1984 Mustang Specs

1984 Mustang Specs

Last Updated June 27, 2024 | Meghan Drummond
Contents

In the early ‘80s, Ford reassured Mustang enthusiasts that performance was a priority. 1982 saw the return of the Mustang GT, and the 5.0 engine was brought back in ‘83. But in 1984, the first SVO Mustang was produced, making it a special year. This performance-oriented package showed the true potential of a turbocharged engine. The 1984 Mustang’s specifications are an improvement on years past.

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1984 Ford Mustang Specs

Performance
Engine HP Torque
2.3L 4-cylinder 88 hp @ 4,800 RPM 118 lb-ft @ 2,800 RPM
3.8L V6 112 hp @ 4,000 RPM 175 lb-ft@ 2,600 RPM
2.3L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder 145 hp @ 4,600 RPM 180 lb-ft @ 3,600 RPM
2.3L Turbocharged SVO 4-Cylinder 175 hp @ 4,400 RPM 210 lb-ft @ 3,000 RPM
5.0L V8 175 hp @ 4,000 RPM 245 lb-ft @ 2,400 RPM
5.0L EFI V8 165 hp @ 3,800 RPM 245 lb-ft @ 2,000 RPM
Retail Prices
Model Price Adj. For Inflation
L Coupe $7,089 $17,493
L Hatchback $7,260 $17,915
LX Coupe $7,281 $17,966
LX Hatchback $7,487 $18,475
LX Convertible $11,849 $29,239
GT Hatchback $9,774 $24,118
GT Convertible $13,274 $32,755
Turbo GT Hatchback $9,958 $24,572
Turbo GT Convertible $13,441 $33,167
SVO $15,858 $39,132
Production Numbers
Model Quantity
L/LX Coupe 37,660
L/LX Hatchback 52,329
LX Convertible 10,613
GT Turbo Hatchback 3,241
GT 5.0 Hatchback 30,630
GT Turbo Convertible 731
GT 5.0 Convertible 6,256
SVO 4,507
Production Numbers By Colors
Color Code Quantity
Black 1C 17,114
Silver Metallic 1E 5,134
Medium Canyon Red 2A 6,654
Light Canyon Red 2E 5,423
Light Academy Blue 35 443
Dark Academy Blue 5C 1,690
Light Desert Tan 8Q 680
Bright Copper 9C 2,440
Oxford White 9L 10,854
Desert Tan 9N 129
Dark Charcoal 9W 6,677
Interior Trim Colors
Color Code
Charcoal A
Academy Blue B
Canyon Red D
Desert Tan H
Dimensions
Metric Value
Curb Weight 2,698-3,174 pounds
Length 179.6 inches
Width 69.1 inches
Height 51.9 inches
Wheelbase (in) 100.5 inches

1984 Mustang Appearance

1984 Mustangs were unchanged from 1983’s basic body style. It was still a four-eyed Fox, and available in notchback, convertible, and coupe styles. Body style and engine availability depended exclusively on the trim level.

Front view of a red orange 1984 Mustang

1984 Mustang L

The L was positioned as the bargain trim. Only available in notchback and coupe models, it also had a 4-cylinder engine. However, you could add a V6 or V8 to an L model as an option.

L Mustangs also didn’t get the full fold-down rear seat other models got.

1984 Mustang LX

The LX Mustang option was meant to be a middle of the road package between the L and GT. Available in a convertible, notchback, and coupe body, only the convertible got a different standard engine. Convertible LX Mustangs got a V6 while all others received the same 4-cylinder as the L.

With the exception of the convertible LX, features were very similar to the L.

1984 Mustang GT and Turbo GT

The Mustang GT could come with a 5.0L engine or a 2.3L turbocharged engine. Other than engine selection, the options were the same. The GT was available in notchback and convertible body styles.

The GT got a functional front air dam which added a sporty vibe to its appearance. This was complemented by a single wing rear spoiler.

The suspension system was also altered slightly for GT Models. Gas-filled struts offered additional dampening for a smoother ride.

1984 Mustang SVO

The SVO package was by far the most interesting. Designed to be a performance Mustang, it had a unique aesthetic. Not only did it get its own badging, but it also received a functional hood scoop, biplane rear spoiler, and unique taillights. These could only be ordered in Black, Dark Charcoal Metallic, Canyon Red, Silver Metallic, and Oxford White.

