For the first time since the 1986 SVO, Mustangs are leaving the factory with turbochargers. The Mustang EcoBoost era is underway, and it’s off to an impressive start. Mustang purists may scoff at the idea of a four-banger behind the running pony, but the numbers are strong. With 310 horsepower and 320 ft-lbs of torque, the 2015 Mustang 2.3L EcoBoost boasts better numbers than the 2005-2009 Mustang GT’s 4.6L V8.
2009 Mustang GT
4.6L V82015 Mustang EcoBoost
2.3L Turbo 4-CylDifferenceHorsepower300310+10Torque3203200Curb Weight3,4803,53252
The 2015 Mustang GT’s 5.0L V8 will make 435 horsepower and 400 ft-lbs. That’s up 15 and 10 over the 2014 model due to larger intake and exhaust valves, revised intake and exhaust camshafts, stiffer valve springs, a more efficient cylinder head casting, lighter connecting rods, redesigned piston tops and a rebalanced forged crankshaft.
Despite rumors that the newest Mustang will weigh up to 400 pounds less than its predecessor, the 2015 V8 tips the scales at 3,705 pounds—87 pounds heavier than the outgoing 2014 model. But when equipped with the Performance Package, the 2015 Mustang records better lap times than the lighter and more powerful 2012-2013 Boss 302 thanks to improved grip and aerodynamics and the ability to carry speed deep into corners with the assurance of six-piston Brembo front brakes.
Ford isn’t saying much about the base 2015 Mustang V6 engine, probably because it makes less power than last year’s: just 300 horsepower and 280 ft-lbs. That’s down five horses from the outgoing model.
2014 Weight2015 WeightDifference2014 Power2015 PowerDifferenceMustang V6
manual trans3,4963,526+30305 hp
280 ft-lbs300 hp
280 ft-lbs-5 hp
0 ft-lbsMustang V6 </p>automatic trans3,5183,530+12305 hp
280 ft-lbs300 hp
280 ft-lbs-5 hp
0 ft-lbsEcoBoost
manual-3,532+36*-310 hp
320 ft-lbs-EcoBoost
auto-3,524+6*-310 hp
320 ft-lbs-Mustang GT
manual3,6183,705+87420 hp
390 ft-lbs435 hp
400 ft-lbs+15 hp
+10 ft-lbsMustang GT
auto3,6753,729+54420 hp
390 ft-lbs435 hp
400 ft-lbs+15 hp
+10 ft-lbs
* Compared to 2014 Mustang V6
