GT 5.0 vs. V-6 w/Performance Package - cost vs. benefit?

[Storm75]

I am getting ready to order a 2012 Mustang (or perhaps pick up a leftover 2011), leaning more toward ordering the '12 really. While I know that forums like these really tend to draw the more performance-oriented folks it would not surprise me to find that many would recommend the 5.0 V8 without hesitation!

With the introduction on the 2011 models of the new engines though I am wondering if more serious consideration should be given to the V-6? From reading here I became aware that the 2011 V-6 offers more HP and Torque than the 2010 and earlier GT models. I have done some research, watched videos on YouTube of the V-6's etc etc. It seems very impressive, where on earlier models the old V-6 seemed to be aimed at the rental market and others who were just looking for a day-to-day ride.

Having said that, let's crunch some numbers. Just to use round numbers, the MSRP for a V-6 Premium is $25,845. The MSRP for the 5.0 GT is $32,845. Now, to be as fair as possible, I will add the price of the V-6 Performance Package, and to just round that off, let's call the MSRP of the V-6 with that package as another $2,000, which would total $27,845.

Ergo, there is (roughly) a $5,000 difference when doing a fair apples to apples comparo. That seems high to me, considering you are only really paying the difference between the V-6 and the V-8 engines, right?

I know the 5.0 would be sweet, but for that kind of dollar difference, and factoring in the front page story of $5.00 gas in today's "USAToday" paper, I just am pondering this over heavily. Finally, please don't flame me for posting this on an enthusiast's forum (!) but am curious if other owners and potential buyers of the 2011+ models have struggled with this?

Finally, to put this in perspective personally, for the past five years I have been driving a Hyundai Sonata, so even the Mustang V-6 manual w/Perf Pkg would seem like a real hot rod to me!

 

[parchisi]

You're basically asking us what your own personal preference is, and only you know that. It seems that you value fuel economy in a sporty package and don't really have a need for 400+ hp. Get the V6, nobody will fault you or think less of you. If you want an extra 100hp for $5k, then that's completely up to you.

As for me, there was never an option. I wanted a performance car: a toy to play with and have fun with. Fuel economy meant next to nothing for me, hence I went with the 5.0.

 

[GConn007]

I would compare it to purchasing a motorcycle. A lot of young riders decide that they want to start small (like a 600cc) and end up following through with that mentality with their purchase decision. Two months later, if that, they get used to it and want more out of the bike and wind up upgrading to a bigger/fast bike.

I am also in the market and buying a new GT here in the next few weeks after I get home from Afghanistan, although I don't have the same debate as you. While the performance of the v6 is noteworthy, it is in my opinion leaps and bounds behind the new GT. The GT has over 100 more HP and surely quite a bit more torque (havent memorized torque stats yet). Plus, you just cannot substitute the heart-accelerating rumble of the v8. Although I don't have a GT now and will in the future, I have had them in the past. Right now I am stuck in an older gen v6 which I have intentions of taking to a field somewhere and trying to launch it to the moon when I get home.

Go with the GT, or else your going to kick yourself later and wonder why you didn't to begin with. For some people, it's about cost and they cant afford the GT which there is nothing wrong with. It's all about what is going to make you happy. I personally couldn't be happy with the v6 knowing I have the cash for the GT. If you don't have the money for the GT, rock out in a v6 and be happy that you still have a sports car that is respectable.

 

[daredevil95]

I prefer a V8 but, I seen some V6 Mustangs that fly. I attached a video:

YouTube - Turbo 4.0 V6 Mustang vs Vette & GT 500

 

[jaybertx]

I am struggling with the same decision you are my brother and for the same exact reasons. It seems like I change my mind every single day... I wish you luck and look forward to hearing what you do because I'm going to make my move in a couple of months and still don't know what I'm doing... :-D

 

[SkyRender]

I was going to testdrive both of them, but after hearing the sound of the 5.0 and actually driving it, I didn't even care about seeing the V6 options.

 

[MyGG]

The V6 makes less hp than the 2010 GT, but more than the 05-09s. What you're really missing out on is the torque and especially the sound the V8 offers. Compared to an '11 or '12 however, you're missing a lot of both hp and torque. Don't downplay torque. That's what allows you to accelerate fast. HP allows for top speeds. Hence why the old fox 5.0s where still fairly quick even though the early one's had way under 200 hp. It all depends on what you're looking for. At least the new V6s aren't complete posers like the old ones were.

 

[darien87]

Don't forget you'll also be saving money on car insurance with a V6.

Tough decision indeed my friend.

 

[GTfrod]

I would go for the V8, its more worth it. What you could do though is get the V6 and maybe invest in a super charger or pro charger in it. i have a buddy who got a V6 and put a pro charger and its pretty quick, but in my opinion, get the V8. You'll love it.

 

[SkyRender]

Don't forget you'll also be saving money on car insurance with a V6.

With my insurance company at least, the difference in the two was very little.

