The Ford Mustang is a motoring legend, a star of the silver screen and a vehicle that we have all associated with having a high horsepower V8 heart that will smoke tires and burble away majestically.
Knowing that the 5.0-liter Coyote V8 powered Mustang could be considered by some potential purchasers to be a costly machine to own and run, Ford released the smaller displacement 2.3-liter Mustang EcoBoost.
Somewhat overshadowed by its bigger more muscular brother, the EcoBoost is a fantastic car in its own right and allows those on a lower budget, or with less driving experience, access to the Mustang stable. With Ford now discontinuing sales of the four-cylinder car in certain markets, this is as good a time as any to snap up a bargain performance car.
10 The Rowdy Relation
The RS Focus 2.3-liter turbo shares its engine with the EcoBoost Mustang but in true rally sport style produces 32 hp more than the pony, features four-wheel drive, five doors and a more forgettable exterior.
Bred from cars that possess a truly enviable motorsport lineage, the RS Focus cracks 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and thanks to a sophisticated driver select mode can cover ground at an alarming rate, in all weathers.
9 Modern Power
The EcoBoost range of engines was designed to deliver high capacity thrills and power at much lower displacement. The unit fitted to the Mustang is a turbo-charged in-line four that creates a healthy 310 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque.
As a benchmark comparison figure, the Generation 4 Mustang 4.6 GT V8 could only muster a lowly 260 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque from a much larger displacement, proving that the often overlooked 4-pot motor has some serious firepower.
8 Greater Economy
That lower displacement 2.3-liter engine allows for a greater saving at the fuel pumps. Compared to the 5.0-liter V8’s low 21 average mpg rating, the EcoBoost boasts 31 mpg thanks to its more modern set up. (Official figures).
Beyond the obvious fuel saving costs, it is reported that the servicing and maintenance costs of the EcoBoost engine are substantially lower than the mighty Coyote V8.
7 Tuning Possibilities
The giveaway is in the name. Boost. Thanks to the Honeywell Garrett Twinscroll turbo fitted to the 2.3-liter engine, a simple off-the-shelf Stage 1 remap will ramp the power up to 360 bhp and 406 lb-ft of torque. That’s more power than a standard 5.0-liter V8.
Move up to a Stage 2 tune, add a cold air induction system, free flowing exhaust and not only will the EcoBoost Mustang benefit from better breathing and a wilder tone, but power will swell to just beyond 380 bhp. From here hybrid turbos, more aggressive tunes, wilder cams and some RS tuning parts will have the V8 worrying about its crown.
6 Greater Agility
The lower displacement 2.3-liter EcoBoost unit weighs in at a hefty 75kg less than the 5.0-liter Coyote unit, so what is lost in initial power outputs are made up for in weight savings.
With a significantly lighter engine over the front wheels the EcoBoost Mustang feels much nimbler on its feet than its fatter big brother, its suffers from less momentum on sharp direction changes, stops quicker and offers sharper turn in. All important factors when you're pressing on.
5 Affordability
Considered by some to be the 'poverty spec' Mustang, the EcoBoost retails at a whopping $9,000 less, from new, than its more desirable V8 sibling.
That's money that can not only be spent on a whole host of factory options but also on a ton of fuel, some performance upgrades, insurance costs and some additional styling tweaks to give the buyer a unique 'Stang that stands out from the crowd.
4 Real World Hero
Apart from the obvious savings on fuel and initial purchase price, the EcoBoost is said to be the better drive in normal day-to-day conditions. With its lower curb weight and greater turning circle, some 7 feet less than the V8, the 2.3 Mustang is easier to navigate through an urban environment, simpler to park and less frustrating to drive daily.
3 High Performance Package
For those wanting to more ponies straight from the factory, Ford offers the High Perfomance Package. For an additional $1995 you get a more powerful 330 hp engine, larger Pirelli Tires, upgraded brakes, MagneRide adaptive suspension dampers and a 3.55 Limited Slip Differential.
Now delivering 143 hp per liter and featuring a fully-active exhaust with quad tips, the EcoBoost has a vastly improved 'tuned' throaty voice, allowing the smaller displacement Mustang to shout about its pedigree.
2 Potential Rarity
In its lengthy history, it has always been the 4 or 6-cylinder mustangs that were overlooked for the V8 powered units by potential buyers. Under the allure of big power and tire smoking thrills, the 'lesser' mustangs often languished unloved.
Its these unwanted versions that tend to dwindle in numbers and will no doubt become highly collectible, add to this that the EcoBoost engine will no longer be offered in the Mustang as it goes V8 only and the 2.3-liter powered pony could become a highly sought after steer.
1 The Shelby GT EcoBoost
Likely to be refferred to as the ultimate version of the 2.3-engined Mustang, the Shelby GT EcoBoost comes with a performance short-shift kit, a handling package comprising lowering springs, enhanced shocks and sway bars plus a cat back sports exhaust.
Power has been tweaked to produce 335 bhp whilst the appointment of a carbon fiber hood, splitter, side sills and 20-inch Weld Racing wheels all add to the Shelby's unique appearance. Priced at $50,195 the Shelby GT EcoBoost could be classed as a pricey option however for those seeking turbo charged Mustang based thrills.