8 liter V6 145 bhp. 4.6 liter V8 225 bhp. Cobra: 4.6 liter V8 305 bhp.
Performance:
