how do you tell apart 05-09 mustangs?

cape6 · Dec 5, 2011

hey, I am just wondering if there is anyways to tell apart 05, 06, 07, 08, and 09 mustangs just by looking at them from the outside (or inside)

as of now all 05-09 mustangs look almost the same other then the 45th anniversary 09 mustang logo on the side of some of them.

jstafford1 · Dec 5, 2011

Well the pony package was 06+ so v6's with fogs are 06-09. Aside from that I don't think they changed much if anything.

"Stay classy Interwebz"

myltlpny · Dec 5, 2011

'05 & '06 have different radiator plumbing under the hood. My car is Sonic blue which was a holdover from the previous body style and was only available for the '05 Mustang. '06 introduced Vista Blue. '07-'09 eliminate the tabs on the shock towers that were originally intended for an export brace, and have slightly different valve covers. The hood scoop wasn't available as a factory option until '07. Beyond that, it's more about the options available, like paint colors. The biggest changes came in '07.

FYouGitive · Dec 5, 2011

Other than the few indicators mentioned above, there are some differences you'll never know about until you try to buy a part for a later car and find yourself with one for an older version. I have to admit I've forgotten what areas the changes are in, but casual reading of aftermarket accessory catalogs seems to show important differences in the cooling system hoses, among other things.

As far as quick IDs, it looks like asking and believing is the likely way.

Guest · Dec 5, 2011

Heads changed in 08

JBert · Dec 5, 2011

I have been wondering about this too . . . I have a little "spot the mustang" game going with my daughter . . . I have taught her how to tell the difference between a GT and a V6, and 05-09 from previous years, and 10+ from 05-09, but within the 05-09 range we don't know how to tell.

So apparently from this thread so far -- there is no way to tell from the outside, like when you are driving down the street and see one? (heads and radiator hoses don't help with that)

pmr2000 · Dec 5, 2011

All 05's & 06"s had same rear spoiler, '07-09 V6 has different spoiler than GT.

'09 V6's have the 45 anniv. badge if not a Pony Package car.

jasonthefox · Dec 5, 2011

pmr2000 said:
All 05's & 06"s had same rear spoiler, '07-09 V6 has different spoiler than GT.

Yeah? Cool, I didn't know that. I always thought they were different.

markag · Dec 5, 2011

In '07 a certain trim level gave you a hood scoop. In '09, the 45th anniversary badge is on all of the mustangs except for the Shelby GT500. Doesn't matter if it was a GT or a V6.

If you really want to have fun with the game, try specifying the different versions of the mustang. You've got your California Special, Shelby GT, & Bullitt mustangs.

hammerdown · Dec 5, 2011

SheizaSoSay said:
Heads changed in 08

Late '08 - Mine has the early heads and uses those sh!tty 2 piece plugs.

Guest · Dec 5, 2011

You know any new heads you buy like FRPP heads or livernois etc have the new head design. Wonder how much power you could pickup with JUST those heads and no other changes.

IansBAJ · Dec 5, 2011

Mineral gray was only available in 05 with the s197.

Guest · Dec 5, 2011

SheizaSoSay said:
You know any new heads you buy like FRPP heads or livernois etc have the new head design. Wonder how much power you could pickup with JUST those heads and no other changes.

Ported....just to clarify...stage2

mustangdave2008 · Dec 5, 2011

Ask the owner what year it is. The owners not there? Get away from his car you freak!!:winks:gringreen

hammerdown · Dec 5, 2011

SheizaSoSay said:
Ported....just to clarify...stage2

IDK, but I'd sure love to find out!.. No no.. I gotta stand by my commitment here. I'm DONE building power. I got other stuff that needs to happen first..

-HD

FYouGitive · Dec 6, 2011

markag said:
In '07 a certain trim level gave you a hood scoop. In '09, the 45th anniversary badge is on all of the mustangs except for the Shelby GT500. Doesn't matter if it was a GT or a V6.

If you really want to have fun with the game, try specifying the different versions of the mustang. You've got your California Special, Shelby GT, & Bullitt mustangs.

My 09 has no 45th badge: it's a GT/CS. I think the 45th badge was an extra you had to pay for, or at least ask for.

The hood scoop is part of the GT Appearance Package, which included the plenum shroud and rolled-tip exhaust.

It came with the standard GT-style pillar wing; I replaced it with the one like Shelby puts on the KR GT500 (it's the 07+ V6 wing.) I have the same wing on my 08 convertible. Don't know what heads that one has.

It ain't easy telling them apart if some Mustang nut has been at them with his credit card.

#1fordlover · Dec 6, 2011

I find that I can tell the differences between the 05-09 are from the Rear Spoiler and the Rims on them.

jasonthefox · Dec 6, 2011

Ahh yeah.. the wheels.

My uncle has an '05 GT and I have an '07 GT - we both have the same wheels (style, at least) but mine have a brighter finish, almost with a sparkle compared to his. His have a flat grey look to the aluminim, whereas mine seem 'whiter' if that makes sense. I don'thave a picture to compare though.

Other than that, they're the same wheel, the standard GT wheel from those years (17s) - not the bullitt or 'torque thrust' style that came out in '08, I think? Or that 'fan blade' style (not sure the name) that was offered on the premiums after '08, I think? Pretty sure they're 18s.

Can anyone elaborate/clarify?

calspcl · Dec 6, 2011

Also on the '08 models there is chrome trim on the radio controls

05MineralGrayV6 · Dec 6, 2011

how do you tell apart 05-09 mustangs?

cape6

jstafford1

myltlpny

FYouGitive

Guest

JBert

pmr2000

jasonthefox

markag

hammerdown

Guest

IansBAJ

Guest

mustangdave2008

hammerdown

FYouGitive

#1fordlover

jasonthefox

calspcl

05MineralGrayV6

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