Sometimes an essay topic drops right into my lap, and this was one of those days. This marks the third appearance of this black ’93 Mustang GT at CC, after I had first written about it in October of 2015, and more recently in March of 2021. I’d estimate that it has been in my neighborhood for just over a decade. The red ’06 V6 is a relative newcomer, and I had started to notice it within the past couple of years. To see them parked nose-to-tail was a gift, especially on a day when the charge in my Canon camera’s battery had gone out. My phone has a great camera, which I had a made a priority when purchasing it for instances just like this. It was money well-spent.
Ten years ago, the ’93 was in amazingly pristine condition. It looked just like the car in the print ads I remember from the Fox-platform Mustang’s final model year, and seeing it around was a factor in reigniting my interest in these cars. When the center caps on the Pony wheels went missing, that was the first signal of trouble in paradise. Then the paint got chalky. The car slid rather quickly into beaterdom, then stayed in condition that has been fairly consistent over the past several years, or so. Witnessing this car age from near perfection to what we see here was not unlike watching a really attractive person in a bad relationship become slowly dismantled. These days, I’m just glad to see it still around, and within it still beats a five-liter V8 heart of gold.
1993 Ford Mustang GT.
When I had first seen a fifth-generation Mustang in the fall of 2004, almost twenty years ago, it had been a while since I had been that excited about a new car. Its sheetmetal heavily referenced my favorite classic Mustang design, the slightly enlarged 1967 and ’68 fastbacks, and looked like the truest, most modern interpretation of those cars as could be possible within modern parameters. Everything about it was classic Mustang, and this stretched beyond individual styling cues like the wide-mouth grille and dummy side-scoops. Its proportions were also spot-on. Even the bumpers were well-integrated, which was no small feat, given the blade-like units on the models of the ’60s. Back when I had bought my ’88 Mustang LX when it was five years old, I used to wonder how my experience of driving it compared with that of the typical six-cylinder car from twenty years prior.
I liked that these two cars were parked directly in front of two buildings with distinctly different architectural styles. The ’06, with its classic Mustang look, is parked in front of a vintage, red-brick, four-story dwelling. By contrast, the ’93 is in front of a mid-century building that represented a new architectural style, much like the third-generation Mustang represented clean-sheet thinking at the time of its introduction in the fall of ’78. Thirteen model years separate these two cars, which couldn’t look more different, but the thing to remember is that twenty-six years separate the introduction date of the first-year examples of each, respective example. There’s just one generation of Mustang between them, the SN-95, which was given only one significant refresh.
2006 Ford Mustang GT convertible.
The 4.0L V6 in the ’06 was rated at 210 horsepower, which five more than the 205 hp rating of the 5.0L (actually 4.9L) V8 in the ’93 GT. The EPA estimated the fuel economy of this V6, with the five-speed manual, was 17 mpg city / 26 highway / 20 combined. I used to lament that my base-model ’88 had a 2.3L four-cylinder engine in it instead of a V6 (which was dropped for ’87), but my five-speed car was estimated to get marginally better fuel mileage than the ’06 V6, at 22 city / 27 highway / 24 combined. It also took probably four times longer to get to sixty miles per hour. As for the ’93 GT, it had estimated fuel economy of 15 mpg city / 22 highway / 17 combined.
1993 Ford Mustang GT brochure page, as sourced from www.oldcarbrochures.org.
I was curious as to how the performance of the newer V6 compared with that of the older GT. To use just one metric, the ’93 would have been good for a 0-60 time in the low-to-mid six second range with a five-speed manual. The ’06 V6 was about half a second slower, also with a five-speed. This seems like an exceptionally small margin and like real progress from the time of the older performance model and the cheapest ’06 on the roster. I doubt the 90-hp four-banger in my ’88 LX could have gotten to sixty in less than fourteen seconds. It was a great car for me as young adult, but starting with the SN-95 models’ introduction for ’94, the entry-level Mustang at least had a V6 again.
I love all Ford Mustangs like I would my own children, but there’s no denying the size difference between these two cars. The following table helps illustrate how the newer car’s extra height, width, and length all contribute to a more substantial, overall appearance:
| Wheelbase | Overall Length | Width (Without Mirrors) | Height | Base Curb Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1993 Mustang GT Hatchback | 100.5" | 179.6" | 68.3" | 52.1" | 2,996 lbs. |
| 2006 Mustang V6 Fastback | 107.1" | 187.6" | 73.8" | 54.4" | 3,373 lbs. |
| 1968 Mustang V8 Fastback | 108.0" | 183.6" | 70.9" | 51.6" | 2,990 lbs. |
Dimensionally, the ’06 seems to share much more with a ’68 than with the ’93, yet when I look at both cars, I still immediately see “Mustang”, even though external features and details on the ’93 are more in line with the aero and high-tech image that was in vogue at the time, versus having overtly equine associations. It often comes down to whatever Mustang was new at the time a budding enthusiast had started to pay attention. Many iterations of the third-generation cars have strong Mustang identity to me and others in my age group. What I loved about the gen-five model, though, was that it gave many Mustang fans a chance to own what looked basically like a classic that had been updated successfully for the new millennium. I’d be very happy to have a nice example of either.
