2018 Ford Mustang

Some significant changes in the 2018 Mustang look like the carmaker has successfully addressed prior complaints regarding improvement in ride quality, while the major cake cherry is the Mustang’s 5.0-liter V8 with 10-speed automatic. These significant upgrades gets the Mustang a desirable and highly recommended pick for a muscle car.

The 2018 Ford Mustang has been offered in four major fastback body style trims, EcoBoost, EcoBoost Premium, GT, and GT Premium. The convertibles are offered in GT trim. A new 10-speed automatic transmission has taken the charge, offering a remote-start function. The Mustang Ecoboost is the entry-level fastback trim while the Ecoboost Premium adds some additional features, keeping the hardware same as the entry-level model.

Meanwhile, the GT models are set up for the Mustang’s performance engines. They are powered by a 5.0-liter V8 (460 hp, 420 lb-ft), which is revised or 2018 with the addition of direct and port injection.

Trims	Ecoboost Fastback	Ecoboost Premium Fastback	GT Fastback	GT Premium Fastback
MSRP	$25,585	$30,600	$35,095	$39,095
Features	Rear view camera. Track apps. LED Headlamps with LED signature lighting. Intelligent access with push button start.	Ecoboost Fastback  Leather-Trimmed Heated and Cooled Front Seats. SYNC 3. Heated Mirrors with Integrated Turn Signal Indicators. Selectable drive modes with toggle switches.	5.0L Ti-VCT V8 Engine. Dual exhaust with quad tips. LED Fog Lamps. SYNC. Reverse Sensing system.	GT Fastback + Leather-Trimmed Heated and Cooled Front Seats. SYNC 3. Heated Mirrors with Integrated Turn Signal Indicators. Selectable drive modes with toggle switches.

The 2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder Ecoboost engine powers the 2018 Ford Mustang. The engine delivers a maximum power of 310-hp and 350 lb-ft of peak torque. The engine is mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission. The performance of this engine is very precise and responsive. The engine replaces the V6 engine that powered the previous Mustang models.

The performance package is offered with various upgrades such as optional active exhaust system, revised monotube shocks. The revised performance packs will be available in all engines and trims. Additionally, the available performance pack includes anew Michelin performance tire, Brembo brakes, and MagneRide dampers

Engine and Transmission

Ford has made some significant drivetrain revisions this year. You won’t see the V6 engine with the 2018 Mustang anymore. The only available engine options include a 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4 and 5.0-liter Coyote V-8, which is believed to be more powerful and fuel efficient. Both the engines come with the updated six-speed manual transmission, while the V8 models have an option for 10-speed automatic.

The previously available 6-speed automatic has been replaced by the new 10-speed automatic transmission.

Models	Ford Mustang	Audi TT RS	Chevrolet Camaro	Dodge Challenger
MSRP	$25,585	$64,900	$25,905	$26,995
Engine	2.3-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine	2.5-liter turbocharged 5-cylinder engine	2.0L 275hp turbocharged engine	3.6-Liter V6 24-Valve VVT Engine
Transmission	6-speed manual	7-speed automatic	6-speed manual	8-speed automatic
Power	310 hp @ 5500 rpm	400 hp @ 5850 rpm	275 hp @ 5600 rpm	305 hp @ 6350 rpm
Torque	350 [email protected] 3000 rpm	354 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm	295 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm	268 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

Acceleration

The 2.3-liter Ecoboost engine fitted with the 2018 Mustang allows it to deliver quick acceleration. The pony cars sprint 0-60 mph in 5.5 seconds. While the Camaro does the same in 5.4 seconds. The Audi TT RS with the bigger engine is faster in this league, delivering 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds.

The quarter-mile figure of the new Mustang is impressive with the 13.9 seconds.  While the Audi TT Rs does it in 11.9 seconds @ 117 mph.

