The Mustang GT has been among Ford’s most popular models since its first production in 1964. It’s a high-performance vehicle with a speed that exceeds expectations. Perhaps you’re wondering what the Mustang GT’s top speed without a limiter is. Or what its top speed is when limited.
A Ford Mustang GT reaches a top speed of over 200 mph without a limiter. An example is the Shelby GT500 which ranks number one among the fastest cars in the world. Ford started adding a speed limiter in the GT capping its speed to 160 mph.
When it comes to straight-line performance, the Mustang GT models are unbeatable. Mustangs have been going beyond 137 mph since 1994. Some models can go up to 200 mph and the majority are capped at 155 or 175 mph. Mustangs have V8 engines and the 5.0L is popular.
How Fast Can a Mustang GT Go?
A regular GT reaches a top speed of 165 mph. It comes with a 5.0L V8 engine which outputs 480 hp and 420 lbs of torque. The GT has a lot of power and goes from 0 to 60 miles in 4.1 seconds.
All GT models have different transmissions. The Fastback has a 6-speed transmission and the two Premiums have 10-speed transmission. A 2020 Shelby GT500 Mustang reaches a top speed of 186 mph and goes from 0 to 60 miles in 3.3 seconds.
It reaches a quarter mile in 10.7 seconds with a 132 mph top speed. This is because of the GT500’s 5.2 liter V8 engine. It’s among the most powerful V8 engines available. The car also has 7-speed TREMEC double-clutch auto-transmission.
What Are The Ford Mustang Gts And Their Top Speeds?
Here is a list of GT models and their top speeds without the limiter.
First Generation Mustang GT
The first Mustang debuted with a redesigned instrument panel and V8 engine. Its thrift power allowed choosing between a 2,8L and 3.3 L engine. A high-power version of the V8 was available with a displacement of 4.3L or 4.7L.
Second Generation Mustang GT
After the first generation GT, Ford dropped the GT design and hard decisions had to be made regarding the engine. The first-line second-generation GT has inefficient V4 and V6 engines. A 4.9L V8 engine was introduced producing 140hp and making 60 miles in 10.5 seconds.
Third Generation Mustang GT
The GT resurfaced in 1982 and the 4.0lL engine was reworked to remain the standard model. A 2.3L turbo engine with fuel injection was introduced in this model. In 1986, the car got a more powerful V8 engine and it underwent various refinements until it was discontinued in 1993.
Fourth Generation Mustang GT
It took Ford a period from 1993 to 2004 to introduce this GT variant. The model outperformed all previous models in handling and performance. It was given a 4.6L SOCH V8 engine to replace the pushrod V8 which had been used since 1968.
Fifth Generation Mustang GT
This was introduced from 2004 to 2014. It’s powered by a 4.6L modular V8 engine with three valves and three overhead cams. Shelby GT500 has a 5.4L DOHC V8 engine with four valves which is more powerful. It produces 500hp and 6,000 RPM.
Sixth Generation Mustang GT
There are three trim models of this GT including the base Mustang GT, Shelby GT 500, and Shelby GT350. The 2015 and 2017 models are powered by a 5.0L V8 engine outputting 435hp. The 2018 and 2021 models have a 5.0L engine 460hp.
A 2022 model is down-powered with a 5.2L V8 engine outputting 526hp in the GT350. The re-introduced GT500 is powered by the same engine but produces 760hp.
Mustang Mach-E GT
The tiny crossover SUV is a far cry from the traditional GT. This electric vehicle only shares the GT label with its gas-powered counterparts. Its 88 kWh battery pack produces 480hp with a range of 250 miles. With a top speed of 124 mph, it reaches 60 miles in 3.8 seconds.
Do Ford Mustang GTs Come With Speed Limiters?
Ford installed a speed limiter in some Mustang models. For example, the Mustang V-6 is limited to 112 mph because of its lightweight drive shaft. Additionally, it’s because the car is designed for more fuel economy compared to offering absolute performance.
You can immobilize the speed limiter. Many vehicles today come with a chip or computer reprogramming to adjust engine performance. Depending on the tuner, adjustments can enhance the power or fuel economy of the engine.
What Is Mustang GT’s Top Speed Without Limiter?
The top speed of a GT without a limiter is 216 mph because of its 5.0L V8 engine. A Mustang GT beats other high-end cars such as Audi S5 Coupe, Bentley Continental GT V8 S, and Jaguar F Type 400 Sport during straight-line acceleration tests.
A 1979 Mustang 5.0L is the slowest and reaches a top speed of 120 mph. Some GTs go as fast as 200 mph while others are capped at 155 to 175 mph. The Ford Shelby GT500 takes third place as the fastest muscle car with Dodge Challenger Demo at number one.
What Is Mustang GT’s Top Speed When It Is Limited?
The imposed load during the high-speed ability of the cooling system and components to shedding determines speed limiting. For example, the 2020 Shelby GT500 is limited to 180 mph yet it can reach 200 mph.
A GT350 with 526 hp is limited to 15 mph and the GT350R is limited to 169 mph. It’s possible to defeat the GT’s speed limiter by changing the gearing and with suitable horsepower infusion to exceed 200 mph.
Final Thoughts
The Mustang GT is a high-performance model from Ford. It’s a muscle car with great driving dynamics and exceptional performance. The GT can reach a top speed of 216 mph without a limiter and about 160 with one.