SVO stands for Special Vehicle Operations. Eventually it would be renamed Special Vehicle Team (SVT). This team was designated to focus exclusively on the performance models. The 1984 SVO Mustang was the first time this team got to work on a Mustang.

Many find it surprising that the SVO used a four-cylinder engine. The team selected this engine to demonstrate a balance of power and fuel economy. When coupled with a turbocharger and intercooler, the SVO’s engine held its own against V8s that were twice as large. Both the V8 and turbocharged four-cylinder were capable of reaching 175 peak horsepower.

The engine would have been exciting on its own. But the SVO team gave this Mustang a host of other upgrades including:

  • Large front and rear anti-roll bars
  • Front and rear disc brakes
  • Koni adjustable shocks and struts
  • 16” wheels

A diagram of the performance modifications on the 1984 Mustang SVO

1984 Mustang Performance

1983 Mustangs got a litany of upgrades and improvements. That meant, for the most part, things were unchanged for 1984. This wasn’t a bad thing though.

1984 Engines

Most of 1984’s engines were carryovers from 1983. Because the trim levels had changed, their availability had also changed.

1984 Mustang Engine Availability
EngineLLXGTTurbo GT
2.3L 4-Cylinder Standard Standard N/A N/A
2.3L Turbo N/A N/A N/A Standard
3.8L V6 Optional Standard on Convertibles N/A N/A
5.0L V8 Optional Optional Standard N/A

The 2.3L available in the Turbo GT differed from the one found in the 1984 SVO. It wasn’t intercooled, and it made significantly less horsepower. 145 compared to 175 in the SVO. The Turbo GT had received poor reviews in 1983, and that didn’t change much for ’84.

1984 Transmissions

The L and LX ‘84 Mustangs would continue to be equipped with a four-speed manual and three-speed automatic.

The T5 manual transmission was introduced in 1983 and would be used through 2010. Between 1983 and 1984 only one small change was made. The fifth gear ratio was dropped to 0.63 from 0.73.

The AOD automatic transmission was used in mid-1983, but by 1984 it was the only available automatic transmission. Unlike the C4 transmission used in previous years, the AOD had an overdrive gear. Overdrive gears are great for conserving fuel on the highway.

1984 Mustang Transmission Ratios
TransmissionFirst GearSecond GearThird GearFourth GearFifth Gear
T5 2.95 1.94 1.34 1.00 0.63
AOD 2.40 1.46 1.00 0.67 N/A

20th Anniversary GT350

For the Mustang’s 20th anniversary, Ford released a special GT350. This wasn’t a Shelby GT350, since Carroll Shelby was uninvolved. But it did pay homage to the 1965 Shelby GT350. All 20th anniversary GT350s came with Oxford White exteriors and Canyon Red interiors. A grand total of 5,260 were built. Though it may not be noteworthy for performance reasons, its looks definitely make it a collector car.

Other than special badging, the GT350s were simply GTs and turbo GTs.

1984 Mustang Modifications

The 1984 SVO Mustang offers a look at the possibilities for ’84 Mustangs. Improved anti-roll bars and disc brakes are some of the most frequent modifications for these Fox Bodies. If you want, you can even badge it like an SVO.

Fox Body Mustangs receive frequent criticism for their handling. They suffer from pronounced body roll and “boat-like” handling as well as occasionally having saggy door hinges. Stiffening the chassis with strut bars or subframe connectors can reduce body flex and improve these issues.

Improving airflow is a great way to improve your 1984 Mustang’s power and performance. While some do a cylinder head swap, adding a functional hood scoop or cold air intake is also effective.

More extreme modifications, like building a drift Fox Body or doing a Coyote swap, are more challenging but worth the effort.

A brochure picture of a silver Mustang GT with a black hood stripe

1984 Mustangs

The addition of the SVO made 1984 a noteworthy year for Ford Mustangs. This was one of the last, and best, years for four-eyed Fox Body Mustangs. For collectors, this makes 1984 Mustangs very desirable. Even the L and LX are great finds and may even have an upgraded engine under the hood.

With the right parts, 1984 Mustangs are easily modifiable. And in addition to being highly modifiable, many choose to instead restore these Mustangs to their factory specs. Whether you’re interested in serious modifications or perfect restorations, check out our Fox Body Mustang YouTube videos for project ideas.

This article was researched, written, edited, and reviewed following the steps outlined in our editorial process. Learn more about our editorial standards and guidelines.