Why is This Car so Heavy?

[robvas]

I don't think the Mustang should be AWD. It's a RWD car, always has been.

I don't think they can add AWD (and certainly not electric/hybrid) without severely compromising the rest of the car, adding a bunch of weight, adding another $10,000 to the price...

If Ford wants to do an AWD car they should just resurrect the Focus RS. It's AWD, only weighed about 3400-3500lbs...

They just need to add power. It needs to be closer to 500hp than 350hp. I want a high-RPM turbo engine, not the tractor-like powerband of the 2.3 Ecoboost. Stick the 10R80 in there somehow, take advantage of all those gears. Use the Explorer ST powertrain, but in a lighter platform.

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[AZ_Ryan]

The weight complaint about the Mustang has been a thing ever since the S197. Ford engineers famously wanted to reduce the weight of the car when they engineered the S550, but that never happened and instead got heavier. The truth is they can't do it without making the car a lot more expensive or designing a much smaller chassis. Even then the car will never be under 3200 pounds again. This is the new norm with all the modern safety components, materials, and electronics.

I also find it funny that people complain about the weight of a car when half the drivers should be eating salads full time for the next 3 months lol.

 

[Ewheels]

I think one thing often overlooked is just how large these cars are.
Not only are cars getting stiffer, safer, and packed with more tech which all adds weight but cars are so much larger than they were 30-40 years ago.

If you compare the exterior dimensions of the Mustang with say a Supra or a Miata, you will see where the extra weight is.

 

[LouG]

The weight complaint about the Mustang has been a thing ever since the S197. Ford engineers famously wanted to reduce the weight of the car when they engineered the S550, but that never happened and instead got heavier. The truth is they can't do it without making the car a lot more expensive or designing a much smaller chassis. Even then the car will never be under 3200 pounds again. This is the new norm with all the modern safety components, materials, and electronics.

I also find it funny that people complain about the weight of a car when half the drivers should be eating salads full time for the next 3 months lol.

Yep. A sure way for someone to lose 20 lbs of unsightly fat....cut off your head

 

[Alex381]

I think one thing often overlooked is just how large these cars are.
Not only are cars getting stiffer, safer, and packed with more tech which all adds weight but cars are so much larger than they were 30-40 years ago.

If you compare the exterior dimensions of the Mustang with say a Supra or a Miata, you will see where the extra weight is.

Miata isn’t the best example as they managed to keep its weight pretty stable for the last few decades.

 

[Ewheels]

Miata isn’t the best example as they managed to keep its weight pretty stable for the last few decades.

How is that not a good example? If anything, it proves my point. The Miata has stayed the same relative size and weight over the years while everything else has gotten bigger and fatter.

 

[robvas]

How is that not a good example? If anything, it proves my point. The Miata has stayed the same relative size and weight over the years while everything else has gotten bigger and fatter.

Depends on what years you are comparing. The Miata porked up a bit but has lost weight in the last generation.

 

[Bear376]

It is no secret why the Mustang has gained weight and size. I hate the 71-73 models for how huge they were, but they were actually smaller than the S650. It the comparison with the before and after models that the 71-73 suffers from.

Drive a first generation Mustang, and you will find minimal everything. Light sheet metal on a basic frame with light duty suspension and brakes. The interior is cardboard covered with light vinyl. Insurance, regulations and public demands added crump zones, heavy duty suspensions and brakes. Add lots of sound deadening, and bigger wheels. If you look at the original factory wheels, they were light stamped steel and the whole wheel package was less than 30# per wheel. The basic wheel and tire for the S650 checks in at 60#. Imagine that with all the components of any car and you get the gist.

 

[Stonehauler]

I love my S650 but one thing I do notice every time I drive is how heavy it feels and I often find myself in my thoughts while I’m driving wondering why the car is as heavy as it is.

In context with my history of cars it seems unusually heavy. For example I owned quite a few Firebirds and Camaros throughout the years which are similar to a Mustang in that they are 2+2 steel frame 6 speed manual 2 door cars with a large V8 out front. With the older ones being about 3,400 lbs, a newer Camaro being about 3,700 lbs and the Mustang being about 100 lbs over that. It’s a big weight increase in vehicles in general over time even with them no longer coming with a 50+ lb spare anymore.

I hear a lot of people say it’s new safety and sensor standards but would like to understand what that means in a clearer way. Is it that the frames are built with more/thicker material than in years past? Do the sensors used in collision detection and automated cruise control weigh down the car? Is it the extra air bags? Do electronic braking, steering, and throttle systems weight more than the hydraulic systems they replace? The brakes have gotten bigger over time so I’m sure that’s a factor as well.

it’s probably a combination of many things getting more complex over time but am curious if anyone has insight into this weight increase phenomenon.

It's the death (or weight) of a thousand cuts.
Biggest is the updated crash requirements, especially high offset frontal collisions, door intrusions, rollover, etc.
Airbags and changes to accommodate them are another big issue. Cars in the day of the Firebird were incredibly lucky to have a couple of airbags, the mustang has 8, including some large side curtain airbags, etc.

Options are another. People love their toys, and now you need a big screen to play that movie on while parked, display that navigation screen, a heads up display, etc.

Finally, have you seen how complex engines are these days? what was an engine with maybe...MAYBE...port fuel injection vs throttle body injection has become a complex solution of pipes, hoses, individual ignition blocks for each cylinder, etc.

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