Performance Review: Ford Mustang Hardtop 4.7 V8 - [1965]

Figures & Specs Summary:

Ford Mustang Performance Review.

Introduction:

This edition of the Ford Mustang Hardtop 4.7 V8 is the 4 speed / Manual version and was first brought out in 1965. This was at around the same time as the introduction of the 1965 Aston-Martin DB6 1965 and the 1966 AC Cobra 427.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, Coupe 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 1329 kgs (2929 lbs) this makes the Ford Mustang Hardtop 4.7 V8 in the same weight category as the 2020 McLaren 765LT 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo or the give or take 50kg.

The Ford Mustang shares the same bhp with the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (197 bhp)

In terms of power the 4727cc 16V V8 engine produces 200 bhp (149 kW) @ 4400 rpm similar to the 2020 Audi A1 Sportback 40 TFSI S tronic S line (197 bhp) or the 2020 Audi TT S Turbo 50 TFSI (225 bhp).

The Naturally Aspirated V8 throws out 282 lb-ft (382.3 Nm) @ 2400 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 Toyota Corolla GR Circuit Edition 1.6 Turbo (273 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 1997 Mercedes SL Class 500 (175.3 bhp per ton) has similar Bhp Per Ton stats as the Ford Mustang.

The Ford Mustang has a Power to weight ratio of 150.4 bhp per ton and 212.1 lb-ft per ton. Bhp Per Ton figures of the 1965 Mustang competing with the 1997 Mercedes SL Class 500 (175.3 bhp per ton) or the 1996 Alfa-Romeo GTV 3.2 V6 Lusso (175.1 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 212.1 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 2020 Audi TT RS 2.0 Turbo (236.7 lb-ft per ton) or the 2008 Audi A6 RS6 5.0 TFSI V10 (236.5 lb-ft per ton).

Acceleration:

With a 0-60mph time of 8.30 secs or a 0-100km/h (0-62mph) of 8.6 secs, this made the Ford Mustang Hardtop 4.7 V8 as fast as the 2007 Renault Megane Renaultsport 2.0 dCi 175 (8.30 secs) the 2005 Mazda MX5 1.8i (8.30 secs) the 2005 Peugeot 407 3.0 V6 Coupe (8.30 secs) the or the 2001 Volkswagen-VW Lupo 1.6 GTi (8.30 secs). This Ford Mustang Hardtop 4.7 V8 is also faster than the 2007 Seat Ibiza 1.8 20vt FR (8.40 secs) the 2006 Peugeot 207 CC GT (8.40 secs) the 2003 Vauxhall-Opel Astra 2.2 16V (8.40 secs) the and the 1996 Peugeot 106 16v GTi (8.40 secs).

Quarter Mile time is a close race between the Mustang and the 2005 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Spec B

When talking about the performance of the Ford Mustang on the drag strip it can reach a quarter mile in an estimated 15.39 secs @ 88.9 mph. Similar performance down the quarter mile can be found with the the 2005 Subaru Legacy 3.0 R Spec B (15.32 secs), the 2015 Seat Leon ST Cupra 265 DSG (15.32 secs), and the 1990 Nissan 300ZX 3.0 V6 Turbo (15.34 secs).

Top Speed:

Modern performance cars are often artificially restricted to 155mph. The 1965 version of the Ford Mustang Hardtop 4.7 V8 has a maximum speed of 109mph.

Top Speed of the 1965 Mustang equals the 2009 KIA Borrego 4.6 V8 AWD (120 mph)

If maxing out your car on the AutoBahn is your thing and you're wondering what's faster than the 1965 Ford Mustang Hardtop 4.7 V8 then how about the 2009 KIA Borrego 4.6 V8 AWD (120 mph), the 2008 Ford Fiesta 1.6 Zetec S (120 mph), or the 2006 Pontiac Solstice Coupe 2.4 16V (120 mph).

Related Links:

1965 Mustang Rivals List.

A Brief History of Ford

Car Comparison