gavriil

by, Dean Hantzis

Not only has Ford under-rated the 2003 Mustang Cobra, but also the 2003 Mustang Mach 1. Ford claims the Mach 1 engine produces 305hp and 320ft/lb of torque at the flywheel. From our dyno results, we have found the Mach 1 produces as much as 15 horsepower and 20ft/lb of torque above what is advertised.

When the 4.6 DOHC motor was first released by Ford (the 1996 Mustang Cobra), stock dyno results ranged anywhere from 250 to 260 horsepower and torque to the wheels. This engine is advertised to make 305hp and 300ft/lb of torque at the flywheel. Now in 2003, with a few engine enhancements, the Mach1 is producing between 265-270 horsepower and 280+ ft/lb of torque to the wheels. However, Ford still claims the engine makes the same horsepower and only 20 ft/lb more torque compared to the 1996 4.6 DOHC motor. Assuming a 16 percent drivetrain loss, the new Mach 1 motor is producing between 315-320 horsepower and 333-340 ft/lb of torque.

Quarter mile drag times also support that the Mach 1 is under-rated. The 96-98 Cobras (stock) run the quarter mile in the high 13 second range, while the Mach 1 times are reportedly in the low 13 second range.



Engine Specs: 4.6Liter dohc (8Cyl)
Mileage: 1300 miles
Aspiration: normally aspirated[0 psi]
Transmission: 5M
Max RWHP: 270.2 @ 5260 rpms
Max RWTQ: 286.8 @ 4330 rpms
Estimated Fly Wheel Horsepower: 322 @ 5260 rpms [assuming 16 % drivetrain loss]
Estimated Fly Wheel Torque: 341 @ 4330 rpms [assuming 16 % drivetrain loss]
Room temp / Inlet Temp (F): 0.0 / 94.6
Pressure (kPa): 30.1
Humidity (%): 0.0
Condition Details: Gear Ratio : 49.37 RPM/MPH Correction Factor : 0.99 SAE



Engine Specs: 4.6Liter dohc (8Cyl)
Mileage: 3100 miles
Aspiration: normally aspirated[0 psi]
Transmission: 5M
Max RWHP: 265.7 @ 5130 rpms
Max RWTQ: 280.1 @ 4320 rpms
Estimated Fly Wheel Horsepower: 316 @ 5130 rpms [assuming 16 % drivetrain loss]
Estimated Fly Wheel Torque: 333 @ 4320 rpms [assuming 16 % drivetrain loss]
Room temp / Inlet Temp (F): 0.0 / 64.2
Pressure (kPa): 30.0
Humidity (%): 0.0
Condition Details: Gear Ratio : 48.99 RPM/MPH Correction Factor : 0.96 SAE

Why has Ford under-rated these two Mustangs? One might assume that Ford does not want to experience a similar problem as when they over-rated the horsepower and torque output of the 1999 Cobra. This problem forced Ford to create a performance package to increase the power of the 99 Cobra, costing them time and money. So much time was wasted that the 2000 Cobra never went into production. It would be no surprise if all future Ford performance vehicles will be at least slightly under-rated in power. It is the safe route for Ford to take and keeps performance enthusiasts more than satisfied.

gavriil

I think, even 320HP is underated for that engine. I would guess as high as 340HP. That thing is fast. It consistently does the 0-60 in 5.2 secs. Or better depending on factors. Good for Ford. Better underate than overate.

gavriil

The 2003 Mustang Cobra - Under-rated by Ford
by, Dean Hantzis

The 2003 Cobra exploded on the automotive scene with a super-charged 4.6 Liter DOHC V8 engine. Compared to recent SVT Cobras, the 2003 has been labeled "King of the Hill" by auto enthusiasts. Ford claims that the Cobra's engine produces 390 horsepower and 390 ft./lb. of torque.

Now that this new Cobra is finally out on the streets, owners have been taking them in for dynamometer testing. The results--encouraging. Assuming a 16% drivetrain loss with the 6 speed manual transmission, this Cobra should theoretically produce between 325-335 horsepower and torque to the wheels. However, after multiple dynamometer results have been obtained from many different owners, the 2003 Cobra is producing well above Ford's advertised horsepower. Typically these cars are producing between 350-365 horsepower and torque to the wheels. With a 16% drivetrain loss, this equates to 406-423 to the flywheel (engine output).

