The Mustang EcoBoost Fastback’s only tell is its smaller, less potent engine. It is powered by a 2.3-liter inline-four engine featuring Ford’s EcoBoost turbocharger, which besides offering additional punch, enables the four-cylinder to return better efficiency too.
Other mechanical components include a six-speed manual unit which channels power from the engine to the rear end of this Ford. The 2.3-liter Ecoboost inline-four and rear-wheel drivetrain are stand-alone options on the 2020 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Fastback. Its six-speed manual can be replaced with a 10-speed SelectShift automatic though.
Models
|
Ford Mustang EcoBoost
|
Chevrolet Camaro 1LS
|
Nissan 370Z
|
Dodge Challenger SXT
|
MSRP
|
$26,670
|
$25,000
|
$30,090
|
$28,095
|
Engine
|
2.3L Premium Inline-4 |
2.0L Premium Inline-4 |
3.7L Premium V6 |
3.6L Regular V6 |
Drivetrain |
RWD |
RWD |
RWD |
RWD |
Transmission
|
6-Speed Manual W/Od |
6-Speed Manual W/Od |
6-Speed Manual W/Od |
8-Speed Automatic W/Od And Auto-Manual |
Power
|
310hp@5,500rpm |
275hp@5,600rpm |
332hp@7,000rpm |
305hp@6,350rpm |
Torque
|
350lb-ft@3,000rpm |
295lb-ft@3,000rpm |
270lb-ft@5,200rpm |
268lb-ft@4,800rpm |
The Nissan 370Z impresses most with its 332 hp naturally-aspirated V6. This makes the 370Z the most organic and most powerful coupe of the lot.
How fast is the Ford Mustang EcoBoost?
The Mustang EcoBoost is not the most powerful Mustang but it delivers on the promise of being one by offering appropriate performance for its price. Meaning, acceleration on this Mustang is definite but not immediate. The high-revving motor of the Mustang EcoBoost takes a while to come to life and feels most at home at highway speeds.
If that doesn’t cut it for you, opting for the 2.3L High Performance Package replaces the standard 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine with a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine from Ford’s Focus RS putting out 330 hp and 350 lb.-ft. torque. This makes the Mustang EcoBoost feel relatively more delightful.
Model
|
Ford Mustang EcoBoost
|
Chevrolet Camaro 1LS
|
Nissan 370Z
|
Dodge Challenger SXT
|
0-60 MPH
|
5.1 sec
|
5.4 sec
|
5.2 sec
|
6.1 sec
|
Quarter Mile
|
13.7 sec
|
13.4 sec
|
13.7 sec
|
14.5 sec
|
Top Speed |
155 MPH |
155 MPH |
155 MPH |
N/A |
Engine
|
2.3L Premium Inline-4 |
2.0L Premium Inline-4 |
3.7L Premium V6 |
3.6L Regular V6 |
The Dodge Challenger SXT is the heaviest coupe of the lot. Consequently, it is also the slowest. On the other hand, the Mustang EcoBoost efficiently balances its power and weight and is plenty fast.
What about the braking performance of the Ford Mustang EcoBoost?
Braking on the 2020 Mustang EcoBoost is taken care by brake rotors with two-piston callipers all around. They offer commendable bite and feedback to effectively slow down this Mustang. For better stopping capabilities though, one can equip this Mustang with EcoBoost handling package which adds better quality brake pads.
Models
|
Ford Mustang EcoBoost
|
Chevrolet Camaro 1LS
|
Nissan 370Z
|
Dodge Challenger SXT
|
Brake Rotors Front
|
12.5"
|
N/A
|
12.6"
|
12.6"
|
Brake Rotors Rear
|
12.5"
|
N/A
|
12.6"
|
12.6"
|
Curb Weight
|
3532 lbs
|
3354 lbs
|
3333 lbs
|
3894 lbs
|
60-0 MPH
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
113 ft
|
120 ft
|
The heavyweight Dodge Challenger SXT suffers most because of its heft which is clearly evident while bringing it to a halt.
What about its driving dynamics?
The Mustang EcoBoost is not as performance-inclined as its V8 powered counterparts. Rather it strives to strike a balance between comfort and sport to satisfy as a daily driver, which it does. Its precise steering and smaller footprint make this Mustang fairly nimble for a muscle car. Though its compact dimensions mean hits from underneath over uneven roads creep in the cabin causing some discomfort for the occupants.
To make up for that, Ford offers a solution. Opting for the EcoBoost Handling package adds MagneRide adaptive dampers which do a much better job of absorbing undulations by reading road conditions beforehand. The MagneRide system also makes up for far less body lean while cornering. This package further adorns the Mustang EcoBoost with wider 19-inch wheels along with Pirelli P Zero Corsa summer tires which improve grip and help with better handling.
This way the Mustang EcoBoost makes it closer to the more powerful GT in terms of handling but not so much in performance. That can be taken care of the 2.3L High Performance Package which adds upgrades like Focus RS’s 2.3-liter turbocharged inline-four, retuned suspension and front strut-tower brace for improved stiffness. While these factors alter performance, they make the Mustang EcoBoost feel too stiff for an everyday ride.