Contenu
The fourth generation of Fords iconic, segment-defining pony car was an interesting combination of the old and the new. When it debuted for the 1994 model year, its dramatic, sporty styling was a substantial departure from that of the third-generation version it replaced. The cars design, while not particularly "retro," did recalled the original, 1960s model in many of its details, such as its side scoops and "strip" taillights.
Dimensions
Despite its dramatically different appearance, though, the fourth-generation Mustang was built on the same front-engine, rear-wheel-drive "Fox" platform as the outgoing model. This led some to conclude that the fourth-generation car looked more like an all-new model than it really was. The 1995 Mustang GT was essentially identical to the 1994 version. The 1995 Mustang GT could be had as a coupe or a convertible. The coupe measured 181.5 inches in length, 71.8 inches in width and 53.4 inches in height, and had a 101.3-inch wheelbase. Other than a marginally lower height of 53.3 inches, the convertible shared the coupes external dimensions. In the coupe, the driver and front passenger got 38.2 inches of headroom, 53.5 inches of shoulder room, 52.3 inches of hip room and 42.5 inches of legroom. Rear-seat passengers got 35.8 inches of headroom, 52 inches of shoulder room, 48.7 inches of hip room and 30.2 inches of legroom. The Mustang convertible offered the driver and front passenger 38 inches of headroom, 53.5 inches of shoulder room, 52.3 inches of hip room and 43.5 inches of legroom. Backseat riders got 35.3 inches of headroom, 41.2 inches of shoulder room, 41 inches of hip room and 30.2 inches of legroom. The coupes trunk could hold 10.9 cubic feet worth of cargo, while the convertibles had space for 8.5 cubic feet.
Drivetrain & Chassis
The Mustang GT was powered by Fords venerable 5.0-liter "Windsor" V-8. This was the same engine that had powered so many third-generation Mustangs, as well as numerous other Ford vehicles. The time-tested, overhead-valve engine was good for 215 horsepower at 4,200 rpm and 285 foot-pounds of torque at 3,400 rpm. Power was sent to the pavement via either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. A limited-slip differential came standard. The Mustang featured a MacPherson strut front suspension and a live axle out back.
Performance
While the Mustang GT was a decently quick vehicle for its era, it received substantial criticism for its lack of oomph relative to other V-8 pony cars. Compared to its chief rival -- the Chevrolet Camaro Z28 -- it lagged noticeably in performance. The Ford could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds and complete a quarter-mile run in 15.2 seconds at 89.6 mph. Not bad, but significantly slower than the Camaro. The 1995 Camaro Z28 boasted a 0 to 60 mph best of 5.7 seconds and could blast through the quarter mile in 14.2 seconds at 98.8 mph. When it came to handling and braking, the Mustang GT remained a competent -- though not class-leading -- performer. On a 200-foot skid pad, it achieved 0.87G of lateral acceleration and it could navigate a 600-foot slalom course at a respectable 66.3 mph. A 60-to-0 mph emergency stop took the Mustang GT 131 feet to complete.
Safety
Dual front airbags came standard. ABS was available as an option. Traction control, though, was not offered.
Consumer Data
With the automatic transmission, the Mustang GT received an EPA fuel economy rating of 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway. With the manual transmission, highway mileage increased by 1 mpg, though city mileage remained the same. Back in 1995, the Mustang GT coupe started at $18,105 and the convertible had a base price of $22,795. As of 2014, Kelley Blue Book states that a coupe in well-maintained condition is worth approximately $1,840. A convertible model should go for around $2,540.
