71 or 89
Thread Starter
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2
71 or 89
i have come across a local dealer that has both a 71 and a v8 89 mustang. I was wondering, since i'm sorta new to the whole mustang scene, which one would is overall better. I heard that the 71 has 375hp and the 89 only has 225. is this true? any help or advice would be appreciated.
5th Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,062
From:
RE: 71 or 89
'71 horsepower is rated as GROSS (flywheel) horsepower, the '89 is rated NET horsepower
What engine in the '71? What shape are the cars in? The '71 is a lot more primative car than the '89, actually I'm surprised you're comparing them together
What engine in the '71? What shape are the cars in? The '71 is a lot more primative car than the '89, actually I'm surprised you're comparing them together
3rd Gear Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 744
From:
RE: 71 or 89
take the 71 no matter what shape it is in...i used to think they were big and butt ugley when i was in high school, as al lthe kids drove em or old cameros...now i see them in an entirely different light as i hardly ever see them anymore.
2nd Gear Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 274
From: Seattle area
RE: 71 or 89
The 89 is a much more driver friendly car and will probably be more reliable in the long run. It is more modern and will be easier to get parts for for many more years. The aftermarket support for Fox Mustangs is the largest in the auto industry.
A big-block 71 will be a blast to drive, but isn't very practical for a daily-driver kind of car. The gas mileage alone would be a major drawback. I had a 70 LTD with a 429 and felt lucky if I got above 12 mpg. Also, next to the 74-78 Mustang II, the 71-73 cars are thehardest to get parts for because they are the least popular of the "real" Mustangs.
My opinion overall: If you are buying it to drive, get the 89. It should be powerful, reasonably reliableand easy to fix if it breaks. If you're looking for a "fun" car, only plan to drive it on weekends and don't care that you're only getting 12 miles per $3.00/gallon of premium fuel, then the 71 would be the way to go.
A big-block 71 will be a blast to drive, but isn't very practical for a daily-driver kind of car. The gas mileage alone would be a major drawback. I had a 70 LTD with a 429 and felt lucky if I got above 12 mpg. Also, next to the 74-78 Mustang II, the 71-73 cars are thehardest to get parts for because they are the least popular of the "real" Mustangs.
My opinion overall: If you are buying it to drive, get the 89. It should be powerful, reasonably reliableand easy to fix if it breaks. If you're looking for a "fun" car, only plan to drive it on weekends and don't care that you're only getting 12 miles per $3.00/gallon of premium fuel, then the 71 would be the way to go.
5th Gear Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 3,305
From: west chester
RE: 71 or 89
how much do they want for the 71. if thats a numbers matching car it should be worht well over 50000. get it, especially if its a 4 speed manual. the fox is a good car for dd and modability, the 429 is a good car for stock nastyness and awesome torque.
5th Gear Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,062
From:
RE: 71 or 89
ORIGINAL: killzoneman00
they are both in good shape. no rust or anything. the 71 has 429 Super Cobra Jet. which one would have the better engine if they are both rated differently?
they are both in good shape. no rust or anything. the 71 has 429 Super Cobra Jet. which one would have the better engine if they are both rated differently?