Other years : 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 [1981] 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Show some Ford Mustangs from 1981
Other 1981 Data Explorer Pages : [Mustang] Cobra

Body Styles (compare years, see more 1981 style information including Special Models)

Coupe

Hatchback

The 1981 Mustang saw mainly refinements to its options list, as well as an over 20% increase in price across the board. The turbocharged four-cylinder engine was dropped, and a five-speed manual overdrive gearbox was offered. A Traction-Lok rear axle was new, as well as a T-roof, reclining bucket seats, and power windows.

As in 1980, the two main option packages included the Ghia and Cobra. This was the last year for the Cobra option package, priced in 1981 at $1,588. It came with 190/65R-390 TRX tires, forged metric aluminum wheels, an 8000rpm tachometer, two-tone paint, Cobra tape treatment, hood scoop, sport exhaust, dual black sport mirrors, black bumper guards, dual accent stripe body side moldings, and black moldings around the windows. A Cobra package taping delete option existed to save $65, but the special large Cobra hood decal was an additional $95 option.

A special sports package was offered which upgraded the engine and exhaust, added hatchback louvers or a rag carriage coup top, and included blackout treatment. An economically priced "S" model coupe package came with limited trim options. Two-tone paint options continued but most required a black lower color except for Medium Pewter over Light Pewter, Red over White, and White over Bittersweet.

Sales Brochures (compare years)

Production Totals (compare years)

Total		VIN		VCT		Body		Sub-Total
182,552		10/14*		66B		Coupe		77,458		*S economy model
		15		61R		Hatchback Base, Cobra		77,399
		12		66H		Coupe Ghia		13,422
		13		61H		Hatchback Ghia		14,273

Paint Color Codes (compare years, large examples, paintref.com - codes, chips)

		Code		Sample		Mfg Code
Black		1C				M1724
Silver		1T				M5820
Medium Pewter		17				M5686
Bright Bittersweet		2G				M5680
Medium Red		24				M5727
Bright Red		27				M5734
Medium Blue Glow		3H				M5613
Dark Blue		3L				M5616
Medium Dark Brown		5Q				M5247
Bright Yellow		6N				M5669
Bittersweet Glow		8D				M5736
Dark Cordovan		8N				M5496
Pastel Chamois		86				M5551
Polar White		9D				M5418

Engine Data (compare years, see more 1981 performance information)

Gross Horsepower was measured using a blueprinted test engine running on a stand without accessories, mufflers, or emissions control devices. In 1971-2 automakers began to specify power in terms of SAE Net Horsepower (as defined by standard J1349). Net Horsepower is measured with the engine in "as-installed trim", with all accessories and standard intake and exhaust systems. This was done to reduce the advertised power for insurance rates and to account for different approaches to emission reduction equipment.

VIN

Displacement

Carb

Compression

Max Power (net)

Max Torque (net)

Standard 2.3L 86hp 4-cyl

A

140ci 2.3L

2-bbl

9.0:1

86hp 4600rpm

119ft-lb 2600rpm

Optional 3.3L 94hp 6-cyl

B

200ci 3.3L

1-bbl

8.6:1

94hp 4000rpm

160ft-lb 1600rpm

Optional 4.2L 115hp V8

D

256ci 4.2L

2-bbl

8.2:1

115hp 3800rpm

193ft-lb 2200rpm

VIN Decoder (compare years)

Manufacturer: 1FA = Ford Motor Company USA Ford Passenger Car
Safety: B = Active Seat Belts
Body:
P10/P14 = Coupe
P12 = Coupe Ghia
P13 = Hatchback Ghia
P15 = Hatchback
P15 = Hatchback Cobra
Engine:
A = 2.3L 86hp SOHC 4-cyl
B = 3.3L 94hp 6-cyl
D = 4.2L 115hp V8
Check Digit: 0-9 or X
Year: B = 1981
Assembler: F = Dearborn, Michigan
Unit Number: 1981 Mustangs start at 100001
The VIN number is on top edge of the dash on the driver's side visible through the windshield.

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Other years : 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 [1981] 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25