2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe

The 2020 Ford Mustang lineup has a little something for everyone. For the GT Fastback, you can choose between the base and the Premium trims. The powertrain is similar for both, though the GT features a sports exhaust system. It also grants the shopper access to premium interior features like heated seats and an exclusive Bang and Olufsen sound system. For the outside of the car, the Premium adds quad-tip exhausts, raised decklid spoiler and 20-inch painted aluminum alloy wheels. All of these give the Mustang GT an aggressive look that lets the others know that it is not here to mess around.

Trim	Mustang GT Fastback	Mustang GT Premium Fastback
MSRP	$35,630	$39,630
Key Features	5.0L V8	All the features of the GT Fastback Plus:
	460 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque	Quad-Tip Active Valve Performance Exhaust
	Recaro Sports Seats	Leather Upholstery
	MagneRide Adaptive Suspension	Heated and Cooled Front Seats
	Torsen Limited-Slip Differential	B&O 12-Speaker Premium Audio System
	19-inch Forged Aluminum Alloy Wheels	20-inch Premium-Painted Aluminum Wheels
	4.2-inch Driver Side Instrument Cluster	12-inch Driver-Side LCD Digital Instrument Cluster

What do we recommend?

The Ford Mustang GT goes best with the Premium trim. It gets you most of the features as standard and opens up the possibility of making the interior more luxurious.

Every 2020 Ford Mustang GT has a 5.0L V8 under the hood. This unit gives 460 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque for the driver to play around with. Just turning the ignition on for the first time and listening to the engine rumble is enough to give you an idea of what this beast is capable of. Moreover, since the powertrain is naturally-aspirated, you wouldn’t have to worry about throttle response like those pesky turbo-powered Japanese tuners.

The default transmission is a 6-speed dual clutch that features an automatic rev-matching function. This does not let you feel out of revs even after you downshift too much or too little before a turn. For those looking for a more hands-off approach, there is the 10-speed automatic. The Premium even includes features like Launch Control and Line Lock, giving you an edge in the weekend drag races.

Models	Ford Mustang GT Premium	Chevrolet Camaro SS	Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack	Nissan 370Z Sport Touring
MSRP	$39,630	$37,995	$38,995	$39,490
Engine	5.0L V8	6.2L V8	6.4L Hemi V8	3.7L V6
Transmission	6-Speed Dual Clutch Manual with Auto Rev-Matching	6- Speed Manual	6-Speed Tremec Manual	7-Speed Automatic
Drive	RWD	RWD	RWD	RWD
Power output(hp)	460	455	485	332
Torque(lb-ft)	420	455	475	270

It may pack a lot of power, but the Ford’s V8 is still inferior to the Hemi V8 that sits under the hood of the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack. The transmission match up closely as well, with the 6-speed manual on the Dodge developed by Tremec being nearly identical to the Mustang’s. The 370Z is one nimble sports coupe, but can never match up to the Mustang GT Fastback in terms of power. Its tiny V6 engine gives you a thrill around the track, not fast laps.

Is the Ford Mustang fast?

With so much power running to the rear wheels, the Ford Mustang GT translates it well into acceleration figures. It can do a -60 mph run in 4.2 seconds and a quarter-mile drag in 12.2 seconds. The launch control will help you achieve the perfect start while the line lock allows you to cover the lanes with tire smoke. The Mustang is one of the few cars that don’t let you feel afraid of its power. It may not pack in as much as the legendary Shelby GT500 right out the gate. In spite of that, it doesn’t lack in offering a thrill of an all-American muscle car when called for.