Now, why did Ford under-rate the power of the 2003 Cobra in their advertisements? Some speculate that Ford did not want to experience the same backlash from the false advertising of the 99 Cobra, which produced well under the advertised horsepower and torque. Others say Ford did this to keep insurance costs down for their customers, which in turn would increase sales. Regardless of the reason, the new Cobras are making owners very happy. With over 400 horsepower for $34,000 the 2003 Cobra holds one of the best horsepower to dollar ratios in the automotive industry today.



2003 ford mustang cobra
Engine Specs: 4.6Liter dohc (8Cyl)
Mileage: 2700 miles
Aspiration: super-charged[8 psi]
Transmission: 6M
Max RWHP: 355.7 @ 6530 rpms
Max RWTQ: 352.4 @ 4110 rpms
Estimated Fly Wheel Horsepower: 423 @ 6530 rpms [assuming 16 % drivetrain loss]
Estimated Fly Wheel Torque: 420 @ 4110 rpms [assuming 16 % drivetrain loss]
Room temp / Inlet Temp (F): 0.0 / 67.8
Pressure (kPa): 30.0
Humidity (%): 0.0
Condition Details: Gear Ratio : 49.42 RPM/MPH Correction Factor : 0.96 SAE

gavriil

Now that's one smooth torque curve on that Cobra. THat engine must be a joy to use for everyday driving.

jimcol711

ugly or not, domestic or not, outdated interior or not, the mustang mach 1 and especially the cobra are fucking bad ass cars for the money, one couldnt ask for anything more for the price these vehicles are offered at. just spectacular preformers. hopefully the new mustang will carry the torch!!!

gavriil

Indeed. The next Mustang will for sure carry the torch. They are dropping the dynasaur 3.8 liter OHV for a 3 liter DOHC for the base model. That's a good sign in my opinion. Yes a little less torque, but I am sure it will be more benefits in the end than not.

The 4.6 liter DOHC is carried too both in its NA, as well as, its boosted versions. And we know how easy it will be for Ford to generate another 30-50 HP off of that force fed engine. Change the pulley, reprogram ECU, bam! More power!

Nicky Pass

Thats awesome....a car that actually puts out the amount of HP ithe manufacturer says it does!!!!

cusdaddy

Mazda should start taking some notes.. Especially since they are basically the same company!

GreenMonster

I love to see dynos of cars that have more TQ then HP

I guess that 'cause I got used to driving v8's (my last car had the 4.6L in my Tbird).

gdubb

Awsome, def love to hear this. I like the Mach 1's and Cobra's alot. Who doesnt like more power than adverstised

Black CL-S 4-Life

Now all Ford needs to do is get rid of the V6 Mustang.

mblock66

are you kidding the v6 outsells the V8 they would never get rid of that. That is the "college girl daddy buy me a convertable" car. And girls don't car that it is a v6 ahhah they just want a mustang convet

Black CL-S 4-Life

I know they wouldn't but the V6 is a disgrace to the Mustang Badge, its not a real Mustang.

gavriil

Not exactly right, though they work very closely together. Ford owns about 1/3rd of Mazda.

gavriil

That will never happen The Mustang is supposed to be an affordable USAmerican sports car.

gavriil

Actually a correction to the above: The rumor is for the top engine to be the return of the 5 liter V8 only in boosted form. Hello 450-500 HP

Black CL-S 4-Life

Yeah but the V6 isn't a sports car.

thealliance15

i love mach1s and would take it over a cobra, if i had the money for a supercharger.

heyitsme

i'll be more interested when they drop this power in the next gen body, hopefully the handling/suspension will be more towards a gt sportscar rather than a musclecar.

gavriil

Let me rephrase:

That will never happen. The Mustang is supposed to be an affordable USAmerican sports car...from the outside.

1SICKLEX

I am glad SOMEBODY underated instead of all these fucking companies quoting HP and 1/4 mile times going down Mt. Everest filled with fat bitches eating chicken and gummy bears with Hurricane Isabel providing wind.

Joe5.0

They also underrated the Bullit by a little. The intake is worth 10hp alone, and I believe it had underdrive pulleys also. It was only rated 5hp higher than the GT.

And watch out guys, word is that the new 3.5L Duratec could make it's way into the V6 Mustang as an optional engine, and Ford has said the engine can make up to 275hp, which it probably will when put into the Ford 500.

This isn't really anything new though. My 94 GT was rated at 215hp, but they consistenly put down 190-195hp to the wheels. The 93 Cobra was rated at 235hp, but they would dyno at just about 230hp to the wheels.

Red Nj-s

It is a deffinitly a fast car, and it is a great seller for Ford, but I just don't like it.

It looks like it's going to fall apart to me, for some reason, and EVERYONE has one.