1996 Ford Mustang Specs & Details

For 1996, the Mustang stays mostly the same as it did since its debut in the SN95 body style two years ago. The V6 motor feels competent and capable enough but feels slightly lacking in horsepower. Thankfully, its high torque rating is enough to keep it highly enjoyable off the line and can easily break the tail loose around corners when pushed harder than normal. Along with this, the V6 retains a low entry price that makes it tempting as an entry-level sports car for most people. With a nice look, good engine options, and the iconic Mustang name, the 1996 model is the best one on the market in years.

The biggest change to the 1996 Mustang is the replacement of the outdated 4.9L V8 that had been found in the previous generation of Mustang with the 4.6L modular V8. While many things caused this change, each aspect held a major impact on the reasoning. The smaller 4.6L puts out the same performance figures as the 5.0L while weighing significantly less. Additionally, this motor is more fuel-efficient and capable of passing new emission regulations and new onboard diagnostic systems (OBD-II). Additionally, this modular setup has parts like the AC compressor and power steering pump, along with others, connected directly to the motor which reduces noise, vibration, and harshness over different driving settings and scenarios.

The new 4.6L V8 makes exactly the same performance figures as the old motor while drawing some technology directly from it. The GT this year as well has taken parts from the higher trim model - the Cobra - in the form of the Borg-Warner transmission which only makes us wish it had a shorter throw between gears. The transmission in the automatic also gets reworked, making it drive more similarly to the manual than ever before. Doing this improves the GT’s overall driving characteristics to make it more enjoyable than it has been in years, even if it is slower off the line.

For the ‘96 model year, the Cobra makes its return as well, besting the competition it faces from the likes of Chevy and Pontiac, even with their updates. With 305 horsepower on tap, the Cobra is still the king of American muscle cars in terms of enjoyment, sound, and performance in an all-over package. The high-performance 4-valve V8 in the Cobra is the top performance model for the lineup, but after last year’s Cobra R, it feels more tame than before. With the 4-valve setup, however, the car does feel more alive than many recent Cobra models have.

1996 Ford Mustang Specs

1996 Mustang Articles

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  The Raciest Exhausts For 1994-1998 Mustangs

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  SN95 Horsepower & Torque Numbers

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  1994-2004 Mustang Paint Code & Color Guide

Check out other 1994-1998 Mustang Specs: 1994, 1995, 1997, 1998