Model	Ford Mustang GT Premium	Chevrolet Camaro SS	Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack	Nissan 370Z Sport Touring
0-60 mph	4.2 sec	4.1 sec	3.9 sec	5.0 sec
Quarter mile	12.2 sec	12.1 sec	11.7 sec	13.6 sec
Engine	5.0L V8	6.2L V8	6.4L V8	3.7L V6
Emissions(Tons/yr of CO2 at 15k mi/yr)	8.2	7.5	8.6	6.3

For its muscle car prowess, the Ford Mustang GT Fastback still fails to match up to the Chevrolet Camaro SS or the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack. Its weight is quite an issue, the less torque hampers the car’s acceleration even more. At least it can beat the 370Z in a drag race any day, which is not much considering the sizes of both the engines.

Are the brakes good enough?

The Ford Mustang GT handles its sheer chassis weight rather well. It has big 4-piston Brembo performance brakes in the front and dual-piston variants in the rear wheels

The massive brakes bring the Mustang GT Fastback to a stop from 60 mph within 104 feet. The brake pedal is firm, so it may cause some discomfort in stop-and-go traffic. For highway speeds, it helps with maintaining a good control of the car.

Model	Ford Mustang GT Premium	Chevrolet Camaro SS	Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack	Nissan 370Z Sport Touring
Front Brakes(in.)	14.0	13.6	14.2	12.6
Rear Brakes(in.)	13.0	13.3	13.8	12.1
Curb Weight(lbs)	4398	3685	4232	3333
60-0 mph(ft.)	104	99	107	111

The Camaro SS boasts a lighter all-aluminum chassis. That, combined with six-piston Brembo performance brakes, gives it a great braking performance. For its size, the Challenger fares decently in the segment. The 370Z’s smaller brakes just don’t cut it into this segment, though it is great for drifting around corners.

How well does the Mustang handle?

Finally, Ford has been generous enough to equip the Mustang with independent multi-link rear suspension. This provides a lot of traction to the tires. Therefore, you don’t have to fear careening off the road the next time you throttle up out of a corner. The steering is responsive. Its tight ratios keep the car facing the direction where the driver intends to go. But turn the traction control off and you can pull some sick drifts if you have the courage.

Equipped with the MagneRide damping suspension, the Ford Mustang GT offers a compliant ride regardless of the tarmac quality. It is automatically adjustable to make the car more comfortable or stiffened up to increase grip. The base trim of the Mustang GT Fastback has some road noise along with the constant grunt of the engine, audible to every occupant inside. The Premium tones it down a lot less with its noise cancelling B&O sound system.

With such a high power output, the Ford Mustang GT Fastback may be forgiven if it doesn’t save you a lot on your monthly gas bills. Still, it offers a decent combined EPA rated mileage of 19 mpg, making it a daily driver by the skin of the teeth. Other muscle cars in this segment offer similar numbers, albeit the larger fuel tanks give them a lot of range.

Model	Ford Mustang GT Premium	Chevrolet Camaro SS	Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack	Nissan 370Z Sport Touring
MPG(City)	15	16	14	17
MPG(Highway)	25	24	23	26
MPG(Combined)	19	19	17	20
Fuel Capacity(gal.)	16.0	19.0	18.5	19.0

The Nissan 370Z is your best bet if you are looking for a sports car that can offer a good fuel economy. However, it is at the expense of a lot of power that shrinks down on the overall performance. And if you are so keen on getting a lot of miles every gallon of premium fuel consumed, you are better suited for an Asian hatchback rather than a full-fledged muscle car.

For a car that costs under 40 grand, the interior of the Ford Mustang GT Fastback is very fleshed out. There is a choice between high performance Recaro seats and good quality leather upholstery, all up to the preference of the shopper. There still exist some plasticky bits that remind you how such a powerful car costs so less. The build quality needs an overhaul, too, as a few panel gaps are clearly visible from the driver’s POV.

To the front passengers, the Ford Mustang GT may feel very comfortable with 6-way power-adjustable seats and a lot of legroom. The steering wheel is positioned so as to keep the driver comfortable without relinquishing control. While the front seats are cozy, the rear seats are nothing more than a storage shelf. Additionally, anything but the front of the cabin has terrible visibility. You need to be really careful when backing the Mustang up in crowded parking lots.

