I'm considering a 2011 base GT (with Brembos, 3.73) and a base V6 with the Performance Package. It's for a DD. I would just like to know what some of you would do in my situation.

To give a little background, I am 22 and heading into my last semester in college. I bring up the latter because I should, theoretically, get a better paying job than what I have now. I drive a decent amount, and 99% of it is in city. Right now, I fill up approximately once a week with my 2002 Accord V6 (auto). I live in SoCal.

*Pro's and con's according to my present perspective

GT + Brembos + 3.73
Pro:
400+ HP
I love torque more than HP and this car has plenty
V8 Sound
Symbolic 5.0
Local Galpin has exactly that config in the color I want, which means I can literally drive it home tomorrow

Con:
Not likely to be able to use all that power
Low MPG and on premium fuel (biggest deal-breaker for me right now)
May tap a bit into my "Oh S%&!" money
Would likely have to keep it stock for a while for funds
Really do not like the Brembos wheels (which I could sell/trade, I guess)

V6 + PP
Pro:
Good MPG
Easily affordable for me (my "Oh S%&!" money is 100% safe)
Love the wheels that come with the package (won't need to spend more $ to buy new ones)
Prefer V6 front fascia
Will have enough money for all the mods I want

Con:
Possible regret factor
Too many V6's driven by the stereotypical crowd here (young girl, daddy-bought, automatic)
At least a two month wait


My biggest fear is the possibility of regret. I don't want to get a V6, and in a few years (or months) down the road, regret not shelling out the extra $5-6k for a GT. I'm almost sure there will always be a tinge of yearning for a GT.

At the same time, I don't want to buy a GT and realize that, while payments are a bit higher but endurable, the visits to the gas station are what starts killing me, especially when considering the upward trend of fuel cost. I know people don't buy the 5.0 for gas mileage, but from what I've read, most owners either drive mostly highway and/or has it for a fun weekend car. From the threads I've read, people are averaging 15-16 MPG, and that, to me, is a killer.

What would you guys do? Your opinions won't necessarily sway me to do something that I wouldn't want to do, but perspectives from Mustang owners would definitely help.

Thanks.

 

Only REAL men drive a V8!


That is why you see daddy's little girls driving those v6's.


You want a REAL MUSCLE car? GET A V8. ITS WORTH IT.

 

What was your first gut feeling of what you wanted?

Get that one. Your instinct is usually knows you better than you do.

 

I ordered the V6 because it has 305HP and 30mpg while the 5.7 V8 in my current T/A WS.6 has only 325HP and something like 19mpg. I personally don't feel the need for additional horsepower. 300+ HP is plenty to make the car fun to drive and enough to make merging onto the highway easy.

Of course... I'm somewhat older than you (okay... a lot older) so my priorities for a car purchase may be different than yours.

 

i was in the same position as you only a little bit farther along. I graduated a year ago and felt stable enough to spring for the GT. Don't regret it at all. Although I think a V6 PP would satisfy me. Also, you can run a 5.0 on 87.

 

Why does it have to be Brembos? Save some of that "Oh S%&!" money.

 

 

Agreed. The 2011 5.0 is obviously an INCREDIBLE car... but the new v6 is also an impressive performer.

 

get the v8. you already listed regret factor as a possible con, which means it will be a con. i regret:
1) not getting the full leather in my mustang (costs way too much to upgrade now)
2) not waiting half a year and getting a glass roof

please, stay out of the regret club, it sucks in here. you dont want to be here. get the v8.

 

PURE BS


My suggestion for you is V6 Premium with the Performance Package.

Reasons:

#1) Premium because if you can afford the up-front cost of a base GT then you can swing the premium PP V6 since it will still be less than a base GT.

#2) V6 for better fuel economy while still having good power.

#3) For someone under 25 the insurance will be considerably less than a GT.

#4) The V6 PP will be an incredible performer, nimble handling, super braking, and plenty quick enough to embarrass lots of other performance cars out on the street.

#5) The stealth factor, all the above performance in a very understated package.


Personally, if I had lots of money to spend and could have anything I wanted, I would have the V6 PP for my daily driver/autocross machine and a automatic GT to drag race.

 

If you think you're gonna regret it now, get the V8.

Buttttt, why don't you drive both and see which you prefer? And you could ditch the brembo package and save some Oh !@$% money too

 

It will run fine on 87 it just defaults to base timing and drops from 416 bhp to 404 bhp. Ford even certified it on 87 AKI Regular (93 RON) as well as premium to prove it.

Why not a GT Base with standard suspension and standard gears? Same brakes and suspension as the V6PP your considering.
As to mileage its all in how you drive it. The single worse tank in the first 2200 miles was break-in when I was doing moderate load/vacuum runs to seat the rings for the first 50 miles. 19.96 mpg.

Mustang GT 5.0 M6 3.55
Last City Tank - 23.8 mpg

Last Mixed Tank - 26.5 mpg
90 Miles Rural Highway Stock (70% 65 mph / 30% 55 mph)
90 Miles Rural Highway Tuned
50 Miles in town calibration refinement
3 25-95 mph full throttle engine knock checks
15 Dyno Pulls
plus some assorted local driving.

I really have no idea how some of these guys can drive hard enough to get 14 mpg without getting arrested unless their cruising around two gears high at 3000 rpm all the time. Its all about working that 1000-1750 rpm band, starting in 2nd and skipping gears when you can if you want the best mileage. I had rather drive a V8 nice (until its time not to be nice) than beat on a v6 and get worse mileage,

 

I'm biased but I say get the V6 now for the reasons member Ltngdrvr already listed, then get the V8 after you graduate.

 

I say drive both and see what you think is best for you and your driving style. Neither one will be a slouch. If you're a heavy highway commuter, the 31mpg will be very handy. The GT with 3.73s and Brembos is a force to be reckoned with though. I finally drove one last night when I put the order in for my car, and wow was it impressive.

 

Just an FYI, the GT/CS wheels are available if you order a GT/V6 for $392 as the Accessory Wheel. The CS wheels are pretty much the same as the V6 PP wheels.

 

Exactly. Plus check with your insurance, as that might be the deciding factor.

 

I would get the V-6 to hold you until the 2014 Mustangs come. You should have security in a job by then and the sky will be the limit.

I love my V-6 and have no regrets in any way.

 

.You probably won't make the $ you think or hope for(for awhile).
.But, your young-you'll -survive (move in with daddy bought girl).
.I get 25 mph with my 5.0 automatic ( and I'm a bad boy often)
.I settled ounce,and wasn't happy later.

 

****, that's slow, I'd take it back to the dealer if it wouldn't go more than 25 mph...

 

25mph ya, after a glass of wine and 2 drafts. This is why you shouldn't drink while responding to posts