2020 Ford Mustang BULLITT Coupe

Even with all the nostalgia, the Mustang Bullitt faces some tough competitors from both sides of the Atlantic. True American muscle cars like the Chevrolet Camaro SS and Dodge Challenger R/T have had some upgrades of their own to match up to the Mustang in terms of performance. The BMW M2 Competition also comes to claim the title of the sportiest coupe in this price range. Though it may lack the power, its premium interior and agile handling can make it beat the Mustang any day of the week.

Apart from the top-end Bullitt trim, you can also consider the more affordable EcoBoost and EcoBoost Premium variants with the smaller 2.3L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine. If you want the iconic Mustang V8, you can go for the GT or the GT premium variants with the 5.0L naturally aspirated engine. All vehicles are available in Coupe as well as Convertible variations.

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If you're looking forward to getting the Bullitt inspired Mustang 2020, we strongly suggest you go for the original and exclusive Highland Green color and the 6-speed manual transmission system. It has a short and decisive throw with a cue-ball knob and comes standard with the rev-matching feature. You will really appreciate the optional Magnaride damping system and Recaro sport bucket seats which would enhance your driving experience.

"Sure, it sounds good at 4000 rpm, chortling out an unmistakable V-8 purr. By 5500-about 1000 rpm past its torque peak-it's coming on song and making real yank. But it's in the upper reaches, beyond 6000 rpm, that this latest version of the Coyote 5.0-liter V-8 is alive, shrieking an all-American opus that encourages repeating." - Car and Driver

Engine and Transmission

The engine available in the Bullitt may only seem like a minor upgrade from the one available in the GT variant, but the extra 20bhp makes a world of difference if you look forward to taking your ride for a spin at your local drag strip or Cars and Coffee. The 32-valve DOHC 8-cylinder engine has a whopping output of 480 hp and makes 420 lb-ft of torque. The transmission provides a powerful launch with its line-lock system. The 6-speed manual transmission delivers positive internal shift stops and full gear synchronization.

On the other hand, the 2020 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack comes with a much more powerful 6.4L 485 hp engine, while the Camaro comes with an equally massive 6.2L V8. The BMW chooses to opt for a smaller 3.0 inline-6 engine from the M4 against the American ponies.

Acceleration

This pony car can achieve a 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds with the help of the state-of-the-art line-lock system for lightning-fast acceleration at every launch. It can complete a standard quarter-mile in only 12.4 seconds, while the GT variant takes 4.3 seconds in 0-60mph and 12.6 seconds in the standard quarter-mile.

The Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack goes from 0-60mph in a blistering 3.8 seconds and finishes the standard quarter-mile in only 11.7 seconds. The Camaro follows, with 3.9 seconds on the clock. Even the BMW reaches 60 faster than the Mustang Bullitt.

Ride and Handling

The modern Mustangs are no longer just the straight-line machines they once were. They are now purebred performance coupes with amazing road handling and cornering. There may not be a radical change when compared to the Mustang GT, but the Mustang GT is already a great car.

The gripping 19-inch Michelin Pilot summer tires make the ride fun and engaging. Donuts are easy on this car because of the rear limited-slip differential. Adding the optional Magnaride damping system makes the ride smooth and comfortable for the daily commute.

Braking

The 2020 Ford Mustang Bullitt comes standard with front Brembo 6-caliper brakes. The brake feel is punchy and the pedal requires a more delicate input. In emergencies, the brakes are strong and decisive. The E-handbrake doesn't lock up the rear wheels so don't expect to do handbrake turns.

Compared to the Challenger R/T Scat Pack, the Brembos on the Mustang Bullitt have much better stopping power and brake feel. Although it can't match the 15.7-inch meaty brakes on the M2 Competition.

The 5.0L engine in the Mustang has decent fuel economy. On the highways, it has an impressive fuel economy of 24mpg, but in the city, the engine performance is mediocre at 15mpg and a combined mileage of 18mpg. If fuel economy is a major factor for you which choosing a car the much more efficient EcoBoost turbocharged variant which has an excellent combined fuel economy of 25mpg.

Its competitor the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack, with its massive 6.4L engine, has a similar economy but requires you to pay the Gas Guzzler Tax if purchased with a manual transmission. However, the German coupe, with the small 3.0L engine, gives you the best mileage.

"The cabin of the new Bullitt Mustang is decked with Bullitt badging all over and adorned with green stitching. You'll be greeted by more Bullitt logos on the infotainment system as you start the car, just in case you had forgotten." - Edmunds

Seating and Comfort

The optional Bullitt electric package equips your car with an enhanced navigation system, larger touchscreen, memory seats, and premium audio speaker system.

The Mustang can be optioned with lightweight Recaro sport bucket seats which hugs your body through the corners and prevents you from shifting around by providing lateral lumbar support. The 2 door coupe is a 4-seater, but the rear seats have amusingly small legroom.

The front seats are roomy and make the Mustang feel comfortable for long duration driving. The 6-way adjustable front memory seats are optional and come with the Bullitt electronics package.

