1981 Ford Mustang
Third generation · Fox-body 1979–1993
The long-running Fox-body, built on Ford’s Fox platform from 1979 to 1993.
The 1981 model year
Overview
The bottom of the performance trough. The carbureted 2.3 Turbo was dropped for the US (offered in Canada only), leaving the 255 (4.2) V8 as the top engine and a new 3.3 inline-six replacing the V6. This was the last year for the Ghia and Cobra trims. (Horsepower figures are SAE net.)
Specifications
- Engines
-
- 2.3 I4 88 hp
- 3.3 I6 94 hp
- 255 (4.2) V8 (2-bbl) 115 hp
- Transmissions
- 4-speed manual, 5-speed manual, 3-speed automatic
- Body styles
- Coupe (notchback), Hatchback (3-door)
- Production
- 182,552
Year over year
What changed
- The US-market 2.3 Turbo was discontinued (a turbo remained available in Canada).
- A 3.3 inline-six replaced the 2.8 V6.
- A 5-speed manual became available.
- Final year for the Ghia and Cobra trim lines.
Living with it
Reliability & ownership notes
- Engines this year are durable but undistinguished; the 255 V8 is the weak performer.
- Standard Fox-body rust inspection applies.
Worth knowing
Notable
- The performance nadir of the generation — the rebound starts in 1982.
- Last of the Ghia and (first-era) Cobra Mustangs.
Sources
- Wikipedia — "Ford Mustang (third generation)"
- MustangSpecs — per-year base MSRP
- LMR (Late Model Restoration)
Other Third generation years
Explore the Fox-body generation → All Third generation · Fox-body years →