Edgewater, Chicago, Illinois.
Sunday, February 11, 2024.
It’s always sad to see someone’s once pride and joy sliding down to beater status. I’ve never owned a Mustang, but I had the opportunity to rent one for work. I think mine was the 2011 model, but it DEFINITELY had the new V-6. I remember having read an article entitled “I Could Have Had a V-8, But Why?” and I fully concur! As fast as the new V-6 was, it negated any want for the V-8. The only thing I didn’t care for was the body revisions; now if I could only get the ’11 V-6 in the ’10 body!! *SIGH*!! 🙂
The ’11 body and the ’10 body were the same. It’s the ’09 that was the last to look like this one.
But you are correct about the transition between the 4.0L (2010) and the 3.7L (2011). My Dad had the 2014-V6 with the Pony Package and that 3.7L (other than missing that V8 burble) made you wonder why you’d even need a V8. His car was noticeably quicker and more agile than my 2007.
Wow… I can’t remember having read anything about the 3.7L. I guess I was focused more on getting used to the styling tweaks. I like the 2011 (and 2010) alright. It’s just that I *love* the 2005 – ’09.
Great points, and I think to myself, “How much power would I need, or even want?” The V6 in this car would certainly deliver to my satisfaction. I also have a strong preference for the styling of the 2005 – ’09 models, like this one.
Its true what you say. As much as I recognize what a classic Mustang is, being a child of the late 70’s-80’s, a Mustang to me is the Fox body. I’ve owned 3 of them (a 79 Pace car, an 84 GT, and an 85 LX 5.0) and now that I’m in my 50’s, the nostalgia in me pines for another Fox. Although, I currently own an S197- a 2010 GT which brings me lots of joy, there’s just something about that Fox. And that pretty much sums up my feelings on modern Mustangs. The Fox and the S197 are the best of them. Pic of my 84..
Beautiful ’84, Sal. Yes – those Foxes are definitive Mustangs for many in our age group. I saw a ’79 Pace Car at a car show about five or six years back, and it reminded me of just how great some of the early ones could look.
here…
Nice Post Joseph, and thank you for that comparison chart. I’d always wondered dimensionally where my 2007 stood as compared to the classics. I know it’s bigger than an SN95, but was very surprised to see that its dimensions are not all that much bigger than the originals. when parked next to a ’67 however, my car really does look huge. I also knew this thing weighed a lot more.
It’s sad to see that ’93 in disrepair, but there may be hope for it. Maybe it’s the same owner of these two cars, and they’ll sell the Fox to someone who will give it some love.
May my car never end up in beater status.
Keeping a nearly 20 year old car looking and running nice is a labor of love, but it is possible… I’ve had mine now for 16 years, and there’s now 186K+ on the clock since February of 2008 when I took delivery of her. She’s still hangin’ in there for an old filly.
This picture was taken last Friday, 3/8/2024 as I was leaving work for the day:
Rick, your car looks a year old, at least in that picture. 🙂 Pride of ownership is so apparent when a car is kept up nicely. To your point, it’s a labor of love, and I imagine that being able to do some of the work oneself helps take keep the costs and inconvenience from discouraging that. Long may yours live.
Thanks Joseph. Sadly my wrenching is extremely limited, and I have to pay for most repairs, but I have done a few.
I think our own Aaron65 said it best referring to a car like this as a “nice 15 footer” or something to that effect. There are a few battle scars from rock chips on the hood from its days as my daily driver. And I had to have the interior replaced because I wore out the seats. Please note that I paid to have this done, rather than the story I shared with you about my younger wilder days of helping my best friend swap that Pierre Cardin interior into his Javelin… but I digress…
This is the car’s the original paint, and it’s still shiny so there’s that.
The new seats are two tone leather rather than the original light grey leatherette. The carpet is now black instead of grey. To my eyes the contrast looks great….
I always love your incisive comparisons Joseph, the building styles contrasted with the cars was one of those serendipitous coincidences just begging to be noticed by a sharp observer!
The ’05-09 gen to is the perfect blend of modern efficiency and safety with the art of vintage Mustang design, and the German-derived 4.0 sohc V6 is the perfect powerplant for adults who like to drive in a spirited manner from time to time but don’t aspire to boy-racerdom. It goes and even sounds like a V8 of yore without their drawbacks, it’s so well suited to this car. Hope the black ’93 will soldier on as well!
Thank you! I didn’t actually come up with the architectural tie-in myself – it was a contact who had mentioned it in a comment on the picture when I had posted it elsewhere. I thought it was a brilliant tie-in, so I reused it. I’m also a huge fan of the 2005 – ’09 design, as I had mentioned on Jose Delgadillo’s excellent COAL entry a couple of weeks back. In my defense, this post was already in the can a month ago. 🙂
This is a great comparison, Joseph, especially the photography! The Mustang has been around for so long that there are many different generational demographics among it’s fans. It depends what was around when you were growing up. For a lot of Baby Boomers, only the original 65-73 models are real Mustangs. (and many begrudge the 71-73!) The Mustang II has been somewhat ignored, but is now becoming better respected. The Fox bodies had an extremely long run, ’79-’93 and that has produced an incredible span of enthusiasts.The SN95 generation was controversial at first, but by the “New Edge” restyle was well accepted. The early S197 2005-2009 models are now considered a vintage model.
