The 1979 MustangThe 1979 Mustang was all new. Based on the Fox-4 platform, it shared some components from the Fairmont,Capri,and other Ford cars. Mustang enthusiasts often refer to this car series as a Fox Mustang or fox body Mustang. 
It had a 4.2 inch longer wheelbase and was both taller and longer overall than the 1978 Mustang it replaced. Yet,it weighed 200 lbs less! Even though all but one engine choice was carried over from its previous life, they felt much more responsive, from the improved power to weight ratio. Its roomier interior and sleeker styling took the world by storm and in fact, the amount of 1979 Mustang coupes, sold, were almost as many as the entire line of Mustangs that were sold the previous year! Exterior Styling
The 79 Mustang had a longer nose. Smoother,less bulky sides and integrated bumpers, that made the old ones just look chunky were revealed. A hatchback was available for both, the standard and Ghia models and the lines were crisp, with a shopping cart saver rubber trim that ran from the front urethane bumper, all the way to the rear of the car. Gone was the mustang loge at the front of the grill and in its place was a small rectangular Ford script. Interior StylingThe change in the 1979 Mustang interior was not only well overdue, but impossible not to be redone due to the entirely new platform.The Ghia option, continued and was made available as a coupe and a hatchback and was as luxurious as ever. The very popular Indy Pace Car Replica came with its own special adjustable recaro seas and muted monochrome interior, The 1979 Indy Pace CarA special edition Indy Pace car version, was well received by the public and was available with either the high output 2.3 liter turbo motor or the 5.0 liter V8.The original Pace cars used to Pace the cars in the Indy, were prepared by Roush with specially prepared 5.0 motors, which were needed to be able to pace the cars for the Indy 500 race. Ford produced just over 10,000 replicas, with over half of them including the popular turbo 4 cylinder. 1979 CobraIf you had another $1,200 bucks burning a hole in your pocket, you could order the Mustang Cobra option, which consisted of the powerful little 2.3 liter turbo 4 cylinder engine, making only slightly less power than the V8. a slick sport exhaust with chrome tips completed the look. And if you wanted the Mustang version of the Trans am screaming chicken, you could order your own hood decal for an additional $78 bux.The 1979 Cobra included the now familiar turbo hood scoop, aluminum wheels, blacked out lower bumper and side trim and rear quarter window louvers. The interior featured a sport upgrade including tachometer, and instrument cluster set. Ford sold a total of 17,579 of these Cobras and there were rumors of the 2.3 liter engine becoming the direct replacement for the venerable V8. Engine and PowertrainFord carried over the 2.3 liter inline four cylinder, with 88 horsepower. The 2.3 liter turbocharged inline four, with 132 horsepower. Plus a 2.8 liter V6 with 109 hp.The other performance option was again, the 5.0 Liter V8 pumping out 140 horsepower.
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