2003 Ford Mustang Specs & Details

For the 2003 model year, Ford decided to bring the Mustang into a higher performance bracket than it had been in for decades and chose to do so with new motors and trim levels. The 2003 Mustang was available to the public from a relatively low cost of entry with the V6 coupe starting at the $17,600 range while the fully loaded Cobra models came to nearly $39,000 and offered near-supercar performance. With changes to the car’s performance, Ford secured the Mustang’s success in the market for the 2003 model year against the Camaro, Nissan 350Z, and Mazda RX8.

To bring performance above the standard GT model, Ford decided to reinvigorate the classic Mach 1 name along with a new engine design specifically for this model. The Mach 1 receives a shaker hood for better air intake, reworked suspension, and a new front lip to help with aerodynamics. Even more, Ford has moved from the 2-valve motor found in the GT to a 4-valve setup for the Mach 1 which allows it to rev higher than the standard engine and increases airflow and horsepower. Additionally, the reduction of parts in a 4-valve motor setup adds simplicity which is easier to maintain than the previous setup.

The biggest of the changes to the car comes with the Cobra model. Jumping up from 320 horsepower to the new 390 horsepower and independent rear suspension of the new Terminator-powered Cobra is a massive step. Fitted with an Eaton supercharger, the new Cobra does the sprint from 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds and competes with the likes of Mercedes’ C55 AMG and the BMW M3 in terms of performance while costing tens of thousands less. The engine, nicknamed Terminator, is the most powerful motor fitted to a roadgoing Mustang so far with slightly higher power than the legendary Boss 429 even.

Ford pulled out all the stops for the 2003 model, and with so much performance potential through upgrades outside of the high performance setups already in the stock vehicles it is easy to imagine what levels are still further achievable. With performance as it is already, the rival vehicles in the market literally can’t keep up for the value either. For the market, the 2003 Mustang is a force to be reckoned with even in base form, and one of the beter looking sporty coupes on the market currently as well.

2003 Ford Mustang Specs

2003 Mustang Articles

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  1994-2004 Mustang Paint Code & Color Guide

Check out other 1999-2004 Mustang Specs: 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004