The Ford Mustang is arguably one of America’s most iconic muscle cars, with its memorable and historic ‘pony’ emblem sitting in pride of place on the grille of the car was built (its place since 1964 when the first Mustang or ‘pony car’ as it is also known as). Pre-existing articles talk about the Mustang being conceived much earlier in 1948, however, there are no similarities between that of the 1964 car and the car we see today.
It is always interesting to identify whether the redesign and resurrection of old models are successful or popular, or whether it is best to let sleeping dogs lie. Factors that will add to the success of reintroduction can be areas such as climate change and hybrid/electric technology.
Recently announced as the 2021 SEMA Award-winning Car of the Year, the Ford Mustang has made a triumphant return to the top of its game, with its stunning performance and rugged good looks. The ability to customize this car led to it winning this accolade.
A 1968 Mustang was featured at last year’s SEMA Show because of the extraordinary customization applied to it by Ricardo Lopez’s outfit, Customs by Lopez. Take a look at the link to see just how much an older model can be brought to the ‘now’.
The Ford Mustang Today
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Sitting beneath the bonnet of some of the top-spec Mustangs is the stunning V8 engine, however, these days it is a colossal 5.0 liters, producing 393 lb-ft of torque when it hits 4,600 rpm. There is a choice in transmission with either a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic.
Today’s most powerful Mustangs can travel from 0 to 62mph in 4.9 seconds, have an impressive top speed of 155mph, and produce a mighty 450 horsepower from the V8 engine.
Everything is BIG on this car, from the 5.0-liter engine to the 19-inch alloys.
The Ford Mustang Of The Past
Like the Mustang of today, the 1964 Mustang boasted the deep rumbling of the V8 engine, but unlike the Mustang of today, the engine was a much smaller 2.8 liters with a less impressive top speed of 96 mph, 101 horsepower at 4400 rpm, and just 156 lb-ft of maximum torque. Also, much smaller were the alloy wheels, which were only 14-inches.
But the 2021 and the 1964 models share a wealth of history, and both continue to wear the ‘pony’ emblem which identifies them so clearly.
Both models are available in hard-top and convertible options, and both are designed with a style and panache that will last for years to come. So many cars are designed for the ‘here and now’ and are gone in a flash. It is not often that cars remain so iconic and that is all thanks to the superior design and detail that is transferred from year to year. The Mustang is surely one of the most desired models in car manufacturing history with its good looks and outstanding on-road performance.
Canada and Mexico were the first countries to get the Mustang, after the US, and the car is available in over 100 countries. Even Europe’s smallest country with the lowest population, Monaco, has sales of the Mustang.
How The Ford Mustang Has Evolved
It is clear that Ford has done an incredible job at producing the Mustang as it was in the 1960s but also how they have evolved it to the car it is today. Both models are a work of art and coveted by many.
With the new dawn heralding the arrival of planet happy, ‘green’ cars, it is important to recognize that in 2020 Ford drove the extra mile with the introduction of the Mustang Mach E, an all-electric SUV, which has already won an award.
This car speaks so much about the past, present, and future of the Mustang. Not only does the Mach E embrace urgent climate demands. It also provides a stunning and practical family car, under the guise of the SUV. These are popular choices, and it is refreshing to see such an iconic name build and grow over so many years to rise to the forefront of design, performance, and technology.
So, who is the winner – is it the old or the new model Ford Mustang? Ford has successfully demonstrated that all of its Mustang models are winners. Even now, the Mustang of old is a desirable and collectible vintage to own. Indeed, the vintage Mustang can be considered a credible investment piece for the discerning collector. The current Mustangs are paving the way for the next generations to play an active part in the sustainability and safeguarding of this world. It is vital that car manufacturers, like Ford, do what they are doing – by adapting their expertise and existing blueprints for a better and brighter future.