1981 Ford Mustang Specs & Details
The Mustang didnāt 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). Fordās overuse of the āfun-to-driveā phrase in this Mustangās sale brochure couldnāt 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 didnĆt 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 FordĆs version of the ƬScreaming ChickenĆ® 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
1981 Mustang Engines |
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| Engine | HP | TQ |
| 2.3L I4 | 86 | 119 |
| 3.3L I6 | 94 | 160 |
| 4.2L 2V V8 | 119 | 194 |
1981 Mustang Models |
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| 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 | ||
1981 Mustang Color Codes |
|
| 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
