How much horsepower does a 1983 v8 Mustang have?
The 1983 Ford Mustang’s V8 option produced about 157 horsepower (SAE net) in most U.S. examples. This article breaks down that figure, how it was measured at the time, and what other engine choices were available that year.
The 5.0L V8: Core figure for 1983 Mustangs
The 5.0-liter V8 (302 cubic inches) became a cornerstone of the Fox-body Mustang lineup in the early 1980s. By 1983 Ford reported horsepower using SAE net standards, which reflect power after accessory and emissions equipment are accounted for. In 1983, the V8 version typically delivered around 157 horsepower and roughly 240 lb-ft of torque, with this output available in LX and GT trims and paired with either a manual or automatic transmission. That figure remained essentially consistent across the standard configurations of that model year.
Notes on later variants
Higher-output versions of the 5.0L, marketed as HO (high output) variants with revised cams and induction, would appear later and push horsepower higher. Those enhanced versions fall outside the 1983 baseline.
Other engine options in 1983
In addition to the 5.0L V8, the 1983 Mustang lineup included smaller, less powerful engines for base models. The following notes summarize the non-V8 options and their general behavior, without tying them to a single fixed horsepower figure.
- 3.3L inline-six: a more economical option used in base models, with noticeably lower output than the V8.
- 2.3L inline-four: a smaller engine available in certain trims, with power figures well below the V8 and varying by configuration.
Overall, the V8 power output defined the performance of the 1983 Mustang, while the smaller engines provided economy-oriented alternatives.
Summary
The 1983 Mustang’s V8—the 5.0L (302 cu in)—produced about 157 horsepower (SAE net), with torque around 240 lb-ft, across most U.S.-market configurations. This horsepower baseline defined the year’s performance, with higher-output HO variants arriving later in the decade.
Is the 1983 Mustang a fast car?
Back when it was new, we clocked its zero-to-60-mph time at 7.0 seconds, only a couple of ticks behind the quickest car we tested in 1982—the 220-hp Porsche 928, which did the 60-mph sprint in 6.8 seconds.
How much horsepower does a 1983 5.0 Mustang have?
175 hp
From 1982-1983 the Mustang GLX was the luxury package for the GL. On the inside were dual bright remote control mirrors, four spoke wood trimmed steering wheel, metal rocker panel trim, driver's side door map pockets and an interior lighting package. It was powered by the top of line 5.0 liter V-8 making 175 hp.
How much horsepower does a 1983 Ford 302 have?
From 1983 to 1985, the 302 didn't change all that much. For the 1983 Mustang, the five-liter engine received a 4-barrel Holley 600 cfm carb which allowed for an additional 18 horsepower. This iteration of the five-liter engine was rated at 175 horsepower and 245 lb-ft of torque.
What is a 1983 Mustang worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $13,050 for a 1983 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1983 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT at auction over the last three years was $31,900.
