7 Exterior Differences Between The Ford Mustang GT And Ecoboost

Despite the massive differences under the bonnet, the Ecoboost and ‘GT’ V8 versions of the Ford Mustang are virtually identical. However, there’s a reason we use the word ‘virtually’ as a caveat - look closely enough at the two ‘Stangs us UK buyers are treated to, and there are very tiny differences. We had a poke around our own Mustang GT long-term test car and an Ecoboost to see what we could spot…

1. Badging

Let’s start with a really obvious one: the GT V8 has a 5.0 badge slapped on each front wing, the Ecoboost does not. It’s something worth pointing out though, as the Ecoboost has no badging at all to give away what it is. No ‘2.3’ badge, no ‘Ecoboost’ lettering - just an absence of that 5.0-litre badge.

2. Boot emblem

If you spot a ‘Stang with the iconic galloping horse adorning its rear, you’re looking at an Ecoboost. The V8s get ‘GT’ lettering instead. It’s the same deal on North American ‘Stangs, albeit without the raised circular pieces of trim sitting underneath.

3. Grilles

Take a look at the front ends of an Ecoboost and V8 Mustang, and you’ll find the same bonnet, same bumper, and the same set of lights. But there’s one thing that gives the GT away: a plastic grille insert. The Ecoboost on the other hand has one chunk of uninterrupted honeycomb, with a different pattern to the GT’s grille.

4. Splitters

While we’re taking a look at the front, you might also spot that the splitter is slightly longer on the GT. This is down to European-spec Mustangs having what’s known as the ‘Performance Pack’ in North America fitted as standard.

5. Wheels

This one’s a little more complicated. If they’re the gloss black multispokes on the left, you’re looking at a GT. If the ‘Stang you’re spying is wearing the five-double spokes in the middle, it’s an Ecoboost. But if they’re the silver multispokes on the right, it could be either - these rims are available with the ‘Custom Pack’ on both cars.

While we’re on the subject of wheels, both Ecoboost and GT Mustangs have their rims wrapped in Pirelli P Zero tyres, although the GT features 255 front/275 rear section boots, as opposed to the Ecoboost making do with 255s both front and rear.

6. Exhaust pipes

This is more of a subtle one, but it’s easier to spot than you might think. The Ecoboost’s tailpipes (right) feature fake trim bits with a much sharper edge than the V8’s exhaust exit. Watch your hands, budding fist-testers…

7. Brake callipers

The GT gets beefier brakes all round, but the visual difference is most obvious at the front. Here, there are four-piston callipers as opposed to the Ecoboost’s twin-piston examples, painted grey with red Brembo branding.

European GT’s have even larger six-piston brakes, owing to the standard Performance Pack fitment mentioned earlier.

Stay tuned for a full GT vs Ecoboost feature!