Is the Mustang 5.0 Better Than the GT?
Unequivocally yes – the Mustang 5.0 represents the pinnacle of Mustang performance, significantly outgunning the "base" GT model in every way. I‘ve owned three 5.0-powered Mustangs so far, constantly chasing more power and speed. Here‘s an in-depth examination of why this iconic V8 continues to dominate the muscle car landscape after 50+ years.
Unpacking the 5.0 Coyote Engine
The 5.0 badge refers Ford‘s latest generation V8, codenamed "Coyote", powering every new Mustang GT since 2011. This innovative dual overhead cam powerplant pumps out a stout 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft stock.
But how does it improve on the past? Here‘s a brief history…
- Cast iron 5.0L pushed 225 HP in the Fox Body era
- 4.6L "Modular" V8 replaced it in 1996 making 260 HP
- 2011 Coyote brought back the 5.0 with 412 HP out of the gate
That‘s nearly double the power just 15 years later! Credit technological advances like:
- Variable cam timing (Ti-VCT)
- High compression ratio (12:1)
- Drive-by-wire electronic throttle
- 87mm bore & forged crankshaft
And Ford engineers left plenty of room for more tweaking…
Aftermarket Tuning Potential
One reason for the 5.0‘s immense popularity is massive power potential from simple bolt-on mods.
| Mod | Stock WHP | Modified WHP | Gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline | 415 | 415 | 0% |
| Cold Air Intake | 415 | 438 | 6% |
| Cat Back Exhaust | 415 | 455 | 10% |
| E85 Flex Fuel Kit | 415 | 510 | 23% |
| Headers & Tune | 415 | 530 | 28% |
With supporting fuel system upgrades, Coyote engines can make over 800 WHP forced induction or 650 WHP naturally aspirated on pump gas! Here are some highlight builds:
- Shelby GT500 "Dark Horse" Concept – 1,000 WHP Supercharged Coyote
- [Saleen "FourSixteen" Mustang](https://www.saleen.com/vehicles/four sixteen/) – 730 WHP Twin Turbo Coyote
- Galpin Auto "The Rocket" Mustang – 825 WHP Supercharged Coyote
Clearly this engine loves boost! Combine near bulletproof internals with huge airflow potential from the DOHC design to support extreme power.
Racing Dominance
Beyond straight line prowess, the 5.0L Coyote has taken Mustangs back to champion status on tracks worldwide after lackluster 4.6L years. Just a sampling of racing exploits:
- 4 x NASCAR Xfinity Series Manufacturer Championships
- 3 x Virgin Australia Supercars Manufacturer Titles
- British GT Championship Team Titles 2017-2019
- Numerous FIA GT3 victories across Europe/Asia
- Too many drag racing records to list!
And perhaps most famously, the antiquated live-axle Mustang running a hot rod Coyote V8 stole the show by winning the 2014 Australian V8 Supercars Championship!
How Mustang 5.0 Stacks Up to the Competition
We can‘t discuss the 5.0L Coyote‘s prowess without comparing it to eternal Mustang sparring partners, the Chevy Camaro SS and Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack. Let‘s look at some key metrics:
| Specs | Mustang GT 5.0 | Camaro SS 6.2L | Challenger R/T 392 Hemi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 460 | 455 | 485 |
| Torque (lb-ft) | 420 | 455 | 475 |
| 0-60 MPH (sec) | 4.0 | 3.9 | 3.8 |
| 1/4 Mile (sec) | 12.6 | 12.3 | 12.1 |
No doubt the Challenger holds the edge on paper. But test drives reveal the Mustang to be the best balanced dynamically with eager turn-in reflexes that belie the chassis‘ age compared to rivals. Where it gives up points in straight line blistering pace, the 5.0 makes up through corners.
Ownership Experience
Beyond speed, the joys of Mustang 5.0 ownership shine through in reliability, reasonable running costs and sheer enjoyment. Highlights include:
- Proven durable design with few trouble spots after a decade of real world testing
- 18/25 MPG city/highway fuel economy – decent for a 460 HP V8!
- Middle of the pack insurance rates thanks to huge production numbers
- That iconic Coyote Exhaust note! No question it sounds the best.
I daily drove my 2013 GT for years without issue through Chicago winters and road trips. Only consumables like brake pads, oil changes and tires were required over 50k miles. Try that in a finicky European exotic!
Cultural Significance
It‘s impossible to overstate the Mustang 5.0‘s imprint on Americana. Like McDonald‘s and Coca-Cola, this V8 helps define the culture. Countless movies, TV shows, songs, and legends cement its status as THE iconic pony car now into its 60th year.
Remember Vanilla Ice rapping over an exploding Fox Body in 1991? How about that chase scene from Bullitt with Steve McQueen flogging his Highland Green ‘68 Fastback? And today‘s stampede of 800 HP Coyotes storming to 8 second passes at the drag strip keep the momentum going.
The Mustang 5.0 connect so profoundly as an aspirational everyman‘s sports car. Attainable, straightforward and quick.
5 decades of 5.0 performance
The Verdict
While one can argue for the theoretical performance advantages of the latest Challenger or Camaro offerings, the complete package of the Mustang 5.0 stands triumphant. No other muscle car combines:
- Visceral driving experience
- Tuning potential
- Racing pedigree
- Reliability
- Historic significance
…into one loud, brash, tire shredding package. I won‘t be convinced otherwise until sitting behind the wheel of another production V8 that tugs at my senses the same way. The 5.0 badge guarantees Mustang buyers the full force of Ford performance legacy in asingle vehicle, offering more speed, character and heritage than any "base" trim. Long live America‘s original pony car!
What‘s your take – can any "plain" Mustang really compete with the almighty 5.0?
