What is the difference between EcoBoost performance package and high performance package?
The EcoBoost Performance Package is a mid-tier upgrade for EcoBoost-powered models, focusing on handling, cooling, and braking improvements without a major power increase. The High Performance Package is a more aggressive, track-oriented upgrade that enhances braking, suspension, aero, and drivetrain tuning for peak performance. Exact contents vary by model year and market.
This article explains what each package typically includes, how they affect performance, and how to identify them on a vehicle’s configuration sheet. Availability and specifics can differ across Ford models and model years, so consult the official brochure or dealer for the exact list for your car.
What is the EcoBoost Performance Package?
The EcoBoost Performance Package is designed for EcoBoost models (notably the 2.3-liter EcoBoost Mustang) to improve maneuverability and track readiness while preserving everyday usability and efficiency. It usually emphasizes handling, cooling, braking, and tire setup rather than a large jump in horsepower.
Common components you might see in this package, depending on year and market, include:
- Upgraded braking system (larger or higher-performance rotors and calipers)
- Enhanced cooling features (additional radiator/oil cooler)
- Sport-tuned suspension for sharper handling
- Performance tires paired with upgraded wheels
- chassis bracing or strut tower reinforcement
- Often a sportier exhaust note or unique drive mode calibration
In summary, the EcoBoost Performance Package focuses on making the EcoBoost platform feel more capable on twisty roads and at the track without significantly increasing peak engine output.
What is the High Performance Package?
The High Performance Package is a more aggressive, track-focused option that enhances overall performance through stronger braking, stiffer suspension, and more aggressive engine calibration where applicable. It’s aimed at drivers who want sportier dynamics and quicker lap times, sometimes at the expense of daily comfort or fuel economy.
Typical features associated with a High Performance Package (subject to year and model) may include:
- High-performance braking system (even larger rotors and calipers, sometimes with Brembo-brand components)
- Adjustable or very firm suspension tuning (sport or magneto-rheological options where offered)
- Limited-slip differential or enhanced torque-vectoring characteristics
- Track-ready tires and exclusive wheel designs
- More aggressive aero elements and cosmetic touches to communicate performance intent
- Engine calibration or powertrain software tweaks to optimize power delivery and response
Overall, the High Performance Package is intended to maximize capability on the track or aggressively tuned street driving, offering the most substantial upgrade within the available packages for a given model year.
Summary
In short, the EcoBoost Performance Package upgrades handling, cooling, and braking on EcoBoost-equipped models while keeping power largely in line with stock. The High Performance Package is a more extreme, track-focused upgrade that includes stronger brakes, stiffer suspension, and more aggressive tuning to extract the maximum performance. Always verify the exact contents for your specific model year and market, as features and availability can vary.
How to tell if a Mustang has the performance package?
You can tell if your Mustang has a performance package by checking for specific visual cues like Brembo brakes on the front wheels, two extra gauges (oil pressure and boost/vacuum) above the radio, and specific 19-inch wheels. The best way to be certain is to check the car's original window sticker or its "as-built" data, which can often be found through the VIN on services like Carfax.
This video explains how to identify a Mustang with a performance package by looking for specific features: 53sTrigger SocietyYouTube · Jan 15, 2024
Visual checks
- Brakes: Look for large Brembo brake calipers with the Brembo name on the front wheels. This is a key indicator of a performance package, especially on GT models.
- Gauges: Check the center stack above the radio. Cars with the performance package will have two extra gauges for oil pressure and boost/vacuum, located between the air vents.
- Wheels: The performance package often comes with unique 19-inch wheels. For example, the 2015 Performance Package included specific black, 10-spoke, star-style 19-inch wheels.
- Spoiler: In many model years, the performance package includes a unique rear spoiler. Prior to 2018, some performance packages might have come with a spoiler delete instead, so check the specific year's features.
- Stripe (EcoBoost High Performance Pack): The EcoBoost High Performance Package features specific vinyl stripes that start solid near the door and fade toward the A-pillar.
- Strut Tower Brace: Under the hood, a factory-installed strut tower brace is another indicator.
This video shows what a Mustang with a performance package looks like on the inside: 59sBen HardyYouTube · Mar 25, 2022
Official documentation
- Window Sticker: If you have the original window sticker, it will list the performance package as an option.
- CarFax or VIN Decoder: The most reliable method is to use a service like CarFax to pull up the vehicle's original window sticker or "as-built" data. This is the only way to confirm for sure if the factory installed the equipment.
How much horsepower does the Mustang EcoBoost high performance have?
Under the hood is a 2.3-liter, turbocharged inline-four good for 310 horsepower and 350 lb. -ft. of torque. However, the Mustang we got to drive came equipped with the optional 2.3-Liter High Performance Package, which bumps the horsepower to 330.
How much is the Mustang EcoBoost high performance package?
Optioning an EcoBoost Mustang fastback with the 2.3L High Performance Package ($4,995) and EcoBoost Handling Package ($1,995) still puts the sticker price of a car like this under $40,000, and that is definitely bang for your buck in an era when Mustangs can push into the six-digit range.
What is the Mustang EcoBoost Performance Package?
And you can adjust that with the custom mode which I'll show you once I get the car fired up the EcoBoost Coupe Premium starts at $37,000. This one has been optioned all the way to $50,000.
