[oldguy]

I haven’t been keeping up on cars for quite a long time. I recently got rid of my airplane and want to see if I can renew my long dormant love of fast cars. I intend to buy a Mustang convertible this winter and prefer the 94 up body style. I want something I can personalize, modify, tinker with, rub on, etc. so I’m not really interested in just buying the lastest and greatest. At the same time I don’t want to buy a car that’s a dead end street. It appears that there is plenty of info on the pre-94 cars, but little on the later cars. I’m looking for year by year change info, horsepowers, etc. It looks like 96-98 and 99-up not only have some visual differences, but some mechanical differences as well. Is there a site with this kind of info? Helpful links would be appreciated.

Oldguy

[StalkerStang]

Well I'll check into other specs, but I can give you the HP of the 94-up cars

94-95 GT: 215 HP
94-95 Cobra: 240 HP

96-97 GT: 215 HP
98 GT: 225 HP
96-98 Cobra: 305 HP

99-present GT: 260 HP
99,01 Cobra: 320 HP
03 Cobra: 390 HP

In 2000, there was no Cobra, and in 99 the Cobra had power problems, and did not make as much as the 01. I would reccomend either a 94-95 GT or Cobra, a 96-98 Cobra, or any of the newer Mustangs. 96-98 GT's are cheaper than the Cobras, but it takes more parts and time to get the performance up on par with the Cobras or even the 5.0's. Although Superchargers and nitrous are a couple effective ways to get a 96-98 run very well.

[StalkerStang]

http://web2.iadfw.net/robmu/eyewtk.html

Here is a list of specs for the 98, I'll look more later for others years. I really wish the guy that did those specs would come out with some for other years.

[Old Horse]

Welcome to the forums Oldguy. A short time ago I was in the same boat...too long away from performance cars. In a few short months I have become an expert in all things late model Mustang Just kiddin! The one thing I feel certain of is that there is no shortage of info. My advice would be take your time. Do the research. A big source of info for me is 5.0 Mustang mag and the internet. I use www.stangnet.com a lot. There are subtle differences between the different years of Mustangs. Technology changes a lot. Trannys, gear ratios,HP, all these have changed over the last few years. Research is the key. Good luck and enjoy.

[oldguy]

Thanks for the link. There's a ton of info there. Interesting that the aluminum block DOHC ends up heavier than the SOHC. All those cams and forged crank add up.

Oldguy

[StalkerStang]

Also the Cobra thats equipped with DOHC's has larger disc brakes, 17 inch wheels standard, and various handling peices like larger sway bars and stiffer springs also add up the weight.