Page 205 - Wayne Carini's Guide to Affordable Classics

Within two years after the Fox Mustang’s initial appearance the hatchback outsold the notchback coupe, a trend that would continue throughout its time on the market.
The Turbo engine saw its horsepower rating rise to 150 in 1980 and 1981.
For 1979, Mustang buyers could also opt for the gutsy 2.8-liter Cologne V6 (also named after the German plant where it was made) with 109 horsepower and 142 lb ft of torque, and in mid-1979 Ford added an anemic 3.3-liter inline-six-cylinder option with 89 horsepower. But the engine everyone wanted was the 302 cubic inch Windsor V8. This was a proper Mustang engine with 140 horsepower and 250 lb ft of torque. However, fuel economy issues moved Ford to drop that option at the end of the year. Mustangs for 1980-82 could be ordered with a smaller 4.2-liter V8 with 119 horsepower and 194 lb ft of torque. Cue the sad trombone.
Ford Mustang (Fox Body)
Transmission options included a number of four-speed manuals and a three-speed automatic. The first Mustang five-speed manual transmission appeared mid-year in 1980, but only on four-cylinder models. If you can find a still-living turbo Mustang from that year, it could come with a five-speed.
In 1982, Ford brought back the 5.0-liter 302 V8 as a High Output option. It was morning in America again! Boasting 157 horsepower and 240 lb ft of torque, this was an encouraging sign. The 4.2-liter V8 quietly went away at the end of the year, along with the straight-six. For 1983, Ford gifted the 5.0-liter V8 Mustang with 175 horsepower and 245 lb ft of torque, plus the first five-speed transmission with a Mustang V8. The company also brought back the turbocharged four with 142 horsepower and 172 lb ft of torque, and added a new 3.8-liter V6 with 112 horsepower and 175 lb ft of torque.
Pay attention to 1984, because this marked the advent of the Mustang SVO, with a special turbo-four engine rated at 175 horsepower and 210 lb ft. Then in 1985 the High Output V8 option put a four-barrel carb atop the 302 engine and cracked the 200-horsepower barrier (210, actually) for the first time since the last of the 351 Cleveland V8s in 1973. Oh, Fabulous Day! The SVO followed, achieving 200 horsepower in 1986.
Mid-Cycle Refresh - 1987-1993
For the 1987 model year, the whole Mustang lineup got a facelift. New front and rear bumper and grille treatments updated the look to modern standards, but the basic bodywork remained the same. The two-door notchback coupe, three-door hatch, and convertible remained the available choices, but for the first time the notchback was equipped with the 5.0-liter V8 engine. This proved a popular
One of the most popular variants is the iconic Mustang GT. This 1987 example features rocker panel skirts, cheese-grater taillamps and fake scoops ahead of each wheel.
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