How much horsepower did the 1974 Ford Mustang have?
The 1974 Mustang’s horsepower depended on engine choice: the base 2.3-liter inline-four produced about 88 horsepower, and the optional 2.8-liter V6 delivered about 105 horsepower. There was no factory V8 option for the 1974 Mustang II.
During the model year, Ford emphasized smaller, more fuel-efficient powertrains in response to emissions regulations and the oil crisis. The horsepower figures reflect SAE net ratings used at the time, which are lower than the older gross ratings and can vary slightly by market and testing standards.
Powertrain options and horsepower
The following list outlines the engines available for the 1974 Mustang II and their approximate horsepower ratings.
- 2.3-liter inline-four (I4) — about 88 horsepower (SAE net)
- 2.8-liter V6 — about 105 horsepower (SAE net)
These figures capture the core power options of the 1974 Mustang II and reflect the era’s emphasis on efficiency and emissions controls rather than high horsepower.
Context and impact on performance
With roughly 88 to 105 horsepower, the 1974 Mustang II offered modest performance by 1970s American standards. The car prioritized handling, fuel economy, and emissions compliance over straight-line speed, a shift driven by the oil crisis and tightening regulations.
Historical notes on horsepower figures
Engine tuning, emissions equipment, and regional regulations could affect the exact horsepower rating. In the United States, the 1974 Mustang II’s power came from two engines, and some markets or trim levels might show minor variations in the documented figures.
Summary
The 1974 Ford Mustang II delivered two primary engine options: the 2.3-liter inline-four at about 88 horsepower and the 2.8-liter V6 at about 105 horsepower, with no factory V8 option that year. These numbers reflect the SAE net ratings of the era and illustrate the era’s shift toward efficiency over high performance.
How much horsepower does a 1974 Ford Mustang have?
88 hp
According to Edmunds, the 1974 base engine's 88 hp (66 kW; 89 PS) was "truly pathetic" and the optional V6's 105 hp (78 kW; 106 PS) was "underwhelming" (with the addition of mandatory catalytic converters in 1975 these outputs fell to 83 and 97 hp (72 kW) respectively).
What is a 1974 Mustang worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $11,550 for a 1974 Ford Mustang II in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1974 Ford Mustang II? The highest selling price of a 1974 Ford Mustang II at auction over the last three years was $7,508.
What was the fastest Mustang in the 70s?
Seconds.
What was the actual HP of a Boss 429?
The Ford Boss 429 was officially rated at 375 horsepower, but its actual horsepower was considerably higher, likely closer to 500 horsepower. Ford deliberately underrated the engine for insurance and regulatory reasons, using a detuned version of a NASCAR engine to make it suitable for street use.
This video discusses the horsepower of the Boss 429: 1mHigh Octane LegendsYouTube · Oct 8, 2025
- Official rating: 375375375 hp at 5,2005 comma 2005,200 rpm and 450450450 lb-ft of torque at 3,4003 comma 4003,400 rpm.
- Actual power: Experts and period tests suggest the true output was closer to 500500500 hp or more, particularly when detuned versions were tuned to their full potential.
- Why it was underrated: Ford underrate the engine for insurance purposes and to comply with smog regulations at the time.
- Potential for more power: With modifications like long tube headers and better carburetion, stock engines could produce well over 600600600 hp, and NASCAR versions were rated at 750750750 hp.
