97GT03SVT

I had a conversation with a friend asking for advice on what Mustang to buy. Is the performance pack V6 better than the 2005-09 GT?

Years ago it would have been a no brain er for me and I'd say I'd always go with the V8. I used to prefer the look of the 2005-09 cars but with the 2013-14 refresh I think the new ones are better looking. Looks aside I'd say that the new PP V6 is actually the better overall car in stock trim. I think that the new 3.7 vs 4.6 is more of a drivers race than anything, even with the torque advantage I don't see the GT being much faster. I've driven stock 2005-09 GTs and even a non performance pack 2010-up car gives a superior ride and handling. So for the first time in my life I advised my friend (who would never modify his car BTW) to go with the 2013 PP V6 over the low mile 09 GT he was looking at.

I based my decision on...

true stock performance (braking, acceleration, handling)
overall refinement (comfort, interior, MPGs, maintenance)

Looks are subjective, my friend liked the look of both cars the same so it had no real impact on the decision. I'll let you guys know if he goes with either car in the near future.

What would you rather have and why? 2005-09 GT or 2013-14 PP V6?

cdynaco

Every time I see an 05-09 go by in traffic they just strike me by how clean they look. Great lines.

I don't like that 'everybody gets a Shelby' with the 13/14 GT front end. The Shelby look was supposed to be unique to them. The entire car is way too busy. And I would never consider the 10-12 diaper look. IMO

As for engines, I know they've made nice advancements with the V6. But it just doesn't interest me. I like a small block V8 on the order of the 289 and was fortunate to be familiar with them in high school. Even though there were bigger and badder engines available. So the 4.6/281 is right up my alley. And the fact that the 3V is based off the historic Cammer??

Performance, history, tradition, clean looks... 05-09!!

2011 Kona Blue

I would only go with a 2010 plus body style over the 05-09 body style because the 10 plus diaper look is freaking bad a$$ looking and sexy. Besides, it's way cooler to hear people say, Hey your 13 v6 is just as fast as the those 09 and under Gt's. poke.

obofglob

Your friend could probably find a low mileage, clean 05-09 for 1/2-1/3 the price of a new V6. Maybe a nice slightly used 11-12 5.0. for the same price as a new V6.

I would bet he would not regret a V8.

I am not sure about the V6 but if he ever wanted to mod the car there is tons of aftermarket support for either the 4.6 or 5.0.

Saying all that we saw a black 2013 coupe, with I believe the MCA package on the way to work yesterday and IMHO it looked really clean.

The roads were snowy/icy and I was impressed with how well that Mustang appeared to be handling the road conditions.

2011 Kona Blue

There are crazy amounts of aftermarket mods for the 11 plus V6. The newer V6 models ain't what they were back in 2010 and under. There way different. Ford gives them big power and power potential but dummies them way down to sell it as a fuel efficient, economical, sports coupe. Just 3k in bolt on mods will easily have these 11 V6's running 0-60 in 4.7 to 4.9 and low 13 second 1/4 mile times.

Plus depending on ones age, the V6 will be more cost friendly when it comes to insurance.

TheMuffinMan

The v6 will be close with the GT stock. That being said after you do mods the GT will gain more power per mod than the V6. So if your going to mod with bolt ons get the GT. if your just going to supercharge it then the V6 isn't a bad option. Also you'll never get that V8 rumble and you'll get the usual "why didnt you buy the GT".

2011 Kona Blue

Well, Very true.

obofglob

All very good points. I wonder about insurance savings though. We bought a Focus SE last year, I realize it's apples to oranges but I was surprised that the Focus cost $500 a year more then our Mustang GT to insure and when I recently checked on an ST it was an extra $180 a year over the SE , we are old with perfect driving records. Of course thats in Metro Detroit. I would hate to see insurance cost on a Focus for a young driver.

TheMuffinMan

Ill just leave this joke here....performance package for a v6 is getting a V8. though seriously if you can afford the GT in every aspect get the GT. It will gain more for ever mod you do to it and the 05 GT is half a second faster than the 11v6. It has a better rpm curve than the high revving v6 which has to rev up an extra 1000rpm to get 315hp and 305 torque. In the end it's what you want but personally the new v6 sounds like a ricy vacuum cleaner.

2011 Kona Blue

Well if your old (lol) then I don't think insurance costs will be an issue whether you have the V6 model or V8. I would think higher insurance premiums would come into play if you were between 17 and 24 years of age. Since your old you should be able to get great rates and discounts through AARP. Lol.

hogasswild

My 3.7 did a recent 0-60 in 4.72 seconds according to my Torque timer app. Im pretty happy with that and still havent put headers and an xpipe on it yet. I am modded though.

2011 Kona Blue

Bro, that's some great 0-60 times. Just the other day I had 3:73 gears and a one piece aluminum driveshaft installed. I'm hitting 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. I just ordered today my BBK ceramic headers and off road x pipe. I'm also modded as well. That's some killer times for a non turbo or supercharged v6.

2012GT

Great times. Get some quarter numbers

zbrewha863

Looks are totally subjective, to me I love the 11-12 look, especially after I got the Roush kit.

That being said, I'll address your two main points:

Performance -- I think that the 11-12 PP V6 will handle and brake better than the 05-09 GT, since it has the 11+ GT suspension and brakes (plus the Sport mode traction control). Acceleration is about the same, both have tons of mods available.

Overall refinement -- the newer (11+) cars are more refined. Much better MPGs with the V6, you'll have a full new car warranty so maintenance is much less, plus you're not buying a used car so interior/paint/tires are all cherry, which is very nice if you're into having a clean car.

Between the two choices, I vote V6 PP. That being said, I agree with the above statement that you can find a used 11-12 GT for the same price, overall it's the best buy here unless he's looking for MPGs and low insurance.

RedGT12

Diaper look?

Mustang Freak

I have no idea what this references either?

Krohn

This Logically is a tough decision... basing off price, current power, current performance...
However! It comes down to which look he likes better, which sound, and which name.

Another person was trying to figure out which mustang to get... and some guys response was... do you want to tell someone you drive a blank? or a blank? does that even matter?

So I would say your choice is between logic or enthusiasm.

I would rather own a 05-09 body style Bullitt than a GT of the same year or a new '13 V6.

2011 Kona Blue

Very true, it really depends on which body style one likes better and what sound they are looking to have. Both the 05 to 09 GT and 11 plus V6's are very similar in performance. I personally prefer the 10 plus body style over the 05 to 09 body styles, however that's just a personal preference. I would much rather have a band new 13 V6 over a used 09 GT.

JCStang

Plus I would never buy a used Mustang unless I knew the person who previously owned it and how they maintained it....too many beat to crap....go new and you know it's been treated right since day one.

2011 Kona Blue

Amen to that brother. The mustangs that are heavily modded, most likely they ain't being driven like a Cadillac Deville. Lol. They driving it like they stole it and that sucker is ragged on.