Model	Ford Mustang GT Premium	Chevrolet Camaro SS	Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack	Nissan 370Z Sport Touring
Passenger Capacity	4	4	5	2
Front Room(Head/Shoulder/ Leg)(in.)	37.6/56.3/45.1	38.5/55.0/43.9	39.3/58.5/42.0	38.2/54.4/42.9
Rear Room(Head /Shoulder/Leg)(in.)	34.8/52.2/29.0	33.5/50.3/29.9	37.1/53.9/33.1	-

What is the infotainment system like?

Ford has made the FordPass Connect system as standard on all trims. Therefore, the Ford Mustang GT Fastback has navigation and 4G LTE Wi-Fi Hotspot available from the get-go. At the center of the console sits an 8-inch touchscreen that supports GM’s trusted Sync 3 Infotainment System. The Mustang GT adds to the functionality by supporting Track Apps that let you monitor the car’s performance for every second you spend at the race track.

Some additional Infotainment features include:

• 12-Speaker Bang & Olufsen Surround Sound System
• Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio
• AM/FM/HD Radio
• 2 USB Ports
• Bluetooth Hands-Free Connectivity
• Auxiliary Cable Input
• 12-inch Driver-Side Customizable Digital Display

Can it carry some cargo?

A small trunk is acceptable for a sports car of this caliber, but the Ford Mustang GT has a one up to that. Just like a classic muscle car, you can have your fun burning the tires that you brought with you at the drag strip. You can then get home in time for dinner, picking up the monthly groceries along the way. The 13.5 cubic feet trunk is more than enough for most of your needs. If needed, the rear seats can be removed to make way for additional storage space. The Premium trim has an electronically operated boot lid, with the spoiler being not so much of a problem when trying to store luggage.

Model	Ford Mustang GT Premium	Chevrolet Camaro SS	Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack	Nissan 370Z Sport Touring
Storage Volume(ft.3)	13.5	9.1	16.2	6.9

The small-item storage upfront follows the same trend. There are cup holders in the console that don’t interrupt the shifter action. The glove box is decent enough and can be accessed from the driver’s side. A few compartments in the console can serve as holders for sunglasses or wallets. You can even have a dedicated smartphone stand with wireless charging if you wish.

Interior Features:

• Heated and Cooled Leather-Trimmed Front Seats
• Cabin Particulate Air Filter
• MyColor Ambient Lighting
• Illuminated Door-Sill Scuff Plates
• MyKey System
• Aluminum Foot Pedals
• Carbon-Fiber Dashboard Applique

The Mustang’s wide body makes it noticeable from a mile off. It still carries over the same rear-end design from its predecessors, even if the front fascia has changed quite a bit. There are no new design tweaks for 2020. It still looks like a rugged modern muscle car, just as you would expect from Ford. The shape of the body walks a fine line between beauty and aerodynamics. The Mustang GT Fastback Premium is distinguishable from other trims by its rear spoiler and hood scoops.

Is the Ford Mustang big and heavy?

Just like an American muscle car, the Ford Mustang GT Fastback takes up a large portion of the road. This may add to the car’s flair but makes it difficult to maneuver around tight confines. At least it has a good ground clearance, which makes the car absorb bumps quite easily.

For its weight, the Mustang GT Fastback handles quite well, thanks to its Torsen limited-slip differential and Blistein shock absorbers.

Model	Ford Mustang GT Premium	Chevrolet Camaro SS	Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack	Nissan 370Z Sport Touring
Curb Weight(lbs.)	4398	3685	4232	3333
Length(in.)	188.5	188.3	197.9	167.5
Width(in.)	75.4	74.7	75.7	72.6
Height(in.)	54.3	53.1	57.5	51.8
Ground Clearance(in.)	5.4	3.5	5.2	4.8
Wheelbase(in.)	107.1	110.7	116.2	100.4
Track Width(in.) F/R	62.4/65.1	63.0/62.9	63.4/63.8	61.0/62.8

Being more akin to a sports car than a muscle car, the Camaro SS is much more easier to handle due to its concise dimensions. This becomes more evident in the Nissan 370Z, a car that uses its size as a counterbalance to make up for the lack of power. The Dodge Challenger takes the muscle car status to its truest form. It is big, wide, and heavy. That translates to overall inferior handling around corners.

