Bridging The Gap: Comparing and Contrasting The 2004 Mustang vs 2005 Mustang

Despite being "middle-aged" and on the market for over five decades. Mustangs are still the most popular sports coupe in the world. 75,842 Ford Mustangs were sold in 2018, in fact.
But it hasn't always been that way. The 80s was a rough patch in the brand’s life. It wasn't until the fourth generation Mustang in the 1990s when consumers began to favor the car brand again.
With 2005 marking the launch of the fifth generation Mustang, there was a lot of excitement and eagerness to see what Ford could bring to the table.
There is a debate between Mustang and car lovers in general. Some argue that the fourth generation is the best. While others argue that the fifth is.
Regardless of where you stand. There's no doubting that there's a huge gap between style and functionality in the 2004 and 2005 models.
So without further ado, here are the key differences between the 2004 and 2005 Mustang.  

Ford Mustang's Evolution Snapshot

Let's start with a bit of history.

Debuting in 1964, the Mustang has been one of the most successful car models to exist.

The vehicle started to show up in many movies throughout the 1960s, bolstering its status as a must-have vehicle. It became one of the most popular vehicles on the market during this period.

In 1974 the second generation of Mustangs was released. The car had started to evolve while staying true to the original style that fans loved.

Yet, in 1979, significant changes were made to the car. What the market wanted was shifting. This new generation wanted sleeker designs.

So Ford ditched the traditional Fox-body style with its third generation concept. But the new "aero-look" got lost in the crowd.

Mustang sales fell significantly in the 1980s. Ford needed a new plan. They needed to modernize. So they sought the help of a Japanese manufacturer to produce their upcoming fourth generation. The public took notice.

They were on their way to take back the command of the modern market that they had failed to do in the 80s.

The New Edge for Mustang

It's important to understand that in the 80s the box-style vehicle style was anything but "cool." Fox-box cars were the cars that parents and grandparents drove.

Consumers of the 80s started looking to sleeker vehicle models. In the shadow of the new millennium, the auto market of the 1990s continued this trend in demand.

Ford needed to bring new life into the Mustang before it faded into just another style of the past.

After nearly a decade of work, Mustang debuted a major redesign in the fall of 1993. The new design was referred to as SN-95.

This code name would become synonymous with all fourth-generation Mustangs. Fourth generation Mustangs are all vehicles made from 1994 to 2004. They are also referred to as the "New Edge" line.

The term SN-95 is broken down like this. "S" stands for "sport" or "specialty." "N" signifies North America. You might think "95" is the reference to the year the car was made. But it's actually was the project number of the vehicle at Ford.  

This model came with a 3.8 OHV V6 engine. In 1999 the car got another exterior stylistic upgrade, which included sharper edges and a more streamlined body style.

The End of an Era: The 2004 Mustang

By 2004, Mustang wanted to bring something new to the table for their 40th anniversary. The 2004 Mustang was completely modernized. From its safety features to technology.

Dual stripes were added across the hood and over the roof and tailgate. With matching rocker stripes and upgraded wheels.

They also added the iconic horse logo to the grille. After removing it from the original fourth generation release.

The vehicle was only available in black, white and red.

A deluxe parchment interior was added. It also included grey metallic inner door knobs and painted center console inserts. Along with brushed aluminum foot pedals and a shifter bezel.

Four different models, each with a 15.7-gallon fuel tank, were released in 2004:

*The V6 came with a 3.9 L engine with 220 torque and 193 horsepower.

*The GT included a 4.6L SOHC V8 engine with 302 torque and 260 horsepower.

*The Cobra contained a 4.6L DOHC V8 engine with 320 torque and 310 horsepower.

*The last model, the Mach 1, came with a 4.6L DOHC V8 engine with 390 torque and 390 horsepower.

*The models proved to be a major hit. In 2004 130,000 Mustangs were sold.  

What's Old Is New Again: The 2005 Mustang

As consumer demand shifted again towards futuristic auto designs. Mustang needed to find its niche.

They looked back to their most successful years and most iconic models.

1966 was Mustang's highest ever sales year, with 607,500 cars sold total.

Their second most successful year was 1965, with 559,500 cars sold.

The third best year for the vehicle manufacturer was 1967 when they sold 472,000 automobiles.

So it wasn't all too surprising when Ford brought back the box-style Mustang it was famous for.

But they brought is back in a completely new way.

Mustang's new S-197 model debuted at the 2004 North American International Auto Show. It was clear that this fresh take on the Mustang was a call to the 1960s-era designs.

This new era would last until 2014. This time period also brought about some of the most powerful Mustangs to date.

The car was built in Ford's brand new manufacturing facility in Flat Rock, Michigan.

An Overview of the 2005 Mustang

The 2005 base-model Mustang got two completely new cast iron block engines.

The 4.0L SOHC V6 that has 240 torque and 210 horsepower.

The 4.6L 3V SOHC V8 engine with 320 torque and 300 horsepower.

In 2005 only a V6, CT, and Cobra were introduced.

The exterior design was a modern take on the features customers loved from the past.

A statement-making grille with larger than life driving lamps. Side C-scoops, a lengthier wheelbase, and triangular windows.

The interior reversed back to more of the original Mustang's squared-off style. It included a dual-hooded dash, aluminum accent panels, and large instruments.

2005 also brought improved safety features. These included things like passenger and driver front-impact airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners that automatically tighten seatbelts and an improved security system.

The 2005 model got an updated suspension. And has a more stable chassis that makes it a stronger vehicle with improved handling. When compared to its predecessors, it was considered one of the best looking and performing vehicles of its time.

The 2005 Mustang also brought about a rebirth of style. The model was made to adapt well to body modifications.

An industry of new accessories was generated because of it. The vehicle could be altered to look like a sports car. Or play-up the retro look that many older fans enjoyed.

For example, grills with extra openings and fog lights were now available. Along with new window choices and over 60 different wheel options, this Mustang was a “modder’s” dream.

In 2005 161,000 Mustangs were sold.  

Choosing Between a 2004 and 2005 Mustang

Mustang lovers are enamored by all the variants of styles these cars have to offer.

Comparing some of these models can feel like deciding between apples and oranges.

When it comes to body style, people seem to be "ride or die" for their preferred design. But in reality, one body style isn't really "better" than another. It's all in the eye of the beholder.

For performance. Some claim that the 2004 Mustang is "more car for the money” or all-around "more solid" than the 2005 version. Based on the fact that it was the last year for its model and is the best performance-wise from the New Edge series, it can be hard to argue those points.

On the other hand, there are many others who wouldn't even touch a 2004 V6 from that era. They claim that the 2005 Mustang is simply a better-made vehicle than the 2004 and that it’s superior when it comes to the interior.

Mustangs are made to last. When it comes to aftermarket parts, there are a lot of options out there for Mustangs. They are easy to find and are not expensive to replace.

For example, you could easily find an inexpensive 2004 Cobra, and then rebuild the transmission or add a turbo kit or strap on a new blower to create a killer high-performance vehicle.

Ford Mustangs Then and Now

It's hard to believe that the Mustang launched 55 years ago. The 2020 version was just unveiled.

The new version embodies the muscle car of the future. With a laundry list of features and sleeker body designs.

But there's something to be said about the classics. Some argue that the 2004 and 2005 Mustang models were some of the best that Ford has to offer.

If you're looking for the best quality products for your Mustang, consider Southern Car Parts. We strive to offer the lowest prices in the market.

We're a 12 person team. We've been driving and building since we were kids. If you have questions or need help, don't hesitate to contact us!