1981 Ford Mustang Specs & Details
The Mustang didn’t see many changes with the transition to the 1981 model year. Performance enthusiasts perhaps shed
a few tears as Ford dropped the turbo four-cylinder engine. This left the neutered 4.2-liter V-8 and its inadequate
119 horsepower as the top Mustang powerplant (and also the sole engine for the Cobra). Rounding out the trio of
under-the-hood weaknesses were the carryover 3.3-liter inline-six (with 94 horsepower) and the base 2.3-liter
four-banger (and its 86 horsepower). Ford’s overuse of the “fun-to-drive” phrase in this Mustang’s sale brochure
couldn’t make up for these severely lacking engines. Mustang lovers would have to wait another year before a new
powerplant would come to the rescue.
Another short-lived variant, the M81 McLaren Mustang (which debuted in 1980), continues into the 1981 model year. The
forerunner project for the yet-to-be formed SVO group enjoyed a hearty turbocharged version of the 2.3-liter
inline-four (175 horsepower). But, the M81 was priced at several times more than a stock Mustang, so less than a
dozen were built over two years.
Arguably, the most significant innovation for 1981 was the introduction of an optional T-top roof that could be added
to any three-door Mustang. It didnít quite satisfy convertible cravings (which get taken care of in 1983), but it
was the best Ford could do at the moment. The optional fake convertible top was still available with the Ghia coupe
and almost as tacky as the wire wheel covers.
But, at least the hatchback-only Cobra looked like it could go fast. Plus, you could still add Fordís version of the
ìScreaming Chickenî hood graphic. In this case, it was a giant Cobra sticker atop the non-functional hood scoop.
Blacked-out lower body panels and optional rear louvers continued the illusion of speed.
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, there are some other things to note about the 1981 Mustang. For the first time, power side windows became
available (power locks had been an ongoing option for the Fox Body), and hatchbacks would outsell the notchback
coupe (foretelling what happens with future Mustang generations).
1981 Ford Mustang Specs
| Engine |
HP |
TQ |
| 2.3L I4 |
86 |
119 |
| 3.3L I6 |
94 |
160 |
| 4.2L 2V V8 |
119 |
194 |
| Model |
Engine |
| Base |
2.3L I4 |
3.3L I6 |
4.2L 2V V8 |
| Ghia |
2.3L I4 |
3.3L I6 |
4.2L 2V V8 |
| Cobra |
4.2L 2V V8 |
| Color Name |
Color Code |
| Silver |
1T |
| Medium Red |
24 |
| Medium Pewter |
17 |
| Black |
1C |
| Bright Bittersweet |
2G |
| Bright Red |
27 |
| Medium Blue Glow |
3H |
| Dark Blue |
3L |
| Bright Yellow |
6N |
| Pastel Chamois |
86 |
| Medium Vaquero Glow |
5W |
| Bright Yellow |
64 |
| Bittersweet Glow |
8D |
| Dark Cordovan |
8N |
| Polar White |
9D |
1981 Mustang Articles
Check out other 1979-1993 Mustang Specs: 1979, 1980, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
