2001 Ford Mustang Cobra Specs: Power, Speed, and Style

2001 Ford Mustang Cobra specs feature a 4.6L V8 with 320 hp, 317 lb-ft of torque, and a 5-speed manual transmission. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds and includes an independent rear suspension for improved handling.

When it comes to the Ford Mustang, few models have captured the hearts of enthusiasts as the 2001 Ford Mustang Cobra. With a sleek design, upgraded engine, and a performance-focused build, the 2001 Cobra stands as a significant milestone in Mustang history. This car was not just a muscle car, but a carefully engineered masterpiece from Ford’s Special Vehicle Team (SVT). Whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned Mustang fan, the 2001 Cobra represents one of the best performance cars of the early 2000s.

The 2001 Ford Mustang Cobra was known for its improved suspension, powerful V8 engine, and an aggressive appearance. Let’s dive deep into the specifications, features, and unique details that made the 2001 Cobra a standout among its peers.

Performance and Engine Specs of the 2001 Mustang Cobra

One of the most significant improvements over earlier models was the engine. Powered by a 4.6L DOHC V8, the 2001 Cobra took performance to the next level. Here’s a breakdown of the key performance specs:

• Engine Type: 4.6L DOHC V8
• Horsepower: 320 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 317 lb-ft @ 4,750 rpm
• Transmission: Tremec TR-3650 5-speed manual
• Acceleration (0-60 mph): 5.4 seconds (approximately)
• Quarter Mile: 13.5 seconds at 105 mph
• Top Speed: 150 mph (electronically limited)

The power of the 2001 Cobra engine made it a fierce competitor against other muscle cars of its time. The Cobra offered a smooth, powerful ride with quick acceleration and top-tier performance, thanks to its finely tuned V8 engine.

Drivetrain and Suspension: Enhanced Performance

The 2001 Cobra introduced a significant upgrade to its suspension system: an Independent Rear Suspension (IRS). This was a game-changer in terms of handling and ride quality, which many enthusiasts considered a major improvement over the previous solid rear axle used in earlier Mustang models. The Cobra also had:

• Drive Type: Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD)
• Differential: 31-spline limited-slip rear axle
• Suspension System:
  • Front: Independent MacPherson strut
  • Rear: Independent rear suspension (IRS), a first for the Mustang
• Brakes:
  • Front: 13-inch Brembo ventilated discs with twin-piston calipers
  • Rear: 11.7-inch Brembo ventilated discs with single-piston calipers
• Tires: P245/45ZR-17 all around

These features provided the 2001 Cobra with an enhanced driving experience, delivering exceptional road grip and cornering capabilities, while also allowing for smoother ride quality even during aggressive maneuvers.

Dimensions and Weight: The Perfect Balance of Size and Power

The 2001 Ford Mustang Cobra’s dimensions were carefully engineered to provide a mix of performance and comfort, along with an iconic muscle car stance:

• Length: 183.5 inches
• Width: 73.1 inches
• Height: 53.5 inches
• Wheelbase: 101.3 inches
• Curb Weight:
  • Coupe: 3,430 lbs
  • Convertible: 3,560 lbs
• Seating Capacity: 4 passengers
• Fuel Tank Capacity: 15.7 gallons
• Fuel Economy:
  • City: 15 mpg
  • Highway: 23 mpg
  • Combined: 18 mpg

With these dimensions, the Cobra was large enough to accommodate a comfortable ride, yet compact enough to provide agile handling. Its size, paired with the robust engine, gave it the signature Mustang “muscle car” feel.

Exterior Design and Features

The 2001 Cobra introduced several distinctive exterior features that helped it stand out in a crowd of performance cars. From its aggressive stance to its bold lines, the Cobra had a presence that demanded attention.

• Exterior Colors:
  • Oxford White Clearcoat
  • Black Clearcoat
  • Performance Red
  • Silver Clearcoat Metallic
  • Laser Red Tinted Clearcoat
  • True Blue Clearcoat Metallic
  • Zinc Yellow Clearcoat
  • Mineral Grey
• Wheels: 17×8-inch silver or chrome five-spoke aluminum wheels
• Lighting: Blacked-out headlights, redesigned rear decklid spoiler
• Badging: “COBRA” rear bumper and “SVT” trunk lid badges

The 2001 Cobra’s aggressive appearance, combined with its larger wheels and sporty accents, gave it an unmistakable identity on the road.

Interior Features and Comfort

Ford did not skimp on comfort in the 2001 Cobra. Inside, the Mustang Cobra offered a stylish, driver-oriented cabin that balanced performance with comfort:

• Seating: Leather-trimmed sport seats with Alcantara inserts
• Trim: Dark Charcoal or Medium Parchment interior options
• Audio System: Mach 460 in-dash 6-disc CD changer
• Steering Wheel: Leather-wrapped with integrated audio controls
• Other Features: Power-adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control, and keyless entry

These features ensured that owners could enjoy both the performance and the luxury of the 2001 Cobra during daily drives and long cruises.

Performance Testing and Results

Independent tests showcased just how much the 2001 Cobra excelled in real-world driving conditions. Here are some of the impressive figures:

• 0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds
• Quarter-Mile: 13.5 seconds @ 105 mph
• Braking Performance: 70-0 mph in 179 feet
• Lateral Grip: 0.86 g on the skidpad

These performance numbers demonstrated that the 2001 Cobra was a serious competitor, capable of holding its own against other performance cars like the Chevrolet Camaro SS.

Model Evolution: 1999 vs. 2001

Compared to its predecessors, the 2001 Mustang Cobra was a significant upgrade. While the 1999 model had its share of issues with reliability and power, the 2001 model addressed these with improved components and performance:

• Engine Block: Transitioned from a Teksid aluminum block to the Windsor Aluminum Plant (WAP) block for better durability.
• Cylinder Heads: Updated to improve cooling and valve seating.
• Transmission: Upgraded from the Tremec T-45 to the more refined TR-3650 transmission.
• Differential: The spline count was increased from 28 to 31, improving durability.

These updates helped make the 2001 Cobra one of the most reliable and thrilling cars in the Mustang lineup.

Production and Availability

Ford produced 7,251 units of the 2001 Mustang Cobra, split between coupe and convertible models:

• Coupe: 3,867 units
• Convertible: 3,384 units

The 2001 Mustang Cobra was mostly sold in the U.S., with a few right-hand-drive units sold in Australia, marking a global presence for this model.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some FAQs about 2001 Ford Mustang Cobra specs –

1. What is the horsepower of the 2001 Mustang Cobra?

The 2001 Cobra features a 4.6L DOHC V8 engine that produces 320 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.

2. Did the 2001 Cobra have an independent rear suspension?

Yes, it was the first Mustang to feature an Independent Rear Suspension (IRS), significantly improving handling and ride quality.

3. What transmission did the 2001 Cobra use?

The 2001 Cobra came with a Tremec TR-3650 5-speed manual transmission, offering smooth shifting.

4. How fast can the 2001 Cobra go from 0 to 60 mph?

The 2001 Mustang Cobra can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 4.8 seconds.

5. Was the 2001 Cobra available in both coupe and convertible body styles?

Yes, the 2001 Cobra was offered in both coupe and convertible body styles, giving enthusiasts options for top-down driving or a more secure coupe experience.

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Conclusion

The 2001 Ford Mustang Cobra remains an iconic part of automotive history, combining raw performance with engineering precision. From its powerful 4.6L V8 engine to its refined handling system, it offered everything a muscle car enthusiast could want in a 21st-century vehicle. Even today, the 2001 Cobra is a sought-after model for collectors and performance car fans alike.