The weight of your car might not seem like a significant figure compared to the power and torque figures at first glance. The Ford Mustang weighs towards the higher side with its wide body and different engines than other sport coupe cars. However, if you are looking for a vehicle that turns corners on a dime and accelerates effortlessly, you might be wondering what a Ford Mustang weighs.
The curb weight of the Ford Mustang ranges from 3491lbs to 4183lbs according to the trim level, engine configuration, transmission, and form factor. Of course, opting for dual-clutch transmission and a bigger engine would increase the weight of your car. We have mentioned the curb weight for different trims of the available 2021 Ford Mustangs below.
Ford Mustang EcoBoost:
- Fastback Manual (3491 lbs.)
- Fastback Automatic (3511 lbs.)
- Convertible Manual (3636 lbs.)
- Converatble Automatic (3656 lbs.)
Ford Mustang 2.3L High-Performance Package
- Fastback Manual (3730 lbs.)
- Fastback Automatic (3752 lbs.)
- Convertible Manual (3916 lbs.)
- Convertible Automatic (3932 lbs.)
Ford Mustang GT
- Fastback Manual (3730 lbs.)
- Fastback Automatic (3752 lbs.)
- Convertible Manual (3916 lbs.)
- Convertible Automatic (3932 lbs.)
Ford Mustang Mach 1
- Fastback Manual (3868 lbs.)
- Fastback Automatic (3913 lbs.)
Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500
- Fastback DCT (4183 lbs.) or (4081 lbs. w/Carbon Fiber Hood)
Even though the Ford Mustang has excellent power, weight still greatly influences deciding the vehicle's dynamic behavior. The more a car weighs, the harder it is to get it moving at speed, make it corner in a stable stance at higher speeds, and slow it down. Likewise, it becomes more complicated for a car to accelerate, handle and stop as its weight increases. Continue reading as we discuss more the Ford Mustang and how its weight plays a factor in its overall performance.
What Is Curb Weight On A Vehicle?
To understand the above figures, you would first need to understand what curb weight is. It is the weight of the car without any passengers, fuel, or cargo in it. Whereas to calculate the actual weight of the car, known as the gross weight of the car, you would factor in the payload weight, which includes the weight of the passengers inside the car, the weight of the cargo in the trunk, and the fuel in the fuel tank.
For example, Ford Mustangs have a maximum payload capacity of around 1022-1293 lbs. according to the specific model. So a typical payload on a car with 20 gallons of gas, four passengers, and 250 lbs. of cargo is around 1000 lbs.
How To Reduce Weight On The Ford Mustang
A large American muscle car like the Mustang has a big V8 engine to carry the heavy body. Nonetheless, the vehicle is a blast to drive, but Ford has recently developed a turbocharged Inline 4-cylinder engine for the folks after fuel-efficient gas mileage over raw power.
The Mustangs usually weigh more than other American coupe cars due to their wide-body and heavy V8. However, Ford Mustangs also come with pretty good sound insulation and dampening, and their automatic transmission comes with 10-speed gears as standard, which increases the weight.
Some users interested in making their mustangs lighter make weight reduction by removing some parts inside the car. Weight reduction in Ford Mustangs is quite popular among enthusiasts, as it makes the car more responsive in corners and enhances acceleration and braking. Weight reduction is on Mustangs is done typically by removing the following:
- Both the door panels
- Floor carpet along with the foam underneath
- Sound deadening material on the floor
- Surround speaker setup
- Both the rear interior panels
- Heater box
- Dogbone (weight on the bottom of the rear diff)
- Rear as well as passenger seats
- Wiper arms and motor
- Armrest
- Installing lighter forged wheels
- Installing lighter composite or carbon fiber body parts
Weight reduction reduces the quarter-mile time and increases the car's fuel mileage as it becomes easier for the engine to move the car. Also, keep in mind that the effect will not be as prominent as you won't be able to strip down more than 100-150 pounds of the weight without making it uncomfortable and impractical.
At maximum, you would be able to shave off half a second on the quarter-mile and slightly bump up the fuel mileage. Weight reduction is only recommended if you intend to use your Mustang on track or a drag strip, as it would remove many practical aspects and comfort features from the car.
Do Convertibles Weigh More Than Fastbacks?
Yes, convertible Mustangs do weigh more than their counter fastback models. A convertible only has the front two pillars to support the car's complete weight if flipped upside down.
Designers and engineers ensure that the front two pillars on a convertible model are reinforced enough to not buckle up in case of a car flip. Unfortunately, this requires more material to strengthen the front two pillars, which raise the car's curb weight.
Also, adding more weight at such a height (pillars) introduces more body roll in the vehicle than its fastback counter. So, if you are after performance and agility, the convertible option might not be for you.
What Is The Lightest Ford Mustang Model?
The lightest Ford Mustang was the 1979 Coupe with a curb weight of 2515 pounds. Older Mustangs had the opportunity to be lighter as fewer safety regulations and lesser safety equipment were carried on the car.
As of now, cars have engineering with enough strength that the cabin compartment should remain intact even in the most dangerous road accidents. And do have to carry safety equipment like airbags, abs, etc., which leads to weight gain.
Although weight reduction techniques have been a part of the new cars with advancements in technology, they still weigh quite more due to added comfort and safety features and electronics. As a result, the lightest current Mustang you can get weighs around 3491 lbs curb weight.
Is Ford Mustang Manual Or Automatic?
Ford Mustangs come in automatic and manual transmission in most trim levels, except the top-of-the-line Shelby GT 500. Most Mustangs can either come with a 6-speed manual or a 10-speed Automatic.
The 10-speed automatic transmission does a great job of keeping the engine in the powerband in most of the scenarios. In addition, the top-of-the-line Shelby GT500 comes with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), transmitting the torque from the supercharged V8 to the axles.
Do Automatic Transmissions Weigh More?
Yes, Automatic transmissions weigh more than standard manual transmission-equipped cars. Automatic vehicle transmission is much more complex and requires more moving parts when compared with a manual transmission. A torque converter is used instead of a clutch to transmit power in an automatic transmission.
These torque converters transmit power through the transmission fluid propelled by a pump, and it drives the turbine, which connects to the output. All this machinery replacing by a simple series of discs called clutch plates in manual transmission.
Conclusion: Does Weight Matter?
The Ford Mustang is an American muscle car on the heavier side because it was designed only to have a big V8 engine. Due to their weight, Ford Mustangs are known for providing poor fuel mileage and also are not very agile on the corners. However, it does a great job in being what it is, a prominent American muscle coupe car that is fun to drive, comfortable, fast in straight lines, and trustworthy.
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