SVTJayC said:
It's still 50 less HP than it's predecessors competition (LS1) and 100 < than it's future competition (LS2,Hemi 6.1). A lot less low end torque too. I agree, it's not enough. Guys who say "this thing will hang with LS1's" are not only wrong, but living in the past. Bottom line, the 4.6 is too small to be an all motor platform. Either start offering a low boost blower in the GT, or bump up the displacement to the 5.0, or more.
I don't disagree in the least, but we simply can't compare the 2005 Mustang with these other cars considering only power. You have to take into consideration the MSRP of these cars. Power = Money; wether from the factory or otherwise, it's as simple as that.
Granted, Ford has always been had a higher price per feature, where you may be able to get a 400HP car for $32k, Ford would typically offer a similar configuration for $36k.
I wish the 2005 had more; I'm sure everyone does... but not if it significantly impacts price. Some of us are fortunate where we can buy a Cobra without blinking an eye and have 390 HP. Then throw on some mods and go nuts. Other people are just thrilled to have a 300HP car with such a low MSRP and don't have to live on Kraft Macaroni-n-Cheese for 7 years.
If you want to strictly compare HP and performance, I wish the 2005 had 600+ HP. That's easy to say. But if a 600HP GT started at $55k, I think I would be rationalizing; "I wish I could afford that... if only they would lower the performance to make it affordable." There's a reason why a Porsche costs what it does... there's a reason why the Mustang costs what it does. There's a reason why you can buy a Kia for a stick of bubble gum. Can't have your cake and eat it, too, regardless of how much we want to.
In conclulsion; we all need to be fair in our comparisons. Look at the whole picture, good and bad, and make you assesments. Buy one; don't buy one; buy two. Whatever is right for you is right for you. No one here is wrong, rather, we just have different desires for our dollars. If I wanted comfort, my dollar is better spent on a Lexus or VW or something; if I want an unpresidented American Icon that has decent performance, great retro looks, decent gas mileage, all the while looking at a very attractive MSRP... my money is better spent on a Mustang. But, that's just me. To each his own.