2000 Mustang V6 Specs
by Jesse Sears
The 2000 Ford Mustang is the lesser-powered version of Ford's successful Mustang pony car line. With its V6 engine, the standard 2000 Mustang featured the lowest entry price for a new Mustang at the time with a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $16,710 for the coupe and $21,560 for the convertible. The 2000 Mustang competed directly with the Chevrolet Camaro V6 in a rivalry which had been fought since the 1960s.
Engine
The 2000 Mustang V6 engine has decent performance when compared with the GT, but at a lower price point and with better fuel economy. The 3.8-liter push rod engine has 12 valves. The compression ratio is 9.4:1, with a bore and stroke of 3.81 by 3.39 inches. The engine outputs 190 horsepower at 5,250 RPM and 220 ft.-lbs. of torque at 2,750 RPM. The GT's V8 generates 70 more horsepower, making it the logical choice for performance car buyers. That said, the V6 engine makes plenty of power to propel this relatively light car for the average driver.
Drivetrain and Chassis
The 2000 Mustang V6 uses a front-engine, rear-wheel drive configuration. Buyers could choose between either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission. Unlike competing entry-level sports cars, the 2000 Mustang uses a live rear axle rather than an independent suspension. Handling suffers, though the Mustang V6 is still a solid performer through the twisties. The suspension setup consists of struts and coil springs up front with a torsion beam setup in the back. Stabilizer bars are found front and rear. The 2000 Mustang utilizes four-wheel disc brakes with ventilated discs in the front.
Exterior and Interior
The Mustang coupe has a fixed roof while the convertible comes with a power-folding canvas top. The pony car is 183.2 inches long, 73.1 inches wide and 53.1 inches high, with a 101.3-inch wheelbase. The 2000 Mustang's curb weight ranges from 3,066 lbs. for the coupe with manual transmission to 3,268 lbs. for the convertible with automatic. The interior seats four in both the coupe and convertible. Front passengers have 41.9 inches of legroom while rear seat occupants have a cramped 29.9 inches. The coupe's trunk has 10.9 cubic feet of cargo space while the convertible can accommodate 7.7 cubic feet. Airbags for the driver and front passenger come standard.
Performance
The V6 Mustang accelerates from 0 to 60 MPH in 7.3 seconds and has a braking distance of 132 feet from 60 to 0 MPH. On the 300-foot skidpad, a lateral acceleration test where the car must travel as fast as possible while staying in a circular 300-foot radius, road-holding measures 0.82 g. Drivers can expect fuel economy of 20 miles per gallon in the city and 28 MPG on the highway. The car has a 15.7-gallon fuel tank, giving it a cruising range of up to 440 miles on the open road.
References
Writer Bio
Jesse Sears is a Los Angeles-based journalist and photographer. He has worked as a professional freelance writer since 2008. Sears has been published in numerous traditional and online media ventures including "The Daily Sundial," "The Pasadena Courier," RSportsCars.com and others. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism from California State University, Northridge.
