If you have to see how good muscle cars of the 1960s are doing in today’s time, just turn your attention to the Ford Mustang. Back in the day, it was one of the most famous pony cars around. That notion has not changed much even now. Everyone was really excited about the iconic Bullitt and the Shelby GT500 being added back to the Mustang lineup. However, if you are a little low on cash, then the more regular trims would prove to be great buys. The Mustang GT Fastback, in particular, is a great choice. It not only delivers exhilarating performance but also builds a package quite liveable with all your day-to-day needs.
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Just like a proper muscle car, the 2020 Ford Mustang GT Fastback Coupe packs in a big engine with a lot of grunt. It is a cast-iron 5.0L V8 that offers more than 450 horsepower. With several suspension and drivetrain upgrades, the car is adept to take on corners as well. While the insides of the Mustang GT are not luxurious, the cabin is very comfortable for a sports car that costs less than $40,000. The best thing about the Mustang is that it still reminds you of the famous ‘67 Fastback with its subtle exterior design components. The block tail lights and a boxy widebody kit will not let you confuse the Mustang for anything else.
Still, the package is not enough to get away scot-free. There is a lot of competition in the muscle car market, especially from Ford’s long-time rivals that include Chevrolet and Dodge. The new Camaro seems to be taking to its roots with performance. The Challenger, on the other hand, has been a practical dragster for more than a decade. If you’re looking for a pure sports coupe that handles exceptionally well, the 370Z gives the Mustang a run for its money, too. With such a diverse competition stacked up against it, it will be a glorious victory if the Ford Mustang GT comes out on top.
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe three quarter view
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe rear three quarter view
8.0/10 Features
7.0/10 Engine and Performance
5.0/10 Fuel Economy
8.7/10 Interior
9.0/10 Exterior
8.3/10 Safety
9.4/10 Competition
8.9/10 Final Verdict
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Features
8.0/10
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.
Trims
Mustang GT Fastback
Mustang GT Premium Fastback
MSRP (RWD)
$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.
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Engine and Performance
7.0/10
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.
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe engine bay
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 Premium V8
6.2L Premium V8
6.4L Hemi V8
3.7L Premium V6
Drivetrain
RWD
RWD
RWD
RWD
Transmission
6-Speed Dual Clutch Manual with Auto Rev-Matching
6- Speed Manual
6-Speed Tremec Manual
7-Speed Automatic
Power
460hp@7,000rpm
455hp@6,000rpm
485hp@6,100rpm
332hp@7000rpm
Torque
420lb-ft@4,600rpm
455lb-ft@4,400rpm
475lb-ft@4,100rpm
270lb-ft@5,200rpm
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
Top Speed
180 MPH
198 MPH
203 MPH
N/A
Engine
5.0L Premium V8
6.2L Premium V8
6.4L Hemi V8
3.7L Premium V6
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
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe brakes
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
Brake Rotors Front
14.0"
13.6"
14.2"
12.6"
Brake Rotors Rear
13.0"
13.3"
13.8"
12.1"
Curb Weight
4398 lbs
3685 lbs
4232 lbs
3333 lbs
60-0 MPH
104 ft
99 ft
107 ft
111 ft
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.
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe rear three quarter view
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.
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Fuel Economy
5.0/10
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
16.0 gallons
19.0 gallons
18.5 gallons
19.0 gallons
Range (City/Hwy/Combined)
240/384/320 miles
304/456/361 miles
259/426/314 miles
361/494/380 miles
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/yr)
8.2
7.5
8.6
6.3
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.
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Interior
8.7/10
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.
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe front seats
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
Seating Capacity
4
4
5
2
Front Row (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 Row (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in)
34.8/52.2/29.0
33.5/50.3/29.9
37.1/53.9/33.1
N/A
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
Cargo Capacity
13.5 cu.ft.
9.1 cu.ft.
16.2 cu.ft.
6.9 cu.ft.
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
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Interior2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Seats2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Front Seats2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Engine Switch2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Badge
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Exterior
9.0/10
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.
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe three quarter view
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
4398 lbs
3685 lbs
4232 lbs
3333 lbs
Length
188.5"
188.3"
197.9"
167.5"
Width
75.4"
74.7"
75.7"
72.6"
Height
54.3"
53.1"
57.5"
51.8"
Ground Clearance
5.4"
3.5"
5.2"
4.8"
Wheelbase
107.1"
110.7"
116.2"
100.4"
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.
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Front View2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe 3rd Quarter View2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Rear View2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Side view2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe 3rd Quarter View
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Safety
8.3/10
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
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Competition
9.4/10
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.
2020 Chevrolet Camaro SS
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.
2020 Dodge Challenger R/T
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.
2020 Nissan 370Z
2020 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Final Verdict
8.9/10
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.
I didn't know what cars can do until I laid my hands on this devil
Pros - Automatic rev matching, sports seats, different exhaust modes
Cons - Doesn't have mustang emblem on the outside
Overall Review
10 /10 Overall Rating
One thing I've learned over the past few months of owning this devil is that its not just a straight forward sedan. There is a whole lot more to it. I can't still get hold of it completely but I'm positive I'm making progress. Features like automatic rev matching and different exhaust modes make it one best car to have in the garage. Not to mention the roar of the exhaust in sports mode makes it live up to the price tag even if it was't what it is
I didn't know what cars can do until I laid my hands on this devil
One thing I've learned over the past few months of owning this devil is that its not just a straight forward sedan. There is a whole lot more to it. I can't still get hold of it completely but I'm positive I'm making progress. Features like automatic rev matching and different exhaust modes make it one best car to have in the garage. Not to mention the roar of the exhaust in sports mode makes it l...
