It seems a no-brainer to say that the 2021 Ford Mustang GT with the 450+ horsepower V8 is thrilling. After all, Mustang GTs are legendary track beasts. But what car with that much horsepower isn't? The Mustang's real sleight-of-hand is that even the base models elicit grins from performance-oriented drivers. Ford managed to squeeze 310 horsepower out of a turbo four-cylinder engine. This outguns many previous-generation V8 Mustangs. Even better, it does this at an EPA-rated 24 MPG.
Basics About the 2021 Ford Mustang
There are five versions of the Mustang: Two turbo four-cylinder models, two GT V8 models, and the 460-horsepower V-8 Mach-1. The Mach-1 features aero effects echoing its 1969 namesake. Each is available with a six-speed manual transmission or a refined 10-speed automatic.
All but the Mach-1 are available as convertibles. Whichever version you choose, you get retro styling that echoes classic Mustangs (exterior and interior) and a host of technology that delivers a thoroughly modern sports car experience.
Check Out the Stats
The base Mustang's 2.3-liter turbo four-cylinder engine pushes 310 horsepower. That propels you to 60 MPH in just 5.1 seconds and a 155 MPH top speed. The performance package increases the engine's horsepower to 330.
The mid-level 450-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 GT gets you to 60 MPH in 4.2 seconds and a 163 MPH top speed. At the top of the Mustang's 2021 spectrum, the Mach-1's 480-horsepower V8 will get you there just a camera's finish ahead of the GT.
Pricing
The MSRP range on the 2021 Mustang lineup starts at $28,400 for the base EcoBoost and tops out with the MSRP $54,595 Mach 1. Even at the base level, the EcoBoost model features a suspension and steering that reviewers laud as delivering track-worthy sports car handling.
The EcoBoost Premium trim (MSRP $33,420) ups the four-cylinder engine to 330 horsepower. The GT with the 460-horsepower V8 starts at MSRP $37,480 and its Premium trim level runs MSRP $41,480.
All That Tech
Ford packs the Mustang's 2021 lineup with all of the modern tech you could desire. On the infotainment side, the Sync 3 system has a refined screen interface and includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Sirius/XM satellite radio (subscription required).
You can also use Ford Sync Connect to control and monitor your Mustang via your smartphone. The performance-minded will appreciate the multiple driving modes that put critical track information directly on the driver's display on command.
Five-Star Safety
The 2021 Mustang earned top marks in its National Highway Traffic Safety Administration crash tests. This is due in part to its excellent passive safety features, including integrated crumple zones, highly-reinforced passenger cabin, and airbags pretty much everywhere you look.
Ford augments this with an impressive collection of active features that help drivers avoid accidents. This includes speed adjusting cruise control, collision warning/automated braking, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alerts.
The choices in the 2021 Mustang lineup come down to just how much thrill are you looking for. You can have a really fast, incredibly fast, or wildly fast. Whichever one you opt for, you get a modern high-tech sports car with the retro vibe that continues to make it a classic. Contact Matthews Ford today to take your particular thrill for a spin.