1979-93 Mustang Parts
What is it that makes a Hatchback Fox Body Mustang different from other body styles? LMR.com has provided the info you will need to know the difference!
The first thing that many will see this question to mean is, “Which is better: the Hatchback or the Notchback?" That is a very subjective question and not the purpose of this article. Each of these two designs for the Fox Body Mustang appeal to enthusiasts differently. Some prefer the lighter, more compact body design of the coupe/notchback for drag racing purposes while others like the GT package that was not available on the coupe/notchback but was a Hatchback or Convertible only variant.
These two designs were essentially carryovers from the infamous Mustang II from 1974-1978. Most will agree that the 1979-93 Mustang’s version of the Hatchback and Notchback were much better looking. The improved body lines of the Fox Chassis Mustang allowed these two exterior options to flow much better than the previous “econo-stang” of the ’70s.
Main interior differences between the two include a split-back rear seat that folds down for Hatchback models to take advantage of all of the extra space. The design is very similar to the ‘60s era Mustangs and is very useful when having to transport cargo. The rear seats for the notchback Mustang feature a single back design that does not fold down and the seat bottom is shared between the two body styles. The trunk area of the notchback Mustang is significantly smaller than the hatchback. A medium-size bag of golf clubs would fit but do not expect to fit your weekly groceries for a family of 4 back there!
Exterior differences are very visible! The quarter windows follow the body lines on of the rear window with more of a slope on the Hatchback versus the smaller angle on the Notchback/Coupe. A much larger rear window also accompanies the Hatchback models that flow into the rear spoiler. LX Hatches had a smaller spoiler whereas GT and Cobra models had a larger wing that was installed.
The benefit of having rear seats that fold down is an increased amount of cargo space! 32.7 cubic feet of storage space is available with the Hatchback Mustang when the seats are down compared to the notchback’s puny 10 cubic feet of storage space. A downside to having that larger rear window and the bulky rear hatch is that the Foxbody Hatchback is around 100 lbs heavier than Notchback. This is not a large number but when you are selecting a car specifically for drag racing, like a lot of Mustangs are, each pound matters.
Production numbers are also on the side of the Mustang Hatchback. More of these 3-door Pony Cars were made from 1979-93 than the coupe so if you are in the market for one of these legendary machines, especially for a good driver car, the Hatchback is what you will see more of.
Both the Hatchback and the Notchback’s had luxuries such as air conditioning, fuel injection, sport seats, power windows, and locks and each was also available with an auto or manual transmission. However, cars the underrated SVT Cobra from 1993 were only available in a Hatchback variant.
Ford's Foxbody Mustang has become an iconic, highly sought-after collector's car over the recent years. With several different types of Mustangs offered with a Hatchback, there is a little something for everyone! Whether you are looking for the turbocharged SVO from 1984-86, the legendary Saleen Mustangs from 1984-1993, or the tried and true GT, Ford's Foxbody Hatchback has entered the hearts of millions of enthusiasts reminiscing to the '60s era fastback Mustangs that started the passion!
