Ford Mustang - Variants comparison

Music to the ears and a sight for sore eyes, the Ford Mustang turns heads almost anywhere it runs. This thoroughbred sports car has seen many iterations since its debut in 1964. Today, the Ford Mustang is offered in four trim levels in the Philippine market all with different specifications on both the outside and what it hides under the hood. 

Ford Motor Company Philippines offers the Ford Mustang in two roofed variants; the Ford Mustang 2.3L AT EcoBoost and the Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 AT Fastback. For those looking for the total coupe package, the Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 MT Convertible and the Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 AT Convertible are more appealing options. 

While each variant has something that separates it from the bunch, they do share several similarities as they are cut from the same cloth. Here are some glaring features the iconic two-door American pony offers across all variants - 

• Front and Rear Fog Lamps
• HID Head Lamps
• Center High Mount Stop Lamp
• Dual Pipe Exhaust Tip
• 8-Inch Touch Screen Infotainment Panel
• Leather Steering Wheels with Steering Wheel Controls

Ford is not one to skimp on safety, especially with its sports coupe. With an engine that can take you from 0 to 100 in five seconds, safety features are an absolute must. Ford Mustang specs sheet include following safety features -

• SRS Airbags
• ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System)
• Front Passenger Sensing System
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System

The 2019 Mustang offered in the local market also offers Ford’s AdvanceTrac with Electronic Stability Control on all four variants. Since it was built to let it loose, better control of the vehicle is tantamount to its speed and aggressive performance. Having said, AdvanceTrac increases the Ford Mustang’s stopping power improves its traction and enhances its overall stability and responsiveness. 

Driving on open roads and freeways allows one to take advantage of both its power and its safety features making the Ford Mustang a well-balanced sports car. 

Offered in two engine specifications, you can say that there’s a pony for everybody. Here’s what the 2019 Ford Mustang’s engine spec sheet looks like - 

	2.3L EcoBoost	5.0L GT
Engine Type	2.3L EcoBoost Engine	5.0 Ti-VCT V8
Maximum Output	310 hp	460 hp
Maximum Torque	475 Nm	569 Nm
Valve Configuration	Double Over Head Cam (DOHC)

The 2.3L EcoBoost is Ford’s proven recipe for power and performance. It may be on the lower end of the spectrum but the 2.3L EcoBoost still gives the Ford Mustang and edge over other vehicles in its class. Designed to hurl in more torque, it gives you more bump thanks to its transitory over-boost function. On the other end of the spectrum, the 5.0L GT offers a refreshed dual-fuel injection system that translates to both higher revs and more horses. Ford’s legendary V8 engine has been revamped and redesigned to give the all-new Ford Mustang the added oomph.

Ford Mustang 2.3L AT EcoBoost

The Ford Mustang 2.3L AT EcoBoost base variant proves that it’s not the type to sit at the far end of the stable. 

It’s outfitted with the same Rear Wheel Drive (RWD) 10-speed SelectShift transmission designed to give you superior ratio progression and efficiency. Accurate and faster shifting of gears is also part of the 10-speed SelectShift update. Its wheels feature power steering and adjustable columns as well as steering-wheel-mounted shift paddles.  

In terms of control and driving comfort, it’s exactly all you could ever ask from a ’Stang. At ₱2,838,000, it’s the most reasonably priced pony on the market. 

Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 AT Fastback

The Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 AT Fastback is a cut above the EcoBoost variant. This trim level boasts Ford’s 5.0 Ti-VCT V8 engine giving it better, if not a more dominating, road performance overall. Both the interior and the exterior across all variants look identical and unless you’re sitting behind the wheel, you probably won’t notice the difference between the two. 

Because of its improved engine specs, the Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 AT Fastback sports a higher price tag at ₱3,518,000. 

Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 MT

This convertible variant not only sports an electronically driven cloth convertible top but also offers a 6-speed manual transmission. For a convertible coupe, the Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 MT can carry heavier loads than its EcoBoost counterpart with a cargo volume of 354 L. 

Those who want the adrenaline of stick shifting can take the Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 MT home for ₱3,618,000. 

Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 AT 

Like its stick counterpart, the Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 AT also offers the comfort and convenience of driving a convertible. Nevertheless, the Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 AT provides better driving comfort thanks to its 10-speed automatic transmission. You also get to ride on the Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 AT’s 19-inch radial tires giving it an aggressive stance to match its symmetrical character lines and sharp corners. The top-of-the-line Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 AT is yours at ₱3,718,000.

Here is a look at the Ford Mustang price list:

Ford Mustang 2.3L AT EcoBoost	₱2,838,000
Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 AT Fastback	₱3,518,000
Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 MT	₱3,618,000
Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 AT	₱3,718,000

Verdict

The Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 AT Fastback is the perfect dab smack in the middle option for many Filipino car buyers in terms of price and features. While convertibles scream as the ultimate chick-magnet coupe, the sheltered cabin of the Ford Mustang 5.0L V8 AT Fastback makes it more of an ideal vehicle to brave the scorching heat of the sun while stuck in the busy streets of the metro. Moreover, its size makes it ideal to drive in Philippine roadways and there’s no reason why you wouldn’t want to take this ‘Stang out for a spin.  

Also read: 2019 Ford Mustang - All You Need to Know