Ford Mustang Cobra - 3rd Gen (1979 to 1981)

The Ford Mustang Cobra was an appearance package for the 3rd Generation Mustang available between 1979 and 1981. Featuring uniqe styling and badging, the Cobra was the performance focused trim level at the time, precursor to the Mustang GT. Engine options for 1979 include a 140 cu in (2.3L) four-cylinder Turbo engine, rated at 131hp, or a small block 302 cu in (5.0L) V8, rated at 139hp. For 1980, the 302 small block V8 was replaced with a 4.2L (255 cu in) V8, rated at 118hp. For the 1981 model year, the powertrains list was expanded to include a naturally aspirated 2.3L engine and a 3.3L (200 cu in) I6 engine. The 4.2L V8 also remained optional in 1981, this time rated at 120hp. The Cobra was replaced by the Mustang GT for model year 1982.