This weekend I saw a couple of later Fox bodies at a Cars and Coffee event. On the way home I encountered a late ’80’s black hatchback in traffic. It was a little rough around the engines, but it was obvious that it was in the process of being refreshed. The young driver was certainly enjoying the mellow rumble of the 5.0.
The last 3/4 view of both cars displays the size difference very well. The ’06 is noticeably larger overall, but this is most apparent when the cars are parked together.
When it comes to old cars my mantra is, “Preserve, Maintain, and Improve.” This is much easier than restoration. Rick said it best, as he’s trying to maintain the condition of his Mustang. I also protect the condition of my vintage fleet. I’ve owned my ’96 for one half of it’s lifespan, and though it spent the first ten years of my ownership as my daily driver, it’s holding up well.
Jose, thank you so much! And, yes – I agree with everything. I’m also still waiting for the Mustang II to be more appreciated, but I always smile when I see beautiful examples of those being enjoyed. “Preserve, maintain, and improve” is as perfect an automotive mission statement as any.
I actually like the look of the 93’s wheels without the center hub covers; moreso than the smoother look with them on. I have no idea why.
I’ve owned 2 fox bodied V8 cars, and ’85 and an ’89, and I remember them fondly as great runners and good handlers ( at least for the time ). Though they claimed officially that a different rating system was employed, I do however had ( and still have ) a nagging suspicion that the lowered rating of the 1993 302 from 225 to 205 horsepower was a political or “paper” move to allow the incoming 281 CID modular OHC V8s 215 HP to appear to be an improvement. As time went on, that engine, even in the single OHC versions, would mature to better outputs, but the early years of that engine just felt no more powerful, but just “peakier” than the 302s they replaced.
I read the same thing about the factory rating of the ’93 5.0L, and that it was also to make the 235 hp number in the ’93 Cobra look more significantly better.
I can kind of see the appeal of the look without the center caps, especially with the proliferation of plastic wheel covers that emulated this five-spoke look. Without them, they look a bit more like “real” wheels. Personally, the pony caps were one of my favorite things on these wheels when these cars were new. Now, there’s plenty of traditional “pony” flavor on these cars.
Good observation. You jogged my memory regarding the the 1993 Cobra, and yes, I could also see a de-rate of the standard 5.0 to appeal to marketing the Cobra’s version, moreso maybe.
I do remember when rotating the tires on my Mustangs, often wondering if I should just leave the hub caps off for a few trial days. They were of the aluminum 10-hole design, and here too the removal of the center caps lended a deep ( or deep-ish ) dish look to them and broke up the flat expanse.
Joseph: good eye, good subject.
I can vouch for satisfaction provided by the S197 Mustang V-6. I ordered one new and had it for two years. Mine was a white 2006 V-6 premium five speed with red leather interior with no spoiler. Nice – subtle on the outside with a striking contrast. The V-6 manual was a pleasure to drive and the size of the car suited my purposes well. I traded it on an ’08 Bullitt because I could not resist the Highland Green metallic and the sound of that V-8. Still have the ’08 but fondly remember the ’06 V-6. A fine car.
Thank you! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – a car equipped like your ’06 might be the perfect car for me.
From my observations the 87-93s tend to age badly, grime collects in the taillights “cheese grater” taillights, the ground effects cladding and spoilers get a little warpy and stop fitting the body as snugly and maybe due to the relatively stark grilleless front end the headlights when they cloud and yellow look especially bad. In Chicago the rocker panels underneath those ground effects are usually gone too.
I tend to favor the Fox. I’ve always said it but it drives me nuts how Ford people tend to never accept design changes, I actually held an unfair grudge with the S197 era for the longest time because so many people immediately threw every Mustang including the fox era under the bus for not looking like a 65-69. There’s no definitive Camaro generation to Chevy fans, first, second, third and fourth all have adoration, but heaven forbid the Mustang change to the Ford faithful! The 87-93 5.0 powered Fox is an icon in its own right, it’s the Mustang cycle that killed the Probe because it was just so fundamentally right by 87. To me it’s a much more significant car than all the various retro special edition appearance packages that made it to the S197 generation.
Great thoughts, Matt. What you say about the warping body addenda reminds me of when I had read a Consumer Guide car review booklet where these Mustangs got low marks for “body integrity”. There was a lot of plastic.
The Fox was such an integral part of the automotive landscape when so many of us were coming of age, stretching from Gen X to Millennials. How many individual designs can say the same?
The Mustang came out not long before I started kindergarten, so I feel like the Mustang and I grew up together. I’m glad it’s still here!
I love both of these generations, and really pretty much all of them in one way or another.