Models	Ford Mustang	Audi TT RS	Chevrolet Camaro	Dodge Challenger
0-60 MPH	5.5 sec	3.7 sec	5.4 sec	6.0 sec
Quarter mile	13.9 sec @ 100 mph	11.9 sec @ 117  mph	12.5 sec @ 113.4 mph	14.5 sec @ 96.9 mph
Engine	2.3L	2.5L	2.0L	3.6L
Emission(Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	7.1	8.0	7.7	7.6

Braking and Handling

Without the performance pack, you can get a light brake pedal, which is somehow great for daily commuting. The braking distance is simply impressive at 102 feet. The pedal feels easy to modulate. In the normal conditions, the car offers responsive drivability and precise output.

The 2018 Mustang boasts of improved handling in comparison to the outgoing model.    Thanks to the adjustable suspension, that helps the car to tackle uneven terrains.

Model	Ford Mustang	Audi TT RS	Chevrolet Camaro	Dodge Challenger
Brake pads-front(in)	12.6	14.6	12.6	12.6
Brake pads Rear(in)	12.6	12.2	13.6	12.6
Curb weight(lbs)	3532	3306	3354	3894
60-0 MPH (ft.)	102	107	107.5	105

The 2018 Mustang’s Ecoboost engine offers good fuel economy. Finally, dropping the V6 has helped Ford to come up with improved performance and mileage. The Mustang returns 21 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway, which is decent for a muscle car of this segment.

Model	Ford Mustang	Audi TT RS	Chevrolet Camaro	Dodge Challenger
Mpg city	21	19	20	19
Mpg highway	31	29	30	30
Mpg combined	25	22	23	23

Ford has definitely worked on the interior and the efforts can be seen throughout the cabin. The cabin features good quality premium materials and the dual-cowl dash looks splendid. Most of the buttons are easy to use and feel well built. The front seats are supportive enough to provide best road visibility. While the rear too compact to fit tall passengers.

Seating and Comfort

Ford Mustang comes with a seating capacity of four passengers. The front seats are supportive and comfortable. The driver’s seat also offers good visibility. The rear seats are quite narrow and should be reserved for your friends with short height.

The tether anchors are easy to use, while the lower anchors require lots of force to attach car seat straps. You’ll like the upscale interior of the refreshed Ford Mustang. On the other hand, Dodge Challenger offers seat capacity for five passengers.

Model	Ford Mustang	Audi TT RS	Chevrolet Camaro	Dodge Challenger
Passenger capacity	4	4	4	5
Passenger Volume (cu.ft)	84.5	74	93.0	93.9
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	37.6/56.3/44.5	37.1/53.6/41.1	38.5/55/43.9	39.3/58.5/42
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg)(In.)	34.8/52.2/30.6	33.8/47.9/28.9	33.5/-/29.9	37.1/53.9/33.1

Infotainment System

The infotainment system offers best in class graphics with a standard eight-inch touchscreen sync display. The infotainment offers smartphone connectivity with the help of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Cargo Space

The Mustang comes with a trunk volume of 13.5 cubic feet. The rear seats are quite uncomfortable but the 50/50 split allows more trunk space. The muscle car also lacks a proper storage area. The truck gets the optional Shaker stereo audio system that doesn’t allow more room. Above all, the Dodge Challenger offers good trunk space of 16.2 cubic feet, while the Camaro comes with a disappointing 11.3 cubic feet trunk space.

Model	Ford Mustang	Audi TT RS	Chevrolet Camaro	Dodge Challenger
Volume (cube ft.)	13.5	12	11.3	16.2

The 2018 Ford Mustang gets a refreshing makeover this year after its inception in 2015. The front fascia looks slimmer and aggressive with the help of LED headlights and foglights. The lower hood gets new vents as well. The rear gets revised LED taillights. The new Mustang also adds new exterior paint color, new strip options, wheel choices, and four spoilers.

The dimensions of the new Mustang are very similar to the Chevy Camaro. You can get a feel that Chevy has at least tried to come closer to the Mustang. It seems both are into tough competition this time. While, Dodge Challenge is still bigger in size, offering better cabin space too.

