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The Ford Mustang EcoBoost survives into its second generation with the 2024 model year. With its perseverance, the four-pot ‘Stang boasts a modest bump in horsepower. In fact, the 2024 Mustang EcoBoost will outmuscle many V8 Mustangs from yesteryear.

The 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost is a displacement replacement with more power than several discontinued V8 Mustangs

Just because the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost packs half the number of cylinders as the latest 5.0L Mustang GTs doesn’t mean the four-cylinder Mustang can’t outmuscle older V8 Mustangs. With 315 horsepower on tap, the turbocharged 2.3L 2024 Mustang EcoBoost produces more power than some third, fourth, and fifth-generation GTs and Bullitts. 

  • S197 Ford Mustang GT (2005-2009)
  • S197 Ford Mustang GT (2010)
  • SN95 Ford Mustang Bullitt
  • Gen 3 Ford Mustang GT
A 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost shows off its rear-end styling.
2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost | Ford

When Ford unveiled the pre-facelift S197 Mustang (2005-2009) it split the fanbase. Not everyone loved the retro appeal of the then-new Mustang. However, the 4.6L three-valve (3V) V8 in the Mustang GT produced a respectable and round 300 horsepower. While it’s a joy to drive with the TREMEC five-speed manual transmission, it’s not enough to outmuscle the latest Mustang EcoBoost.

Okay, the pre-Coyote 2010 Ford Mustang GT matches the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost’s 315 horsepower. However, the new EcoBoost’s 10-speed automatic allows the four-pot Mustang to outrun the GT to 60 mph by around half a second. 

Since the fifth-generation, pre-facelift GT topped out at 300 horsepower, you might expect the fourth-gen SN95 Mustang GT to produce less power. You’d be right; the “New Edge” 2004 model produced 260 horsepower. However, the 2024 Mustang EcoBoost will also overpower the limited-edition 2001 Ford Mustang Bullitt and its 265-horsepower V8.

Finally, before the 5.0L Coyote engines of the fifth, sixth, and now seventh-gen Mustangs, the third-generation (Fox Body) Mustang packed a 5.0L V8. However, even with five liters of displacement, a 1992 Mustang GT made around 225 ponies.

Interestingly, the 2024 and 2025 Ford Mustang EcoBoost won’t overpower the High Performance model from the previous generation. Specifically, the post-facelift S550 Mustang EcoBoost High Performance produced 330 horsepower from a tweaked 2.3L mill. That’s enough to out-flex the S197 Ford Mustang Bullitt and its 315 horsepower factory output.

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Staff Writer

Erik Sherman

Erik Sherman joined the MotorBiscuit team as an Autos Writer in 2022. An admitted petrolhead and an avid motorcyclist, Erik has owned everything from classic cars to motorcycles to modern driver’s cars. Erik also has extensive experience with military and emergency vehicles, ranging from ambulances and fire engines to MRAPs and M-ATVs. Erik is an eager car and motorcycle reviewer with experience covering everything from sports cars to pontoon boats and jet skis.

Erik holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations (IRG) from the University of Texas at Austin and has studied Chinese, Energy, and European Politics at the University of Glasgow in Scotland. Erik’s background is unorthodox; he is a United States Marine Corps (USMC) combat veteran, water survival practitioner, and a former firefighter/EMT. Additionally, Erik is a regular volunteer and former instructor with the American Red Cross (ARC).