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How much horsepower does a 1989 Ford GT have?

There was no production 1989 Ford GT; the GT nameplate did not apply to a Ford model that year. If you meant the 1989 Mustang GT, it produced about 225 horsepower from the 5.0-liter V8.


To understand the question in context, Ford’s GT badge has a tangled history. The modern Ford GT is a late-2000s revival of the classic GT40, while the Mustang carried the GT designation in the late 1980s. This article clarifies what existed around 1989 and how horsepower figures are typically cited for those cars.


Historical context


In 1989, Ford did not offer a dedicated model called the “Ford GT.” The GT40-era GT lineage ended decades earlier, and Ford’s high‑performance use of the GT name in the late 20th century referred to the Mustang GT rather than a stand-alone “Ford GT.” The real horsepower benchmark people often reference for a genuine GT is the modern supercar launched in the 2000s.


Mustang GT of that era


The 1989 Mustang GT, which carried the GT badge on a separate performance variant of the Mustang lineup, was powered by a 5.0-liter V8 that produced about 225 horsepower, with roughly 300 lb-ft of torque. This is the closest match to a “1989 GT” in Ford’s lineup from that year.


Beyond 1989: The modern Ford GT and related models


The true modern Ford GT, introduced in 2004 for model years 2005–2006, delivered 550 horsepower from a 5.4-liter supercharged V8. This vehicle represents the contemporary interpretation of the GT lineage in Ford’s production cars and is the figure most often cited when people discuss “Ford GT” horsepower in the 21st century.


Summary


There was no 1989 Ford GT as a distinct production model, so there isn’t an official horsepower figure for that year. If you’re referring to the 1989 Mustang GT, it produced about 225 horsepower. The modern Ford GT (2004–2006) produced 550 horsepower, marking Ford’s revival of the GT name as a high-performance supercar.

How much horsepower does a 5.0 Foxbody have?


The horsepower for a stock Foxbody 5.0 V8 varied by year, ranging from approximately 175 hp in 1984 up to 225 hp in 1987 and later models. The 1993 SVT Cobra variant produced 235 hp due to its use of GT40 cylinder heads. Modifications can significantly increase this horsepower, with many modern builds exceeding 800 hp.
 
You can watch this video for a review of the 1991 Ford Mustang 5.0 "Fox Body": 54sZygreneYouTube · Mar 15, 2024

Year Horsepower
1984 175 hp
1985 210 hp
1986 200 hp
1987 225 hp
1993 (SVT Cobra) 235 hp
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  • Early years: The engine's horsepower was lower in earlier years, with the 1984 model producing 175 hp. 
  • 1985-1986: Horsepower dropped slightly in 1986 to 200 hp, but with the introduction of sequential electronic fuel injection (SEFI) in 1986, the car saw a significant improvement in throttle response and acceleration. 
  • 1987 and later: Horsepower was increased to 225 hp in 1987, making it the most sought-after version of the Foxbody 5.0. 
  • 1993 SVT Cobra: The final year of the Foxbody, the 1993 SVT Cobra produced 235 hp, thanks to its use of GT40 cylinder heads. 
  • Modified builds: It's common to find modified Foxbodies with much higher horsepower. Some builds can produce over 800 hp, with certain supercharged versions reaching close to 1,000 hp. 

This video shows a modified 1990 Foxbody Mustang with over 800 hp: 56sThe Infamous ProjectYouTube · Jul 20, 2025



How much horsepower does a 1989 probe GT have?


145 hp
Our Probe test car was outrageously fast for a 2940-pound car with only 145 hp: it sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.7 seconds and through the quarter-mile in 15.2 seconds at 91 mph.



How much horsepower does a 1989 Mustang GT 5.0 have?


1989 Mustang Engines
EngineHPTQ
2.3L I-489120
5.0L 2V HO V8225300



How much is a 1989 Ford GT worth?


Typically, you can expect to pay around $15,950 for a 1989 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1989 Ford Mustang 5.0 GT at auction over the last three years was $55,125.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.