How much horsepower does a 1999 Mustang GT 4.6 have?
The 1999 Mustang GT with a 4.6-liter modular V8 is rated at 260 horsepower (SAE net) and about 302 lb-ft of torque, with real-world numbers varying by exhaust setup, transmission, and overall condition.
The baseline figure: 260 hp
In 1999, Ford outfitted the Mustang GT with the 4.6-liter V8 from the modular engine family. The official SAE net rating for this engine was 260 horsepower, paired with roughly 302 pound-feet of torque. This horsepower figure reflects output after emissions equipment and other accessories are accounted for, which was standard practice for ratings at the time.
Key specifications in brief:
- Engine: 4.6-liter V8 (SOHC, 2 valves per cylinder)
- Displacement: 281 cubic inches
- Power: 260 horsepower (SAE net) at about 4,900 rpm
- Torque: 302 lb-ft at roughly 4,000–4,500 rpm
- Transmission options: 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive
Note: Some promotional materials and tests cited slightly higher numbers (around 265 hp) due to testing methods and rounding. Actual figures can vary based on vehicle condition, exhaust configuration, and other factory options.
Context within the Mustang lineup
Compared to the higher-performance Cobra variants, the GT was Ford’s mainstream V8 option in the late 1990s. The 260 hp rating positioned the GT as a strong performer for daily driving and enthusiast use, delivering solid torque and credible acceleration for its class.
What affects perceived performance?
Horsepower measures engine output, but real-world performance depends on weight, gearing, torque delivery, and traction. With the 1999 GT, 260 hp coupled with a relatively light chassis produced brisk street performance, with 0–60 mph times typically in the mid-to-high 5-second range for manual-transmission cars, depending on condition and driver input.
Bottom line
The 1999 Mustang GT with the 4.6-liter V8 is generally cited as delivering 260 horsepower (SAE net) and 302 lb-ft of torque, with minor year-to-year variations due to testing standards and equipment choices.
Summary: The 1999 Mustang GT 4.6 features a 4.6-liter V8 rated at approximately 260 horsepower (SAE net) and 302 lb-ft of torque, providing solid mid-1990s V8 performance. Real-world numbers can vary by exhaust, transmission, and wear.
