How much horsepower does a 1991 Mustang 5.0 have?
The 1991 Mustang GT equipped with the 5.0‑liter V8 produced about 225 horsepower at the crank, with roughly 300 lb-ft of torque.
Ford’s published figures for the 1991 GT list 225 hp (SAE net) and around 300 lb-ft of torque for the 5.0‑L V8. Those numbers reflect the SAE net standard used at the time and are influenced by exhaust, drivetrain, and wear. Understanding these ratings today means recognizing the shift from older gross ratings to the net measurements used in the early 1990s, which often makes the quoted horsepower seem lower than in vintage catalogs or showrooms from earlier decades.
What the numbers mean for the 1991 GT 5.0
The following snapshot highlights the core specifications that defined the 5.0‑L V8 in the 1991 Mustang GT, a model that has remained a touchstone for Foxbody enthusiasts.
- Displacement and family: 5.0 L (302 cu in) Windsor V8
- Horsepower: 225 hp (SAE net)
- Torque: 300 lb-ft (SAE net)
- Compression ratio: around 9.0:1
- Induction: Electronic fuel injection (EFI) on a naturally aspirated engine
- Transmission options: 5‑speed manual (T‑5) or 4‑speed automatic
These numbers are intended as a practical reference for owners and enthusiasts. Real‑world performance can vary based on condition, fuel quality, exhaust configuration, and drivetrain wear, so dyno results or showroom ratings may differ slightly from car to car.
Context: rating methods and how the numbers fit into performance
During the early 1990s, horsepower ratings in the United States shifted toward SAE net measurements, which account for accessories and emission equipment that are present on a production car. This often results in figures that appear lower than the older gross horsepower numbers used in earlier eras. For the 1991 Mustang 5.0, Ford’s published 225 hp figure is a net rating, which aligns with how most manufacturers quantified output at the time. For daily driving, the engine’s broad torque band and reliable low‑end to mid‑range power often translate to quick acceleration and confident passing maneuvers, even if the peak horsepower number isn’t as high as some later performance packages.
Performance context: how 1991’s 5.0 compared to peers and successors
Compared with contemporaries in its era, the 5.0’s combination of torque and horsepower made the 1991 GT a competitive pony car, known for its strong midrange and user‑friendly street performance. While higher‑output variants would follow in later years, the 5.0’s reputation rests on a robust, tunable V8 that responded well to exhaust and intake upgrades, and to transmission choices that favored driver involvement with the manual option.
Summary
The 1991 Mustang GT’s 5.0‑L V8 delivered about 225 horsepower (SAE net) and roughly 300 lb-ft of torque, figures that reflect the era’s net‑rating standard. While horsepower alone isn’t the full measure of performance, the engine’s torque and overall midrange versatility helped the 1991 GT stand out in the Foxbody lineup and remain a beloved reference point for enthusiasts today.
In the end, a 1991 Mustang 5.0 isn’t defined solely by its peak horsepower but by its practical performance envelope—strong low‑to‑mid‑range juice, a tunable platform, and the enduring appeal of a classic American V8 canvas.
