Performance has been one of the main characteristics of the Ford Mustang since its introduction in 1964, and we all know the powerful and fast V8 models that won races and customers’ hearts. However, not all Mustangs are like that; some are frankly embarrassingly slow. So, let’s see what the slowest Ford Mustangs ever made are.
1. 1964½ Mustang with 200 CID Inline-Six
The Mustang may have debuted in 1964 as an instant classic, but not every early example was a speed demon. One of the base models, equipped with a 200 cubic inch (3.3-liter) inline-six engine, was more about style than speed.
Making just 120 horsepower, this version was mated to a three-speed manual transmission or a sluggish automatic, and 0-60 mph took over 13 seconds. It was perfect for cruising boulevards in style, but it wouldn’t be mistaken for a muscle car. While it helped launch the Mustang legacy, performance-wise, it was one of the tamest.
2. 1974 Mustang II with 2.3-liter Inline-Four
The oil crisis and increasingly strict emissions laws ushered in the second-generation Mustang II, and with it came one of the slowest Mustangs ever produced. The 2.3-liter inline-four engine made a measly 88 horsepower and was saddled with increased curb weight due to added safety features. It could barely manage 0-60 mph in around 15 seconds.
The Mustang II was smaller and more fuel-efficient, which suited the time, but from a performance standpoint, it was a dramatic step down from the muscle-bound heritage of its predecessors. For many enthusiasts, it marked the low point in Mustang performance history.
3. 1975 Mustang II with 2.3-liter Inline-Four
Although the base Mustang II was introduced in 1974, the 1975 version was even slower. Emissions equipment became even more restrictive, further choking the 2.3-liter engine to a dismal 83 horsepower. Acceleration was leisurely at best, with quarter-mile times creeping over 20 seconds.
The car prioritized economy and insurance rates rather than driving excitement, so it’s understandable why many performance fans consider it one of the least thrilling Mustangs ever. While it did sell well in its day, its legacy remains far from legendary.
4. 1979 Mustang with 2.3-Liter Turbo
Ford tried to jazz up the Mustang’s four-cylinder offerings in 1979 by introducing a turbocharged version of the 2.3-liter engine. While “turbo” might sound exciting, the execution was underwhelming. With just 131 horsepower and unreliable turbocharging tech for the era, it struggled to deliver meaningful performance.
Acceleration remained sluggish, with 0-60 times hovering around the 10-11 second mark. Despite the fresh Fox-body platform and a modern look, the early turbo models didn’t live up to expectations and were outpaced by even some economy sedans of the time.
5. 1980 Mustang Cobra with 4.2-Liter V8
In 1980, Ford tried to offer a V8 alternative in the form of a 4.2-liter engine, but it turned out to be one of the weakest V8s ever offered in a Mustang. Making just 118 horsepower, the 255-cubic-inch motor was a victim of fuel economy mandates and choking emissions hardware.
Even in the sportier Cobra trim, the performance was lackluster. Acceleration was poor for a V8 pony car, and the Cobra badge couldn’t disguise the fact that this was a very slow Mustang. It remains one of the biggest disappointments among V8-powered Mustangs.
6. 1982 Mustang GT 5.0
The 1982 Mustang GT marked the return of the “5.0” badge and an attempt to revive performance in the Mustang lineup. However, by modern standards—and even within its era—the GT’s 157 horsepower left much to be desired.
While it was quicker than the four-cylinder variants, the GT’s 0-60 mph time of just over 9 seconds was far from the glory days of the 1960s. Still, the 1982 GT laid the groundwork for the performance resurgence in the later Fox-body years, even if it wasn’t particularly fast in its own right.
7. 1994 Mustang Convertible with 3.8-Liter V6
When the SN95 generation debuted in 1994, the base model came with a 3.8-liter V6, producing just 145 horsepower. The convertible version, weighed down even more by structural reinforcements, was especially slow.
With a 0-60 mph time pushing 10 seconds, it didn’t offer much muscle, and driving dynamics were more about comfort than aggression. It looked like the part of a performance car, but under the hood, it fell flat. It worked for those seeking style on a budget, but enthusiasts stayed away.
8. 2005 Mustang V6 Automatic
With the retro-themed S197 generation came another base V6 model focused on affordability over performance. The 2005 Mustang’s 4.0-liter V6 made a decent 210 horsepower, but its performance was dulled considerably when paired with the optional 5-speed automatic transmission.
It took over 7.5 seconds to reach 60 mph and lacked the soundtrack and urgency of its V8 sibling. Though better than the early ’90s V6s, this base model was no barnstormer and appealed more to style-conscious drivers than speed freaks.
9. 1999 Mustang Convertible with 3.8-Liter V6
The 1999 Mustang’s New Edge styling refreshed its looks, but the base convertible model with the 3.8-liter V6 still lagged in performance. Despite a slight bump to 190 horsepower, the car remained heavy and underpowered, especially with the automatic transmission.
Performance numbers were mediocre, with 0-60 mph in the 8-9 second range. It looked like it could go fast, but most of its energy was hauling around extra weight from the convertible top and chassis reinforcements.
10. 2010 Mustang with 4.0-Liter V6
The 2010 Mustang was a visual refresh of the fifth-generation S197 platform, but its engine carried over from the previous year—a 4.0-liter V6 with 210 horsepower. By this time, competitors offered more advanced and robust engines, and the Mustang’s V6 started feeling dated.
It was capable of 0-60 mph in about 7.5 seconds with the manual, but the automatic variant was slower and less engaging. The 2010 V6 was the last year before Ford introduced the much-improved 3.7-liter Duratec in 2011, which made this version feel even more like a relic once the newer models hit the scene.
