How much horsepower does a 1982 Mustang GT have?
The 1982 Mustang GT used a 5.0-liter V8 that produced 157 horsepower (SAE net). This horsepower figure comes from the era’s SAE net rating and represents the factory-performance specification for the GT model in that year. Below is a concise look at the engine and what those numbers meant for the car’s performance then and today.
Powertrain overview
To understand the 1982 GT’s horsepower, it helps to know the core components of its V8 setup and how Ford marketed the car at the time. The 5.0-liter V8 was the centerpiece, delivering a modest but respectable level of power for a sports coupe in the early 1980s. The following specifications summarize the key elements that contributed to the listed output.
Engine and performance details
Before listing the core specifications, here is a concise breakdown of the main figures for the 1982 Mustang GT’s 5.0 L V8.
- Displacement: 5.0 L (302 cu in) V8
- Horsepower: 157 hp SAE net
- Torque: ~240 lb-ft
- Induction: 4-barrel carburetor
- Transmission options: 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic
These specifications defined the GT’s performance envelope for that model year, offering a balance of decent acceleration with comfortable everyday drivability.
Context and implications
In 1982, horsepower ratings were published using the SAE net standard, which accounts for drivetrain and ancillary losses. This means the 157 hp figure reflects what the engine produced to the wheels, not the gross engine output. The GT’s performance would have been influenced by factors such as gearing, weight, and tire design, all of which shaped the car’s real-world acceleration and top speed relative to its peers.
Notes on horsepower ratings then vs now
Over the years, horsepower measurement standards have evolved. The 1982 rating (SAE net) is roughly comparable to other early Fox-body Mustang horsepower figures, but modern restorations or dyno runs may show different results depending on modifications, exhaust, and condition. For historical reference, the 157 hp rating remains the commonly cited figure for the 1982 GT’s factory specification.
Summary
The 1982 Mustang GT produced 157 horsepower from its 5.0-liter V8, using SAE net ratings of the era. Paired with a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission, this power output defined the GT’s character in the early 1980s: approachable, spirited for its time, and a recognizable performance benchmark among early Fox-body coupes.