Model	Ford Mustang	Audi TT RS	Chevrolet Camaro	Dodge Challenger
curb weight(lbs)	3532	3306	3354	3894
Length(in)	188.3	165	188.3	197.9
Width(in)	75.4	72.1	74.7	75.7
Height(in)	54.4	52.9	53.1	57.5
Ground clearance(in)	5.3	5.3	3.5	5.2
Wheelbase(in)	107.1	98.6	110.7	116.2
Track width(in) F/R	62.3/64.9	61.6/60.8	62.5/63.7	63.4/63.8

Design and Styling

This year, the refreshed Ford Mustang get tuning on both the front and rear sides. The front can be seen wearing a new set of attractive headlights and the front hood looks much slimmer than the outgoing model. The minor changes have brought a lot of uniqueness in the new Mustang. The new C-type taillights are attractive and mesmerizing. With the performance package, you get the option to remove the boring rear spoiler.

The NHTSA has not tested the 2018 Mustang completely. However, the NHTSA has awarded all five stars to the pony car in the rollover test. The car has also scored good rating in the crash tests conducted by the IIHS.  Mustang has scored “Acceptable” rating in the driver side crash test.

IIHS Reports

Crashworthiness
Small overlap front driver side	Acceptable
Small overlap front Passenger side	N/A
Moderate overlap front	Good
Roof strength	Good
Head restraints & seats	Good

Crash Prevention and Mitigation
Frontal Crash Prevention	Basic
Child Seat Anchors	Marginal

The J.D Power has awarded the 2018 Ford Mustang a reliable rating of four out of five. Such reliability rating is scored by the majority of muscle cars and Sport cars in general. Ford covers the Mustang with a basic warranty of three year/36,000 mile and five year/60,000 mile on the powertrain.

Safety Features

The 2018 Ford Mustang comes with an array of standard and available safety features:

• Lane departure warning
• Distance alert
• Pre-collision assist system adds forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking
• Pedestrian detection
• 3-point safety belt restraint system for all seating positions
• Glove Box Door Integrated Knee Airbag
• Driver's knee airbag.
• Belt-Minder front safety belt reminder
• Dual front airbags
• Front-seat side-impact airbags
• LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children)
• Personal Safety System for driver and front passenger
• Rear view camera
• Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System
• Illuminated entry.
• SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System
• Remote keyless entry system.

Ford Mustang Coupe vs. Audi TT RS

Audi TT RS offers bigger engine and power output in comparison to the other counterparts. It is priced almost double with the Ford Mustang. The driving dynamics of Audi TT RS is simply incomparable. It is capable of going 0-60 mph in less than 4 seconds. Comparing to the Mustang, the Audi TT RS is much more upscale and modern loaded with good amount of safety features. If you are capable of spending more bucks on the brand and the class, you should more likely fo for Audi TT RS.

Ford Mustang Coupe vs. Chevrolet Camaro

Chevy Camaro has been an age-old rival of Mustang. These both muscle cars have been competing with each other since ages. They both deliver similar power figures, with both turbo-fours and performance V8s.  Mustang offers more premium cabin and comfortable seats than the Camaro. The Camaro has more available and standard features. Both appear to be very similar in many aspects, but Ford Mustang would still be a great pick.

Ford Mustang Coupe vs. Dodge Challenger

The Dodge challenger reveals all the aspects of a muscle car. Unlike the Mustang, the Challenger lacks a turbo-four engine. The Challenger offers pure power with the V8 engine that has NSFW horsepower ratings.

Otherwise, the Mustang delivers better handling and fuel economy. The Challenger needs to be reworked on the interior as well. Dodge Challenger’s cabin is adult friendly while the Mustang struggles with the rear seat. The Challenger also offers more standard features and trunk space. As of now, the refreshed Mustang offer better appeal than the old-school Challenger.

This year’s upgrade seems to be enough to make the new Mustang capable of confronting Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger. The Mustang has brought a lot of change in itself after a while. The pony car offers better drivability and fuel economy just like other counterparts. The main differentiating factor would be its performance on all sort of terrain. Moreover, the pricing for the 2018 model looks very justified.

By comparing the new Mustang with the primary rivals, it’s all that you need to convince yourself. The Ecoboost is good enough with the powerful V8. However, you need to drive them both in order to reach a final conclusion.