 

[Storm75]

I am struggling with the same decision you are my brother and for the same exact reasons. It seems like I change my mind every single day... I wish you luck and look forward to hearing what you do because I'm going to make my move in a couple of months and still don't know what I'm doing... :-D

Jaybertx and others - thank you all for your input and your comments, I enjoyed reading all of them. Here is an update of my situation: last Saturday morning I drove the GT and really enjoyed it. No mistaking the power and the sweet sound (it was a 5.0 6 spd convertible.) I went back last evening and this time drove the exact same model, only with the V-6 and the same manual tranny.

For my needs I picked the V-6; I ordered a 2012 convertible with the manual and all options except the Nav system. Delivery time quoted was approximately eight weeks, which for the convertible will be perfect timing (May 1st!)

Thanks again to all and I will post my updates on this forum...

 

[dhcolesj]

Cool. Did you get the pony package? appearance?

 

[arcwcb]

Sounds like it will be a sweet ride. Post some pics when it comes in!

 

[Storm75]

Thanks guys/gals! I will post some pics for sure...

I got the MCA package (Mustang Club of America - Rapid Spec 203A) which includes some neat appearance things I liked: the billet grille, mini fog-lights down low, spoiler, unique stripes, alum wheels and tire pkg, etc). I would describe it as the Pony Package with a few more bits. Because the fog lights they use are small and bullet-shaped I went ahead and added the HID headlights, as I think they kinda match the look. JMHO!

 

[AvalancheSVT]

for me here's the thing.

1. i don't have any need for a 12 second car because 13's are plenty fast enough for me and it has all of the gear i need to be happy (LSD, duals, etc)
2. 30+ mpg with a 30 mile commute = cheaper to own
3. for what i want its about 5 grand cheaper to get
4. the insurance is cheaper
5. i just flat out don't want to spend more than about 23 for a new car
6. i LOVE the duratec engine

the little things add up to make the V6 a great car. it isn't even a compromise, the thing is a true performer. it outshines previous GT's and isn't really a slouch compared to anything else on the market.

i really dont think anyone can "settle" for a 2011+ V6.

 

[arcwcb]

for me here's the thing.

1. i don't have any need for a 12 second car because 13's are plenty fast enough for me and it has all of the gear i need to be happy (LSD, duals, etc)
2. 30+ mpg with a 30 mile commute = cheaper to own
3. for what i want its about 5 grand cheaper to get
4. the insurance is cheaper
5. i just flat out don't want to spend more than about 23 for a new car
6. i LOVE the duratec engine

the little things add up to make the V6 a great car. it isn't even a compromise, the thing is a true performer. it outshines previous GT's and isn't really a slouch compared to anything else on the market.

i really dont think anyone can "settle" for a 2011+ V6.

As on owner of a "previous GT" and having driven one of the new sixers as well, I'm going to say that is a BOLD statement to make... What experience do you have with these cars? I'm not hating, I'm just saying if you haven't had first hand experience with them, I wouldn't be making comments like that. The new V6 is a hell of a nice car, but it does NOT outshine the 4.6 3-valve on performance...

 

[dcrevenge]

I would lean toward a V8 if you have the money. If money is important which it seems to you is the case then a v6 is a great car.

 

[driverdog]

There is a "herd" mentality that grips consumers when gas costs more. Consumers abandon sport cars that deliver the most hp/torque in favor of more economical cars (remember the 70's or hearing others talk about that time?) when gas prices climbed, long lines at the pump and gas was rationed by even and odd license plate numbers.

The cars that were most coveted in later years were the ones that were high displacement/high hp that didn't sell well to the mass consumer because of their poor gas economy.

I am not saying that past behavior predicts future results but it is something to think about. I bought a 2011 GT because I like power/speed and to a certain measure, exclusivity (because a lot of people aren't buying them). You sometimes get one shot to get it right.

I grew up hearing older guys lamenting how they wished they had either gotten what they wanted when they had the chance or kept what they bought (shoulda/coulda statements).

In the meantime, I will hold to my convictions and drive the 5.0 with no regrets.

 

[AvalancheSVT]

As on owner of a "previous GT" and having driven one of the new sixers as well, I'm going to say that is a BOLD statement to make... What experience do you have with these cars? I'm not hating, I'm just saying if you haven't had first hand experience with them, I wouldn't be making comments like that. The new V6 is a hell of a nice car, but it does NOT outshine the 4.6 3-valve on performance...

1. its just a fact, the new V6 is faster than most mustang GT's on the planet
2. there's no reason to get butthurt about that because this is just how things work.
3. i have plenty of experience and its not limited to mustangs.

the 4.6 does a good job, its a good engine, and it should be after all those years of development. thats just how good the new V6 is. i'm familiar with a wide variety of cars and here's the thing about a throaty V8 with lots of instant torque: its going to feel faster than it is.

a 2011 V6 vs a 2009 and earlier GT is going to at best be a driver's race. 2010's are closer with an edge going to the GT.

who cares? be happy with progress.

 

[arcwcb]

There are SEVERAL magazines and sites and such that have done articles on this topic. The 4.6 3-valve IS FASTER than the 11 V6. I'm not "butthurt" about it, and I think the new sixer is a badass car, I'm just saying don't say it's faster when it is not. Yes, it is faster than the SN-95's and older, but it is not faster than the 3-valve. I was simply correcting that error in your post.