2014 vs 2015 Mustang

2014 vs 2015 Mustang

Last Updated July 29, 2024 | Meghan Drummond
Contents

2014 Mustangs finished out the S197 generation, and 2015 Mustangs brought in the S550 generation. The differences between 2014 and 2015 Mustangs include standard year-to-year changes and larger generational shifts.

Understanding their differences makes choosing between them easier. The features included differ enough that inevitably one of these Mustangs will be a better fit for your needs. Both Mustang years have areas where they excel as well as areas where they falter.

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IRS vs Solid Axle Rear Suspension

2014 and 2015 Mustangs may only be a year apart, but their rear suspension systems couldn’t be more different. For the S550 generation, Ford made the decision to go to an independent rear suspension system. 2014 Mustangs were the final year for the live axle rear suspension.

Comparison of 2014 and 2015 Mustang rear views

Independent rear suspension systems have several benefits. Not only do they offer better handling, but they’re also less jarring. This means that 2015 Mustangs handle better around corners and are more comfortable for daily driving.

Many still prefer the live rear axle of the 2014 Mustang. It’s a simpler rear suspension, which makes repairs easier. It’s also a better suspension system for Mustang drivers who like to drag race.

IRS vs Solid Axle Pros and Cons
SuspensionProsCons
Independent Rear Suspension More comfortable

Better handling

Less body roll
Harder to repair

Not good for hard, straight acceleration
Live Rear Axle Easy to repair

Great for drag racing
Can be jarring

Needs help to overcome body roll on corners

2014 vs 2015 Mustang Engine Specifications

Almost all the engine options between the 2014 and 2015 Mustang are identical. There were no changes made to the V6 Mustang. In 2015, the EcoBoost engine was introduced. 2015 also marked the beginning of the 2nd generation of Coyote engine, which had minor improvements.

Coyote Improvements

The 2014 Coyote engine should really be referred to as a 1.5 generation Coyote. Though it wasn’t a new generation, improvements were made to the 2013-2014 Coyote engine. They resulted in an increase of 8 horsepower.

  • Smaller Head Bolts
  • No Oil Cooling Jets
  • Phosphorous Piston Coating
  • Boss 302 Piston Rings
  • Improved Powertrain Calibration

The second-generation Coyote improved horsepower by an additional 15 horsepower and 10 lb-ft of torque. This means that the 2015 Mustang GT is more powerful. But many of these modifications can be added to a 2014 Mustang.

Most of the second generation Coyote features focused on improving airflow. It’s widely known that increasing your engine’s supply of cool, dense air is one of the easiest ways to improve power and engine life.

  • Larger Intake and Exhaust Valves
  • Larger Camshafts
  • Stiffer Valve Springs

Changing out a 2014 Mustang’s camshafts for more performance oriented cams can easily close the performance gap. Of course, a cold air intake and tune would work just as well.

2015 Mustang Introduces EcoBoost

2015 added an additional engine option. The Mustang’s EcoBoost engine is a turbocharged four-cylinder. This means it’s capable of producing more horsepower than the V6, but with better fuel economy.

The EcoBoost was slotted in between the base V6 and GT Mustang models. While the V6’s package options were limited, the EcoBoost received performance packages of its own. These performance packages could allow an optioned out EcoBoost to compete with a Mustang GT.

Though Ford kept the V6 option for the first two years of the S550 generation, it was discontinued by 2017.

2014 and 2015 Mustang Engine Specs
EngineYearsHorsepowerTorque
3.7L DOHC Ti-VCT V6 2011-2017 305 hp @ 6,500 RPM 280 lb-ft @ 4,250 RPM
2.3L EcoBoost I4 2015-2017 310 hp @ 5,500 RPM 320 lb-ft @ 3,000 RPM
5.0L 1st Gen Coyote 2013-2014 420 hp @ 6,500 RPM 390 lb-ft @ 4,250 RPM
5.0L 2nd Gen Coyote 2015-2017 435 hp @ 6,500 RPM 400 lb-ft @ 4,250 RPM

2014 vs 2015 Mustang Exterior

Performance is important, but the Mustang’s exterior appearance is the first thing you’ll notice. Since the 2014 and 2015 Mustangs represent two different generations, they look different from every angle.

The 2015 Mustang is wider and lower, creating a more aggressive stance. Hard edges framing the hood and grill emphasize this.

Side by side comparison of 2014 and 2015 Mustang grilles.

While the 2014 Mustang has a smaller grille, the 2015 Mustang’s is wider and shorter. The 2015’s headlights are longer and wrap around the Mustang’s sides. While the 2014 Mustang’s headlights are partially recessed, the 2015’s are positioned prominently.

The S197 Mustang generation latched onto a retro-futuristic design. The S550 Mustang abandoned retro details for a sleeker exterior.

2014 and 2015 Mustang Exterior Dimensions
Dimension2014 Mustang2015 Mustang
Length 188.5 inches 188.3 inches
Width 73.9 inches 75.4 inches
Height 55.8 inches 54.4 inches
Wheelbase 107.1 inches 107.1 inches
Curb Weight 3,501-3,969 pounds 3,526-3,872 pounds

2014 vs 2015 Mustang Interior

The 2014 and 2015 Mustang look, perform, and handle differently. It’s no surprise there are large interior differences as well.

The 2015 Mustang’s equipment changes definitely contribute to a quieter interior. The 2015 Mustang has a more premium-feeling interior, which is apparent from the moment you touch the steering wheel. Leather-wrapped, tilting, and telescoping, the steering wheel is also smaller and sportier than 2014’s.