Infotainment System

You can find a 12-inch LCD Digital Instrument Cluster which is remarkably customizable Each selected drive mode can be tailored by the user to perfect the driving experience. It is fast responsive and efficient, yet not distracting for the driver. The leather-wrapped steering wheel is heated and has controls for Cruise, Audio and tilt/telescopic steering column. The Highland Green stitching and Satin Aluminum center console makes the Mustang feel premium. However, the most unique part of the gauge cluster is the cue-ball shifter.

The B&O 9-speaker surround system delivers crisp, clear music, and can be optioned with a 12-speaker setup. Meanwhile, Ford has admitted to channeling the exhaust note to the speakers. Overall the Dual-Zone Climate control system comes standard, unlike the base EcoBoost models.

Interior Features

• Contrast stitched leather
• Carbon fiber and Satin Aluminum trim
• Recaro seats
• 12-inch touch infotainment
• 9-speaker B&O speaker setup
• Cue-ball shifter

Cargo Capacity

The Mustang offers a surprisingly large trunk volume, amounting to 14 cubic feet. The rear seats are a 50-50 split bench and can be folded down for additional space. The low rear leg-room makes for great storage space for your groceries, making the car practical for your daily driving, until you plan to have adults sit in the inadequate rear seats.

The Dodge Challenger has the biggest trunk space mong the rivals, followed by the german coupe BMW M2 Competition with a 13.8 cubic feet trunk, quite similar to the Mustang. However, the Camaro comes with quite a small trunk.

"Three years into its current generation, Ford updated the Mustang's looks. Last year it tweaked the headlights and rear end, and left most of the rest of the car unchanged. At the same time, it lowered the nose by a fraction of an inch." - Car connection

Design and Dimensions

The exciting new Bullitt comes standard with 19-inch black Torq-Thrust style wheels and an exclusive Highland Green color directly from the 1968 movie. It has subdued chrome parts, hood vents and a blacked-out honeycomb grill which makes it appear more aggressive and muscular. You can also find a low front splitter from the GT performance pack. The Bullitt Mustang can easily join the ranks of the special-edition Shelby, Boss and Mach-1 Mustangs.

The Curb weight of the Bullitt variant is slightly lower than the GT model by 28 lbs, at 3850 lbs. The Quad-tipped dual exhausts with the NitroBlack finish set it apart from normal Mustangs. For additional visibility, there are optional Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) and Cross-Traffic Alert systems

Exterior Features

• Power door mirrors
• Body-colored door handles
• Integrated turn signals
• Black front grille
• Heritage stripes

Ford makes sure to add loads of safety features in the vehicle, so that you can feel safe and enjoy your ride in the Mustang.

• AdvanceTrac with Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Belt-Minder front safety belt reminder
• LATCH Lower Anchors and Tether Anchors for Children
• Personal Safety System for driver and front passenger
• 3-point safety belt restraint system for all seating positions
• Individual Tire Pressure Monitoring System
• Safety Canopy side-curtain airbags
• Driver's knee airbag
• Dual front airbags
• Front-seat side-impact airbags
• Glove-Box-Door-Integrated Knee Airbag
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System
• SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System

Ford Mustang Bullitt vs Chevrolet Camaro 2SS

While the Camaro follows a futuristic approach to styling, like the Transformers movies it has been in, Mustang Bullitt has gone full retro with the exterior. A way out of this retrogressive dilemma is a quick peek under the hood. The Mustang packs a 5.0L engine which produces more power than the Camaro's 6.2L V8. however, the Chevy manages to take the lead in the sprint to 60mph.

Against the track-ready cabin of the Mustang Bullitt, you'd need to equip your Camaro with the 1LE track pack, which takes the price up by $7,000. If you're not hell-bent over the Bullitt edition, the Camaro is the better pony of the two.

Ford Mustang Bullitt vs Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack

The Dodge has a larger engine block, more power, faster 0-60 mph, faster quarter mile, and a much lower price. However, for the additional price, the Mustang offers history and heritage. The Mustang Bullitt will surely hold its value through the years as compared to the more common Challenger. If you ignore the facts and figures, the Mustang Bullitt is much more fun to drive through the corners, or perform donuts and burnouts at your local drag strip.

The interior of the Mustang feels much more driver-centric and premium compared to the Challenger R/T Scat Pack. It is visually more attractive, with sleek body lines, unlike the bulky Challenger.

Ford Mustang Bullitt vs BMW M2 Competition

The German muscle coupe is BMW's answer to the American muscle. 2020 M2 Competition comes with a detuned twin-turbo inline-6 engine from the M4, producing 406 hp. Although the Mustang Bullitt produces massive 480 hp from the V8, the M2 is faster to the mile-a-minute mark.

Exterior styling is completely subjective here, the M2 is a thoroughbred Bimmer, which loves to push out the rear, while the Mustang Bullitt is a beautifully crafted muscle car. On the inside, you'd find better materials in the Bimmer, compared to the Ford.

The car is definitely something to look forward to for 2020 alongside the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350R due to be launched next year. Moving past the hype from the movie and Steve McQueen, this Mustang is a great car to drive. It hits the redline at a gut-wrenching 7400 rpm and the sound from the flat plane crank V8 is pure ecstasy. This car is meant to be an ultimate driving experience at a lower price compared to the Shelby.