The thrill of acceleration, the wind in your hair, and the roar of an engine – these are quintessential elements of the Mustang experience. But what happens when you swap the traditional V8 for a turbocharged four-cylinder? Does the magic fade, or does a new kind of excitement emerge? I recently spent 800 miles with the 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost convertible to find out, and I’m here to tell you about the surprising punch this pony car packs, especially when it comes to its Ecoboost Mustang 0-60 time.
The journey began with a road trip across West Michigan, not in pursuit of record-breaking speed, but rather a relaxing weekend getaway. Yet, the Mustang EcoBoost Premium convertible, with its promise of both efficiency and a spirited drive, quickly revealed itself to be more than just a comfortable cruiser. It’s a car that begs to be pushed, and one that answers with surprising eagerness.
| **Quick Specs** | **2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible** ||—|—|
| Engine | Turbocharged 2.3-liter Inline-Four |
| Output | 315 Horsepower / 350 Pound-Feet |
| Efficiency | 22 City / 33 Highway / 26 Combined |
| Base Price / As Tested | $40,615 / $49,455 |
| On Sale Date | Now |
Having spent years behind the wheel of V8 Mustangs, I approached the EcoBoost with a touch of skepticism. Could a four-cylinder engine truly deliver the Mustang thrill? My experience quickly dispelled any doubts, highlighting a different, yet equally compelling, facet of the Mustang legacy.
Day One: Beyond the Tulips, Embracing the Drive
Our first leg was a drive to Holland, Michigan. While the anticipated tulip fields were past their prime, the journey itself became the highlight. The Mustang, top up, proved remarkably quiet on the highway. Lowering the soft top, a swift 15-second operation (though requiring a stop), transformed the experience. The comfortable seats and surprisingly compliant ride made highway miles melt away, even on less-than-perfect Michigan roads. The Mustang EcoBoost adeptly balanced cornering confidence with bump absorption, a testament to its well-tuned suspension. While a touch of cowl shake reminded me of convertible realities, the overall impression was one of refined open-top touring.
The quiet cabin with the roof up was a welcome surprise, and dropping the top brought the invigorating rush of open-air driving. This Mustang wasn’t just about straight-line speed; it was about the complete driving experience.
Day Two: Conquering Fears and Corners
The next day took us to Michigan’s Adventure, home to the formidable Shivering Timbers roller coaster. Just like facing my fear on the towering wooden coaster, pushing the Mustang EcoBoost through winding roads revealed a hidden layer of enjoyment. The theme park visit tested my nerves, but the drive to and from the park tested the Mustang’s agility, and it passed with flying colors.
While the roller coaster was about adrenaline-pumping thrills, the Mustang offered a different kind of exhilaration – the joy of confident handling and responsive power. It was becoming clear that the EcoBoost Mustang 0-60 time was just one piece of the performance puzzle.
Day Three: The EcoBoost Soundtrack and the Open Road
The return journey was deliberately chosen to avoid monotonous interstates, opting instead for scenic routes along Lake Michigan. This allowed for a deeper appreciation of the Mustang’s driving dynamics, and a closer listen to the EcoBoost engine’s soundtrack. Ford’s navigation system faltered in some heavily wooded areas, but Google Maps stepped in to guide us to hidden gems like the aptly named Scenic Drive.
It was on these twisty roads that the character of the EcoBoost engine truly emerged. While it doesn’t replicate the deep rumble of a V8, it possesses its own distinct voice. The startup and idle offer a surprisingly throaty note, and pushing it towards the redline reveals a pleasingly sporty sound. In track mode, the active exhaust (an option on our test car) even adds playful pops and bangs on deceleration. However, in normal driving, the focus shifts to efficiency and smoothness. The 10-speed automatic transmission, while incredibly efficient, can sometimes feel a bit busy, shifting frequently to keep the engine in its optimal power band. For longer stretches, especially at cruising speeds, selecting the quiet exhaust mode became the preferred choice.
The steering, however, presented a more nuanced experience. While some have criticized the GT’s steering feel, the EcoBoost shares a similar lightness. Initial corner entries required adjustment, as the feedback felt somewhat muted, even in sport mode. Sensing the front tires’ grip demanded a more intuitive approach rather than relying solely on steering feedback. Despite this, the Mustang remained engaging to drive, and familiarity grew with each mile. After 800 miles, the steering became less of a concern, but it remains an area where Ford could refine the driving experience.
EcoBoost Mustang 0-60: Performance That Matters
Let’s address the elephant in the room: the EcoBoost Mustang 0-60 time. Ford estimates it at around 5.5 seconds, and independent tests often place it closer to 5 seconds flat. This is genuinely quick, especially for a four-cylinder convertible. To put it in perspective, this acceleration figure was once the territory of V8 muscle cars not too long ago.
The 315 horsepower and 350 pound-feet of torque from the turbocharged 2.3-liter engine deliver readily available power. The Mustang EcoBoost feels energetic off the line, providing ample thrust for merging onto highways and overtaking. It’s not just about the 0-60 sprint; the midrange acceleration is also impressive, making it a joy to drive in everyday situations. And while a V8 Mustang GT offers significantly more power and a quicker 0-60 time, the EcoBoost delivers a compelling blend of performance and efficiency.
For many drivers, the EcoBoost Mustang 0-60 performance will be more than sufficient. It offers genuine sports car acceleration without sacrificing fuel economy. During my 800-mile trip, I averaged an impressive 33 mpg, a figure unimaginable in a V8 convertible.
Fun That Doesn’t Break the Bank (Relatively)
The Mustang EcoBoost convertible starts at a more accessible price point than its V8 counterpart. While our Premium trim test car, loaded with options, approached $50,000, a base EcoBoost convertible offers the core Mustang experience at a significantly lower price. Compared to a similarly equipped V8 Mustang GT convertible, the EcoBoost represents a considerable cost saving.
The 2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost convertible proves that you don’t need a V8 to experience Mustang thrills. It delivers a compelling combination of performance, open-top enjoyment, and surprising fuel efficiency. The EcoBoost Mustang 0-60 time is genuinely quick, and the overall driving experience is engaging and rewarding. While V8 purists may always crave more power, the EcoBoost Mustang offers a smart and exciting entry point into the world of pony cars, proving that sometimes, less is indeed more.
For those seeking top-down fun with a touch of muscle and a focus on value, the Ford Mustang EcoBoost convertible is a compelling choice. It’s a reminder that the spirit of the Mustang is about more than just engine size; it’s about the freedom of the open road and the joy of driving, regardless of how quickly you reach 60 mph.
Our Take On The V8:
The Ford Mustang Dark Horse Rips
2024 Ford Mustang GT First Drive Review: Wild Horses Keep Dragging Me Away
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2024 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Convertible
Engine Turbocharged 2.3-liter Inline Four
Output 315 Horsepower / 350 Pound Feet
Transmission 10-Speed Automatic
Drive Type Rear-Wheel Drive
Speed 0-60 MPH 5.5 Seconds (est)
Maximum speed 145 MPH (est)
Weight 3,741 Pounds
Efficiency 22 City / 33 Highway / 26 Combined
Seating Capacity 4
Cargo Volume 11.4 Cubic Feet
Trim Base Price $43,540
As-Tested Price $49,455
On Sale Now
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