Ford Mustang
Reviewed by Unique Cars and Parts
Our Rating: 1
Introduction
1979 saw the debut of the new Mustang (the "II" was
dropped) based on the new Fox platform. Compared to the 1978 Mustang II, the
new Mustang was 4.1 inches longer, with a 4.2 inch longer
wheelbase, yet weighed nearly 200 lbs. less.
The Mustang
was available in either two door coupe or three door
hatchback models, as well as an upgraded trim and appearance
Ghia trim.
Three
suspension setups were available with
the top of the line Special Suspension package including
retuned shock absorber valving, front and rear springs,
and front and rear stabilizer bars along with metric
sized cast-aluminium wheels and, for the first time on
a Mustang, non-US
tyres (Michelin TRX performance radial
tyres).
Lessor Mustangs had to make do with
other radial or bias-ply tyres. Despite the improved
suspension,
handling still suffered from the 60/40% weight
distribution when equiped with the heavy 302 V8.
A total of six engines were available, from the carryover 2.3
litre I4 now producing a mere 88 bhp up, a new 200 cubic
inch (3.3 liter) 85 bhp I6 to the now 10 year old carryover
302 V8.
A new
turbocharged 2.3 litre I4 was introduced
which was rated at 143 bhp and its lighter weight gave
the Mustang better weight balance than the heavy 302
V8. But the
turbo was a mixed blessing.
It generated more horsepower than the old tech V8, but there was substantial
turbo lag which hurt driveability and performance. The
Turbo engines also suffered from
oil lubrication problems
that caused some
turbos to fail and others to ignite(!)
Clearly, the
turbocharged engine was not quite perfected
yet.
A Cobra package was available which
included the
turbocharged L4, TRX
tyres and wheels,
and additional trim items. Also available was a new "flip-up,
open-air roof" which was the closest thing to a
convertible available in 1979. The Mustang was picked
to pace the Indy 500 race for 1979, and Ford celebrated
by producing about 11,000 Indy Pace Car Replicas which
featured outlandish decals and functional Recaro reclining
bucket seats.
