Page 208 - Wayne Carini's Guide to Affordable Classics

The Knowledge
dThe best years for V8 engine power were the 1993 Cobra at 230 hp, 1987-1992 GT at 225 hp. For the SVO, 1985.5 was the peak model at 205 horsepower and 248 lb ft of torque, but 1986 offered 200 hp, compared to the 175 hp of 1984 and 1985. The Turbo GT also offered 175 horsepower alongside the 1984 SVO.
TOP: Regardless of model year, a Mustang GT will always prove popular with enthusiasts. ABOVE: The 5.0-liter engine is near bulletproof with few glaring faults and known problem areas. Watch for leaks from the rear main seal and ensure that the water pump pulley is in good order.
dEarly Fox body V8 cars were offered only with a three-speed automatic transmission. Early Turbo four- cylinder cars received a five-speed manual gearbox, but early V8 cars and the 1982 GT received a four-speed, with an optional four-speed plus overdrive at additional cost. From 1983, the GT was available with standard five-speed manual transmission.
dTotal Fox body Mustang sales from 1979-1993 were 2,608,812 vehicles. In 1980, total production of 241,064 Mustangs included about 150,000 four-cylinders, 12,000 turbos, 71,500 six-cylinders, and 6,508 V8 models. In the heart of the Fox body era in 1984, Ford made about 46,000 four-cylinders, 47,000 six-cylinders, and 36,038 V8s.
dIn 1991 the Ford Special Vehicle Team (SVT) began work on the 1993 Mustang Cobra. In addition to 1,854 production sale models, the team built 107 competition- designed Cobra R models. The Cobra R was rated at 235 horsepower, 280 lb ft of torque, with a five-speed
TOP: Among the most collectible examples of the Fox body Mustang is the Cobra R from 1993. ABOVE: The Cobra R’s engine boasted an advertised 235 horsepower.
transmission that would allow 0-60 in 5.7 seconds and a 14.3-second 1/4-mile time. The Cobra R came with four- wheel disc brakes and heavy-duty suspension. Bright red exterior over gray cloth interior was the only color combination available.
dWhile the first Mercury Capri was an import from Ford’s German subsidiary, the second generation Capri from 1979-1986 was a badge-engineered variant of the Mustang. The Capri was available only as a hatchback. Differences are subtle, but from 1983 onward the Capri included a bubble rear window that provided a little more space in the trunk area. The Capri generally had wider fenders without the pronounced flares of the Mustang GT. Mercury made about 15,000-20,000 Capris each year, most with four- cylinder or six-cylinder engines, though the 5.0-liter V8 was available.
A Mercury Capri is an interesting alternative to the near ubiquitous Mustang.
206Wayne CariniAffordable Classics