Interior shots of 2014 and 2015 Mustang

By shortening the dashboard and narrowing the center console, Ford offered more elbow room in the 2015 Mustang. S550 designers said they wanted the driver’s seat to feel like a plane’s cockpit. All gauges and controls are easy to access without taking your eyes off the road.

Not that there’s anything wrong with the 2014 Mustang’s interior. Many preferred the center console’s recessed controls, which offered a sleeker feel. Comfort features, like the base SYNC and SYNC with MyFord Touch infotainment systems, were available as options for either year. Most driver assist features, like blind spot monitoring, were restricted to the premium trim levels, though.

2014 and 2015 Mustang Interior Dimensions
Dimension2014 Mustang2015 Mustang
Front Legroom 42.4 inches 44.5 inches
Front Headroom 38.5 inches 37.6 inches
Rear Headroom 34.7 inches 34.8 inches
Rear Legroom 29.8 inches 30.6 inches
2014 and 2015 Mustang Features
Feature2014 Standard2014 Premium2015 Standard2015 Premium
4-Wheel ABS X X X X
All-Speed Traction Control X X X X
HID Headlamps X X X X
MyKey X X X X
Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel X X X X
Leather-Trimmed Seats X X
Ford SYNC X X X
Track Apps X X X
Shaker Audio System X X
Universal Garage Door Opener X X
Heated Seats X
Heated and Cooled Seats X

2014 also offered the Pony Package, Mustang Club of America Edition, Performance Package, and California Special Edition.

2015 Mustang owners could select from the 50 Years Appearance Package or Performance Package.

2014 Shelby vs 2015 Shelby

Shelby Mustangs are always exciting. After an extended hiatus, Carroll Shelby returned in 2007 and remade the “first car he was ever proud of.” The GT500 continued to be manufactured from 2007-2014, its longest run to date.

2014 Shelby GT500

The S197 generation saw the GT500s improve with each year. As the last GT500 of the fifth generation, the 2014 Shelby Mustang is certainly the best of the breed.

Powered by a 5.8L supercharged engine, the GT500 included premium performance and comfort features. It had a top speed of 202 mph, a Tremec TR-6060 transmission, and Brembo front brakes.

Shelby GT350 and GT350R

For late 2015, the GT350 and GT350 R returned to production. Though the 1965 Shelby GT350 was the first Shelby Mustang, the nameplate had been unused since 1967.

When Shelby first created the GT350, 35 models were given the “R” distinction. These were the Shelbys that were manufactured to SCCA regulations and would be used for racing. When Ford brought back the GT350 and GT350R, it made similar adjustments between the two.

There are a lot of differences between the GT350 and GT350R, but they boil down to purpose. The GT350 is a performance vehicle that’s street legal and still has some comfort features. The GT350R is best suited for track days. All comforts, like a backseat or air conditioner, were removed. Instead, the GT350R gets performance equipment like carbon fiber wheels.

Both the GT350 and GT350R came with the Voodoo Coyote engine. This is a flat plane crankshaft version of the Coyote engine.

GT350 vs GT500

Though they’re both Shelby Mustangs, the GT350 and GT500 are very different cars. In the S550 generation, Ford made the distinction between the two clearer than ever.

The GT350 has an exotic sounding flat-plane crankshaft. It’s only available with a manual transmission, and it has a race variant. It’s a car for people who love cars and love driving that requires a lot of thought.

The GT500 offers more comfort features. The 2020 S550 GT500 even made the move to a dual-clutch transmission.

Is a 2014 or a 2015 Mustang Right for You?

A 2014 Shelby and 2015 Mustang

Choosing between a 2014 and 2015 Mustang presents some challenges. Both Mustangs have no shortage of options. The 2015 is newer, with a more modern suspension setup and some technical advances. But the 2014 remains a better choice for many enthusiasts.

Who the 2014 Mustang Is Right For

If you have drag racing ambitions, the 2014 Mustang’s live axle is a major benefit. That alone may make it a better choice. There’s also a considerable price difference between the two. Purchasing the 2014 Mustang at a lower price and then modifying it is a great way to make sure it’s ready for the type of driving you’re interested in.

S197 Mustangs’ dimensions also make them better candidates for widebody builds. If you’re really into the look of a stanced Mustang, the 2014 may be a better fit for you.

Who the 2015 Mustang Is Right For

The EcoBoost Mustang is a great buy for people who want a blend of performance and fuel economy. It makes for a great daily driver Mustang. But with performance packages, it can also be ready for serious driving.

If you’re less interested in drag racing and more interested in group drives on curvy roads, the IRS suspension should suit you better. It also has a more comfortable interior, which should make long drives better.

2014 vs 2015 Mustang Pros and Cons
VehicleProsCons
2014 Mustang Better for drag racing

Less expensive

Better for widebody builds
Less comfortable interior

Live axle suspension can be jarring

No EcoBoost option
2015 Mustang Independent rear suspension

Improved interior

EcoBoost option
More expensive

IRS can be complicated to fix

2014 and 2015 Mustangs

Though only a year apart, 2014 and 2015 Mustangs have different advantages and disadvantages. These make them better suited to different drivers.

Either Mustang can be modified to suit almost any driver. If you’re wondering about all the modifications possible check out our newsletter and YouTube channel for modification inspiration.


Image Source: Motortrend

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