Performance Review: Ford Mustang GT Convertible 289 4.7 V8 - [1966]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Ford Mustang Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Ford Mustang GT Convertible 289 4.7 V8 is the 3 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1966. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1966 AC Cobra 427 and the 1966 Chevrolet Corvette C2 Stingray 427 425hp.This particular Ford Mustang has a 4727cc Naturally Aspirated Petrol powerplant with 8 cylinders in a V formation.

Alternative Petrol V8's includes the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170

The Mustang shares its Petrol V8 engine configuration with the likes of the 2023 Dodge Challenger SRT Demon 170 and the 2023 Ferrari SF 90 XX Spider 4.0 V8 Turbo. If you're looking for other fast cars which share the Mustang's Rear Wheel Drive, Cabriolet combination then how about the 1982 Fiat X1/9 1.5 8V or the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965.

Power and Weight:

Weighing in at 1383 kgs (3048 lbs) this makes the Ford Mustang GT Convertible 289 4.7 V8 in the same weight category as the 2022 Lamborghini Huracan Tecnica 5.2 V10 or the give or take 50kg.

The Ford Mustang shares the same bhp with the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp)

In terms of power the 4727cc 16V V8 engine produces 228 bhp (170 kW) @ 4800 rpm similar to the 2022 Mini Cooper John Cooper Works Cabrio 2.0 Turbo (228 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 305 lb-ft (413.5 Nm) @ 3200 rpm placing it with cars of similar torque performance figures such as the 2023 Toyota Corolla GR Morizo Edition 1.6 Turbo (295 lb-ft) or the 2023 Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid 3.0 V6 Turbo (310 lb-ft).

Power to Weight:

If one combines the weight with power or torque performance for the Ford Mustang you can get a better idea of it's real world performance.

The 2009 Seat Leon Cupra R 2.0 20v (189.8 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Ford Mustang.

The Ford Mustang has a Power to weight ratio of 164.8 bhp per ton and 220.5 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1966 Mustang competing with the 2009 Seat Leon Cupra R 2.0 20v (189.8 bhp per ton) or the 2016 Volkswagen-VW Golf GTi 2.0 Turbo Clubsport (189.8 bhp per ton).

Power to Weight(cont.):

If you agree with the late great Carroll Shelby then arguably an even better indicator of potential performance, Torque. Use weight as well and you end up with - Torque per ton, with the Ford Mustang generating around 220.5 lb-ft per ton. If you're curious as to what other cars have as much torque to weight then look no further than the 2004 TVR Cerbera 4.0 (245.4 lb-ft per ton) or the 2012 BMW X6 M50d E71 (245.3 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 9.20 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 9.5 secs, this made the Ford Mustang GT Convertible 289 4.7 V8 as fast as the 2007 Toyota Yaris 1.8L TS (9.20 secs) the 1987 Citroen AX GT 1.4 (9.20 secs) the 1985 Pontiac Firebird 5.0L Trans Am (9.20 secs) the or the 1982 Ford Granada 2.8i V6 (9.20 secs). This Ford Mustang GT Convertible 289 4.7 V8 is also faster than the 2022 Mini Cooper Countryman John Cooper Works 1.5 Turbo (9.30 secs) the 2000 Alfa-Romeo 166 2.0 ts (9.30 secs) the 1993 Vauxhall-Opel Corsa 1.6 GSi 16V (9.30 secs) the and the 1991 Peugeot 205 Rallye 1.3 8v (9.30 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Mustang and the 1987 Ford Sierra RS 500

When talking about the performance of the Ford Mustang on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 14.92 secs @ 91.7 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 1987 Ford Sierra RS 500 (14.85 secs), the 1992 Mitsubishi 3000 GT (14.86 secs), and the 1971 Dodge Dart Demon Sport Coupe 5.5 V8 340 (14.86 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1966 version of the Ford Mustang GT Convertible 289 4.7 V8 has a maximum speed of 120mph.

Top Speed of the 1966 Mustang equals the 2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport 5.7 V8 (131 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1966 Ford Mustang GT Convertible 289 4.7 V8 then how about the 2018 Toyota Sequoia TRD Sport 5.7 V8 (131 mph), the 2011 Abarth 500 Essessee 1.4 Turbo (131 mph), or the 2011 Abarth 500C Essesse 1.4 Turbo (131 mph).

Related Links:

1966 Mustang Rivals List.

A Brief History of Ford

Car Comparison