1980 Ford Mustang Specs & Details

1980 is typical for the second year of a new generation Mustang. In other words, it’s mostly a carryover. The one significant update for the 1980 Ford Mustang is under the hood, and it’s not ideal. Fresh off the U.S.’s second energy crisis (which started in 1979), Ford and every other American automaker concentrated on fuel economy. As a result, the Mustang’s 5.0-liter V-8 was replaced by a very anemic 4.2-liter V-8. And lifeless is an understatement as this powerplant was rated for just 119 horsepower: the weakest V-8 ever put in a Mustang. This made the carryover turbo four the most powerful Mustang, and perhaps this was part of Ford’s plan to promote better fuel economy.

With not much else going on with mechanical changes, Ford turned to exterior upgrades to add excitement to the 1980 model year. The efforts began with a faux convertible look (Carriage Roof in Ford speak) that adds a simulated rag-top look to the notchback body. Halogen headlights are now standard gear across the Mustang lineup.

Mustangs could also be ordered with a Sport Option appearance package that added black wraparound lower bodyside molding and black window frames. The Exterior Accent Group added less overwhelming black accents, plus pin strips. As with the previous year, a 1980 Mustang could be ordered in one of fifteen different colors. It’s a broad pallet that’s unimaginable for a modern car.

The biggest interior improvement came from optional Recaro front bucket seats with the signature open-style headrest and integrated mesh barrier. Beefy side bolsters and adjustable thigh support make these seats something that would be right at home in a modern Mustang. Gear we take for granted as standard equipment today (like power windows and locks, a tilt steering wheel, a center console, and interval wipers) are still extra-cost items.

Everything else is a continuation from 1979. Mustang offers three trims (base, Ghia, and Cobra) and two body styles (notchback and hatchback). The base four-banger and the 3.3-liter V-6 soldier on, too.

But 1980 wasn’t downright dull in the Mustang world as Ford debuted the M81 McLaren Mustang in partnership with the legendary British racing firm. An ordinary ‘Stang gets turned into a bit of screamer thanks to the turbo-four boosted to 175 horsepower. Regrettably, a high sticker price meant only a handful of M81s (reportedly less than a dozen) were built, making this car a unicorn in Mustang lore. Yet, this effort served as the inspiration for Ford’s development of its SVO group.

1980 Ford Mustang Specs

1980 Mustang Articles

Check out other 1979-1993 Mustang Specs: 1979, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993