Casarez2125

My current car is a 2003 GT. Automatic transmission. Aftermarket CAI, exhaust, and throttle body. This is the only car I've ever had. However, within a year, I will be passing it on to my brother and upgrading to something else. I originally wanted a Terminator, my dream car, but I don't quite know my way around a stick shift yet and I can't find a black coupe for a price I can afford. So I decided I'll just get another automatic, but something with more *****. In my price range, there are two options. Either an 03/04 Mach 1, or an 05 GT. I can't decide what to get because they each have something I prefer over the other.

White/red/gray Mach 1:
Pros
-There's GTs everywhere, but you don't see a Mach every day.
-It just looks incredibly badass. That shaker look and sound makes me drool.
-Visually, I wouldn't have to change so many things because it's pretty much already to my liking.
Cons
-I can't make it all that "mine" because it's already a special trim. There's not that much room for customization, which is something I'm really into.
-****ty interior. Cool, but ****ty compared to the following generation.

Preferably black 05 GT
Pros
-I love the interior. Just love it. Everything about it. Especially the fact that in some of them you can play music from your mp3 player.
-It's newer, and therefore it would probably last me a little longer.
-Most "customizable" Mustang ever. In every single part of the car, there is room for my personal touch and improvement.
Cons
-A dime a dozen.
-If I customize it completely, I'm going to want to keep it forever, thus ends my dreams for a Cobra or mastering the stick.

Ok, guys. Here is some info about me that might help you help me choose:
I'm going to UTI, I plan on having my own custom/performance shop, thus my need for something with more style than a Camry. I live close to Chicago. I do plan on owning a Cobra eventually. Those things are terrifying. All in due time, though.

So... what should I get?

Casarez2125

Also, as far as I know, the Mach 1 is faster.

3Mach1

Its a tough call and I have had both. The Mach is a little faster no doubt all things being equal but not sure if both have autos. IMO, the 05+ is just a better all around car plus if your going automatic a Mach will be harder to find and the 05+ get the 5 speed autos. 5r55 I think. I dearly love Mach 1's but in the scope of the bigger picture I think the 05+ would be a better all around car. Just my 2 cents.

Casarez2125

Thank you. Highly appreciated. I forgot the Mach 1 automatic only has 4 gears. That, to me, is very important.

Casarez2125

This is how I would make the GT look. If I got it like that, I would prefer it over the Cobra I long for.

3Mach1

I always felt like the fit and finish was better on the S197 (05 up) Mustangs. Rear suspension set up is better and the ergonomics are better. The 3v 4.6 is more of a main stream engine and the after market will be bigger. Looks are subjective but yeah the shaker is just cool. I like the body style better of the 05+ and it still has not wore off of me. Its a timeless design. Everybody is going to have an opinion on this so only yours matter because you have to pay for it.

It may well come down to what you can find the best deal on. Good luck.

Casarez2125

Thanks for your input.

Evil_Capri

If you are wanting the "better" vehicle (styling subjective) the 05+ GT should be the car for you. That is unless you really want a SN95 Mach 1. That being stated . . . I love my Mach . . . flaws and all!

Casarez2125

Yeah, when a Mach 1 owner tells me I should get an '05 GT, then I think that's enough for me to choose an 05 GT. Thanks.

steven46746

Learn to drive a manual, save your money, get a terminator.

Tony Alonso

The engine in the '03/'04 Mach 1 with a manual is quite strong - the peak toruque is rated at 325 ft-lb but dyno results show more like 340. That said, if you like customizing, you'd probably be better off with the '05 GT, although if I were in your shoes, I'd just go for the '03 Cobra first. Once you get used to the feeling of the larger S197 chassis, you might get spoiled with the room as compared to the smaller SN-95s.

I LOVED (and still love even though it's been sold) '03 Mach 1.

AirForcePonycar

Never owned a Mach, or drove in one for that matter. I did own a black '06 GT though, and from what I can gather, you'd be in a generally better vehicle with the '05+ GT. I wouldn't worry too much about power, as they're both roughly in the same ballpark, and with a few simple mods, you can see some nice gains with the GT. Additionally, as you stated, an '05+ stang is more customizable than the Mach, though there are lots of 'me out on the road. All in all, I'd get the '05 GT, definitely with the premium package. I don't think you'd regret it.

steven46746

With only power in mind, neither the 05-10 GT or the Mach 1 would be worth buying, coming from your 02 GT, their only marginally faster. Personally I'd go for the cobra, All or nothing!!

skunk21

mach

1999Pony

Casarez2125

To the guys telling to get a Cobra asap, I can't afford to pay for an entire car (a Mustang, anyway) by myself on a part time job. My parents will only pay the other half if it's automatic. I can get myself a Cobra later once I am completely independent financially.

skunk21

manual swap.

Tony Alonso

Then I would modify the current GT with an eye toward a future Cobra. Buying either of those cars would be an intermediate step that diverts your funds from your ultimate goal.

Casarez2125

The GT I currently have will, in fact, be modified... by my brother. You see, the reason I need a different one is because I'm going to hand down this one to him.

And on a side not, I think I'm leaning to the Mach 1 again.... that shaker is hard to pass up.

1999Pony

Just out of curriosity, why not get a new edge GT? Easier to find a auto, cheaper, and for close to the same money as the mach, you could have a faster car then it.

Personally I would love a Mach, but it will probably be hard to find in an auto, and you can mod the new edge to your hearts content without having that special edition branding hanging over your head.

Just curious