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If someone asks what the 1987 Ford Mustang GT will do zero-to-60 m.p.h. in, tell him: “Second gear.“

The GT is oh so quick, with the fuel injected 5-liter high output V-8 under the hood developing 225 horsepower. The GT replaced the SVO as Ford`s performance car for `87.

The GT is a fun car in a great looking package, from the deeply recessed scoop in the air dam up front to the low-slung ground effects plastic rockers along the sides to the deck lid spoiler in the rear that sits above the slotted taillights.

The GT does have its styling detractors. We`ve heard complaints that the front end looks too “Escort-like.“ The flush headlamps are a bit big and if the hood were slopped more and lamp height brought down an inch the look would be sportier. Another change we would like to see is the floating Ford oval placed in the nose rather than just below it. In `89, you`ll see styling changes.

In 1986, the complaint was that the GT interior also was too Escort-like. No problem in `87. The cloth bucket seats are dressy but comfortable, the dash functional and attractive.

We really enjoyed the handling suspension package with quick ratio power steering, variable rate springs, sports shocks and a traction-lock rear axle to keep the rear end under control moving from the light. It means very nimble handling and great road holding in corners and turns. But you`ll pay a price in road feel and can count each tar mark in the street.

The GT comes with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard, which we appreciated when downshifting and kicking the pedal hard, but found annoying in typical rush hour traffic. With so much power from the 5 liter V-8, you could settle for the optional automatic ($515) without fear of losing performance. Air conditioning is a $788 option.

Also standard are sports-tuned dual exhausts, Goodyear steel belted 15- inch Eagle VR 60 tires, tilt steering wheel, tinted glass and power brakes.

The GT starts at $12,106, or about $4,000 less than the Thunderbird turbo, which starts at $16,600. The Mustang GT is more fun for the money.