The 1981 Mustang changed little from 1980 however, the biggest new option of the 1981 Mustang was the availability of a t-top in both hatchback and notchback Mustangs! Additionally, a Traction-Lok limited-slip differential and power side windows were added with reclining seats becoming standard equipment. Many of the same options were carried over from 1980 with the edition of new interior trim options!
Ford dropped the 2.3L Turbo in a Mustang until 1983. On top of that, 1981 would be the last year for the Cobra model in the U.S until the introduction of the SVT Mustang Cobra in the 1993 model year. Fortunately, Ford had the smart idea to continue marketing the Cobra name in Canada as the "Cobra GT". By doing this, Ford maintained the trademark which prevented it from going on the open market for public use. Fast forward to today, the only vehicles produced with the coiled serpent logo are the Cobra Roadsters as well as the SVT Mustang Cobra. With the trademark of this logo, it is shown to be manufactured by Shelby American which we all know and love to this day.
| Engine Options |
Engine Bore |
Compression |
Horsepower |
Torque |
Fuel Tank |
| 2.3L 2V 4cyl |
3.78 x 3.13 inches |
9.0:1 |
88hp |
118 ft-lbs |
12.5 gal. |
| 3.3L 1V 6cyl |
3.68 x 3.13 inches |
9.6:1 |
91hp |
160 ft-lbs |
12.5 gal. |
| 4.2L 2V V-8 |
3.38 x 3.00 inches |
8.8:1 |
115hp/120 hp Calif. |
195 ft-lbs/205 ft-lbs Calif. |
12.5 gal. |
| Exterior Paint Options |
Paint Code |
| Black |
1C |
| Bright Bittersweet |
2G |
| Bright Red |
27 |
| Bright Yellow |
6N |
| Dark Blue Metallic |
3L |
| Dark Cordovan Metallic |
8N |
| Light Pewter Metallic |
1T |
| Medium Bittersweet Metallic |
8D |
| Medium Blue Metallic |
3H |
| Medium Dark Brown |
5Q |
| Medium Pewter Metallic |
17 |
| Medium Red |
24 |
| Pastel Chamois |
86 |
| Polar White |
9D |
| Interior Color Options |
Color Code |
| Beryl |
K |
| Black |
A |
| Caramel |
T |
| Cordovan |
F |
| Cream Gold |
V |
| Dark Red |
D |
| Dove Gray |
S |
| Light Fawn |
U |
| Light Pewter |
P |
| Medium Fawn |
L |
| Medium Pine |
R |
| Medium Red |
D |
| Pewter |
S |
| Sand |
Y |
| Vaquero |
Z |
| White/Bittersweet |
7 |
| White/Blue |
Q |
| White/Black |
W |
| White/Fawn |
3 |
| White/Red |
N |
| Model |
Curb Weight |
| 2.3L 4-cyl Manual |
2,652 lbs |
| 2.3L 4-cyl Automatic |
2,652 lbs |
| 3.3L I6 Manual |
2,681 lbs |
| 3.3L I6 Automatic |
2,681 lbs |
| 4.2L V8 Automatic |
2,848 lbs |
| Model |
Units Sold |
| 1981 Cobra |
1,821 (included in non-Ghia Models) *Estimated |
| 1981 T-Top Coupe |
2,422 *Estimated |
| 1981 T-Top Hatch |
12,352 *Estimated |
| 1981 2dr Sedan |
77,458 |
| 1981 3dr Hatchback |
77,399 |
| 1981 2dr Sedan Ghia |
13,422 |
| 1981 3dr hatchback Ghia |
14,273 |
| Engine |
Transmission Options |
| 2.3L 2V |
T-04 Manual |
| 3.3L 1V 6cyl |
T-04 Manual |
| 4.2L V8 |
C-4 Automatic |