So far, the 2020 Ford Mustang has not been tested by the NHTSA or IIHS for its crash-worthiness. In spite of that, since this year’s Mustang has carried forward the chassis with no remarkable changes from the previous year, it is safe to say that they share the same excellent safety score. The 2019 Mustang Coupe aced the safety tests by the NHTSA, earning a five-star rating in all categories. The IIHS shares the same opinion for all but the LATCH system. It is very difficult to find and use the tethering anchors, making it a tedious job to fit a child seat.

As far as collision avoidance is concerned, the Ford Mustang GT comes standard with most of the advanced safety features that you would expect. A few others such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keep Assist are part of the Driver Assistance Package, which comes by default on the Premium Fastback. The IIHS had tested the same systems last year and gave a ‘Superior’ rating to the Ford Mustang for avoiding any hazards.

Safety Features

• Electronic Stability Control(ESC)
• ABS And Driveline Traction Control
• Side Impact beams
• Dual-Stage Driver And Passenger Seat-Mounted Airbags
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors
• Blind Spot Monitoring System
• Tire Specific Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Forward Collision Warning with Automated Emergency Braking
• Lane Departure Warning with Lane Keep Assist
• Dual-stage Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Rear Child Safety Locks
• First Aid Kit
• Outboard Front Lap And Shoulder Safety Belts
• Rear-View Camera with Cross-Traffic Alert

Ford Mustang GT vs Chevrolet Camaro SS

Both the Camaro and the Mustang have been at it since the 1960s. Each of them have competed for the place of the best American muscle car, with each taking an edge in a different aspect. The Chevy is better at performance, both at the drag strip and the track. The Mustang dominates at the more subtle and practical aspects of the muscle car, like practicality and driveability. It is much more comfortable than any Camaro, sticking closer to the roots of a muscle car rather than a competitive sports car.

Ford Mustang GT vs Dodge Challenger R/T

If the Ford Mustang GT has one foot towards the past, the Dodge Challenger is halfway there. There is a lot of similarity between the design of a Challenger belonging to the 1970s to that of 2020. Even the current generation has not gone through design overhauls, following the classic ‘Don’t fix it if it ain’t broke’ rule. Even then, the Challenger has kept up with increasing the quality of the interiors at a faster pace than Ford, making it way more comfortable than the Mustang. Moreover, the Challenger is a car that actually offers you back seats that you can fit adults in. It is the performance around corners where the Mustang takes the lead. The Challenger’s size doesn’t allow for a lot of agility, while the Ford Mustang GT takes up the toughest of corners with ease.

Ford Mustang GT vs Nissan 370Z

Comparing the Nissan 370Z with the Ford Mustang GT is like comparing EDM with Rock and Roll. Yet, both of these cars do have a common ground, and that is offering a thrilling driving experience. They just go about a different way to do that. The Mustang relies more on the power of its engine, while the 370Z has its impeccable agility to offer. If you’re looking for a better deal, the Mustang is definitely the one to go for. It may not return a lot of miles for the fuel but its big boot rear seats provide at least some practicality. The Mustang is well up to date on the technological front, too.

 

Don’t be disappointed if you can’t get your hands on the Bullitt or the new Shelby GT500. The 2020 Ford Mustang GT Fastback is here to the rescue. It offers power, practicality, and personality that would make it stand out from the crowd. Even then, it can blend in well with your daily commutes, keeping the behemoth inside reserved for when you need it unleashed.