by Michael Butler
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 revives a big name in Ford's rich pony car history and can be considered the second generation of this iconic iteration of the Mustang and replaces the now-defunct Bullitt. So what makes the 2-door Mach 1 coupe such a special sports car? Besides the cool exterior badging, unique front end design, and big alloy wheels, the Mach 1 also comes with a power upgrade and a few choice handling bits borrowed from the awesome GT350. Its 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 gas engine delivers 480 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque (20 horses more than the GT), and it's an overall better performer than the GT. The Mach 1 goes up against rivals such as the BMW M2 and the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack. In this review, we'll find out if the Mach 1 lives up to its legendary name.
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 is a new addition to the Mustang range this year, reviving the name that has been stagnant in the US since 2004 and effectively replacing the discontinued Bullitt. This particular model comes with unique badges, exterior graphics, front-end design, and 19-inch alloy wheels. The 5.0-liter naturally aspirated V8 has been tuned to deliver an additional 20 hp over the regular GT, but the Mach 1's primary focus is handling. It also borrows a few engine bits from the GT350 and comes as standard with Magneride Dampers and powerful Brembo brakes.
See trim levels and configurations:
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mach 1 Coupe |
5.0L V8 Gas
|
6-Speed Manual
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
|
$52,400 |
| Mach 1 Premium Coupe |
5.0L V8 Gas
|
6-Speed Manual
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
|
$55,300 |
The 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 coupe gets enough unique features to make it stand out from the rest of the Mustang family, and that's important in an age where people are tired of being fooled into special edition cars that offer nothing more than a few unique decals and a set of alloy wheels. We can't help but feel that the 2021 Mach 1 model will never be as iconic as the original, but it still manages to bring a ton of pros to the table. Firstly, it's a Mustang, so reliability and safety ratings will be solid. This is backed up by the NHTSA and IIHS's review of the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1. There's also enough tech to keep the modern driver engaged, and the standard infotainment system is good. In terms of how this car drives, we are highly pleased: it borrows just enough from the GT350 to make it feel special, and it definitely handles and performs better than the GT. This vehicle will make a great track day toy and will be comfy enough to live with on a daily basis.
Seeing as the Mach 1 focuses on driving dynamics and shart handling, we'll suggest going for the base model with fewer luxury features that add unnecessary weight. This will also keep the 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1 coupe's price down. We'd get one in Shadow Black with the six-speed manual transmission and add the $3,750 Handling Package, which includes adjustable strut top mounts, fatter tires, and unique alloy wheels. You also get revised chassis tuning, a front splitter, and other styling changes. The cost of our build comes to $58,345, including a destination fee of $1,195.
The most popular competitors of 2021 Ford Mustang Mach 1:
Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Bollinger
BrightDrop
Bugatti
Buick
Cadillac
Caterham
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Fiat
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Gordon Murray Automotive
Hennessey
Honda
Hyundai
Infiniti
Jaguar
Jeep
Karma
Kia
Koenigsegg
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lordstown
Lotus
Lucid Motors
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pagani
Polestar
Porsche
Ram
Rimac
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Spyker
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo