Ford Mustang GT 5th Generation - Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Type | Pony Car / Muscle Car |
| Released At | 2005 Model Year |
| Built At | Flat Rock, Michigan, USA |
| Engine | 4.6L Naturally Aspirated V8 |
| Position | Front-Engine, Longitudinal |
| Aspiration | Natural |
| Block Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Valvetrain | SOHC, 3 Valves per Cylinder |
| Fuel Feed | Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection |
| Displacement | 4601 cc / 281.0 in³ |
| Bore | 90.2 mm / 3.55 in |
| Stroke | 90 mm / 3.54 in |
| Compression | 9.8:1 |
| Power | 300 hp / 224 kW @ 5750 rpm |
| Specific Output | 65.2 hp per liter |
| Torque | 434 Nm / 320 lb-ft @ 4500 rpm |
| Top Speed | 240 km/h / 149 mph |
| 0 – 60 mph | 5.1 seconds |
| 0 – 100 km/h | 5.3 seconds |
| Body / Frame | Steel Unibody |
| Driven Wheels | RWD (Rear-Wheel Drive) |
| Wheel Type | Alloy Wheels |
| Front Tires | 235/55ZR17 |
| Rear Tires | 235/55ZR17 |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc Brakes |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Disc Brakes |
| Front Wheels | 17 x 8.0 in |
| Rear Wheels | 17 x 8.0 in |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Solid Rear Axle with Coil Springs |
| Curb Weight | 1615 kg / 3560 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2720 mm / 107.1 in |
| Length | 4775 mm / 187.8 in |
| Width | 1877 mm / 73.9 in |
| Height | 1405 mm / 55.3 in |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual / 5-Speed Automatic |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | 12.4 L/100 km or 19 mpg-US |
| Fuel Capacity | 61 liters / 16.1 gallons |

Retro-Inspired Design The fifth-generation Mustang (S197) was heavily inspired by the 1960s Mustang models, featuring retro styling cues like the classic grille, side scoops, and fastback roofline.
First Mustang Built on a Unique Platform Since 1979 The S197 Mustang was the first Mustang in over 25 years to use a unique platform, instead of a reworked Ford Fox-body chassis.
Powered by a 4.6L or 5.0L V8 The early Mustang GT (2005-2010) featured a 4.6L SOHC V8 with 300 hp, while the 2011-2014 models introduced the 5.0L Coyote V8 with 412-420 hp, making it significantly more powerful.
First Mustang with a Factory Cold Air Intake The 2010 Mustang GT featured a factory-installed cold air intake, improving airflow and performance—one of the first times Ford included such a modification.
Introduced the 5.0L “Coyote” V8 in 2011 The 2011 Mustang GT brought back the legendary “5.0” badge, with the new Coyote V8 producing 412 hp (later 420 hp in 2013), marking one of the biggest performance jumps in Mustang history.
Special Editions Included the Boss 302 & California Special Ford introduced several special editions, including the Boss 302 (2012-2013), California Special, and Shelby GT500, offering more power and exclusive styling.
Shelby GT500 Became the Most Powerful Production Mustang The 2013-2014 Shelby GT500 featured a supercharged 5.8L V8 producing 662 hp, making it the most powerful production Mustang ever at the time.
First Mustang to Feature Track Apps The 2013 Mustang GT introduced Track Apps, allowing drivers to track acceleration times, braking distances, and lateral G-forces directly from the instrument cluster.
Live Rear Axle Instead of Independent Suspension While competitors switched to independent rear suspension, the S197 Mustang retained a solid rear axle, improving straight-line acceleration but limiting handling performance.
Replaced by the Sixth-Generation Mustang in 2015 The S197 was replaced by the S550 Mustang in 2015, featuring modern styling, a fully independent rear suspension, and a more refined driving experience.

The S197 Mustang GT revived classic pony car styling with modern performance, offering a 4.6L V8 (300–412hp) in a retro-modern package.
Now entering future classic territory, it's the last Mustang with a live rear axle and the first with proper build quality.
1. Current Market Prices (2024)
4.6L V8 Models (2005–2010)
High-Mileage (150,000+ km):€8,000 – €12,000(Watch for rust/engine wear)
Well-Maintained (80,000–150,000 km):€12,000 – €18,000
Low-Mileage (<50,000 km):€18,000 – €25,000
5.0L Coyote V8 (2011–2014, 412hp)
Add €5,000 – €8,000 to equivalent 4.6L prices
Special Editions
Shelby GT500 (5.4L Supercharged, 500+hp):€35,000 – €60,000
Boss 302 (444hp Track Monster):€45,000 – €70,000
2. Key Value Factors
✅ What Adds Value
Manual Transmission (More desirable than automatic)
Original Paint (Grabber Blue/Race Red command premiums)
Complete Service History (Especially timing chains on 4.6L)
⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For
Rust in Strut Towers/Frame Rails (EU cars especially)
4.6L 3V Cam Phaser Failure (Ticking noise = €2k repair)
Modified Cars Without Documentation
3. Ownership Costs
Annual Maintenance
Basic Service:€300 – €500
Major Service (Every 5yrs):€800 – €1,200
Brake Job:€400 (Front), €300 (Rear)
Big-Ticket Repairs
Timing Chain Replacement (4.6L):€1,500 – €2,500
Clutch (Manual):€1,000 – €1,800
Rear Differential Rebuild (Live Axle):€800+
4. Performance & Tuning
Stock Performance
4.6L (300hp): 0-100 km/h 5.5 sec
5.0L Coyote (412hp): 0-100 km/h 4.8 sec
Tuning Potential
4.6L Supercharger Kit:500hp (€5,000+)
Coyote Bolt-Ons:450hp (€3,000 in mods)
5. Market Trends
📈 Appreciation Outlook
2015 Value:€6,000 – €15,000
2024 Value:€10,000 – €25,000
2030 Projection:Clean Coyotes will hit €30k+
💡 Smart Buy?
Best Value:2011–2014 5.0L Manual
Avoid:Heavily modified/rusted examples
6. Where to Buy?
Official Channels
Ford Approved Used (Rare for S197)
Private Sales
Mobile.de / Autoscout24
Mustang Owner Clubs
Pro Tip: Check for "rustproofing" stickers—many EU imports were treated for salt corrosion.
Fun Fact: The S197's retro design was directly inspired by the 1967–1968 Mustang—even the dashboard mimics the classic "double cowl" design.
(This is the last Mustang with true old-school muscle car DNA—simple, loud, and full of character.)
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