1996 Ford Mustang Cobra Test Drive
Ford’s Mustang was the first of a new breed of factory hot rod, the “Pony-Car” when it was launched back in 1964, and during the decades that followed it was stuck largely to the same genetic coding: High performance, low tech and low cost.
With a simple rear drive chassis borrowed from a sedan and lots of components borrowed from other Fod vehicle lines, the Mustang has always been relatively cheap to produce, delivering lots of performance at bargain prices.
However, in terms of maximum performance, the Mustang’s formula had fallen behind the pace set by GM’s Camaro-Firebird twins. Ford’s durable old 5.0-liter VI simply didn’t match the muscle of GM’s 5.7-liter V8, which bristled with torque and horsepower.
So for 1996, Ford answered the challenge with a new engine. The overhead valve 5.0-liter was replaced with Ford’s much more sophisticated 4.6-liter V8, an engine with better volumetric efficiency as well as better emissions performance. The Mustang GT received the single overhead cam version, similar to the engine used in the Crown Victoria and Lincoln Town Car. With 215 hp and 285 lb.-ft of torque, it delivered roughly the same performance as the old 5.0.
But if sizzling go power was the objective, Ford now had an answer for the Camaro Z28 and Firebird Trans Am. The new Mustang Cobra had the dual overhead cam, 32-valve version of the 4.6-liter V78, and in Cobra tune it throbbed with 305 hp and 300 lb.-ft of torque.
With lots of V8 power driving the rear wheels and a number of suspension revisions, the Mustang Cobra could gallop stride for stride with its GM rivals, whether the road ahead was straight or curvy.
1998 Chevrolet Camaro SS vs. Ford Mustang Cobra Comparison Test Drive
What happens when your only direct competition finally ups and dies?
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