Mustang hunting
03-06-2012, 07:33 PM
#1
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Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Ohio
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Mustang hunting
I am looking at buying a 2010 mustang gt. I was at a dealership and noticed they only have 315 horses. Then I looked at the 2012 new mustang v6 and for 23k is has 305 horses. Is this right? Does the 2012 v6 have almost equal horse power to the 2010 gt v8??? Sounds crazy to me, but I might want a new v6 over a used v8 for the same price if this is true.
03-06-2012, 07:38 PM
#3
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Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Virginia
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Yes, you are correct about the 2012 V6 vs 2010 V8 horsepower. However, the V8 is still a faster car, although not by much. V6 will get better mileage. You will be happy with either, as both motors are great...it's all personal preference. Now the 2011-2012 5.0 V8 is another beast indeed!!
03-06-2012, 07:58 PM
#4
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If I want to drag race a little (with friends) is the v6 going to hold up okay? Can I do some of the same mods you would do on a v8 (ie CAI, Turbo)? Or are the pistons weaker? Since I'm an 1966 mustang guy, I have accepted that I can't (or shouldn't) do many mods with out expert help and those handheld tuner things. Basically, I'm asking if I'm going to do some engine mods, should I get the v8?
03-06-2012, 08:01 PM
#5
If I want to drag race a little (with friends) is the v6 going to hold up okay? Can I do some of the same mods you would do on a v8 (ie CAI, Turbo)? Or are the pistons weaker? Since I'm an 1966 mustang guy, I have accepted that I can't (or shouldn't) do many mods with out expert help and those handheld tuner things. Basically, I'm asking if I'm going to do some engine mods, should I get the v8?
03-06-2012, 09:04 PM
#6
The v6 will hold up fine. However, realize that when you take your car to the track (I'm assuming you are...) that stretch of pavement is a lot stickier than a surface street which equals greater stress on a lot of critical components of your ride.
I don't know much about the 11+ V6s, do they have t-loc? 7.5 or 8.8" rear? If it's the 7.5, you'll want to upgrade to an 8.8 if your future plans include forced induction.
What mods are you referring to that you shouldn't do without expert help? I'd say that holds true for major work including rear gear changes/axle/transmission swaps. As far as your usual CAI and tune, UDP, driveshaft, short throw shifter, etc installs go, you should be fine with a one man install as long as you're not completely incompetent when it comes to working with your hands.
Come to think of it, the Xcharger Xtreme supercharger for 05-09 V6s comes with a VERY detailed instruction manual that many members can do over a weekend while killing a couple of 6 packs.
The late-model aftermarket for Mustangs is HUGE and comes with a ton of great products with great installation manuals that make a lot of would-be confusing work very easy to handle for your average Joe Shmoe.
As long as you have a reputable shop tune/install your turbo, you should have no problems with engine reliability issues as long as you don't tell them "Make it go as fast as possible" without mentioning that you want to DD it for as long as possible.
I don't know much about the 11+ V6s, do they have t-loc? 7.5 or 8.8" rear? If it's the 7.5, you'll want to upgrade to an 8.8 if your future plans include forced induction.
What mods are you referring to that you shouldn't do without expert help? I'd say that holds true for major work including rear gear changes/axle/transmission swaps. As far as your usual CAI and tune, UDP, driveshaft, short throw shifter, etc installs go, you should be fine with a one man install as long as you're not completely incompetent when it comes to working with your hands.
Come to think of it, the Xcharger Xtreme supercharger for 05-09 V6s comes with a VERY detailed instruction manual that many members can do over a weekend while killing a couple of 6 packs.
The late-model aftermarket for Mustangs is HUGE and comes with a ton of great products with great installation manuals that make a lot of would-be confusing work very easy to handle for your average Joe Shmoe.
As long as you have a reputable shop tune/install your turbo, you should have no problems with engine reliability issues as long as you don't tell them "Make it go as fast as possible" without mentioning that you want to DD it for as long as possible.
03-06-2012, 09:11 PM
#7
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I don't really plan on taking it to the track, just a little street drag racing. I figured I couldn't do many upgrades without that thing you plug into the car (electronic handheld thing) else risk lots of damage. Thanks for all the info guys
03-08-2012, 01:37 PM
#8
Hey man. I literally JUST got home with my new 2011 V6. The thing is so nice for a V6! Yes it's true it can "hang" with older V8's (2010 and lower) but that's if they're completely stock I guess. 305 HP and 31 MPG are GREAT numbers to look at. It's a fast little car. Already went playing around with it and its QUICK I can just say that. 0-60 in about 5.0-5.2 seconds is fantastic for a lil V6. I'm not so discouraged to answer the question "Wow NICE car man whatcha got under the hood?" "Eh....just a V6...." nah. Not a problem 
Now the "handheld thingy" you're talking about is a BAMA tune. Completely safe and I plan on getting one for myself in a bit. Nothing drives like a V8, but with the 2011+ V6's....you will be pleased I assure you 
Here's a picture of mine! (I need to find a GFX artist to spoof up my future photos of my ride)
Now the "handheld thingy" you're talking about is a BAMA tune. Completely safe and I plan on getting one for myself in a bit. Nothing drives like a V8, but with the 2011+ V6's....you will be pleased I assure you Here's a picture of mine! (I need to find a GFX artist to spoof up my future photos of my ride)
Last edited by bigD1515; 03-08-2012 at 01:38 PM. Reason: fast*
03-08-2012, 03:19 PM
#9
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Location: OK
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You should test drive both and compare or youself.
I've heard a few different accounts of those who have had or driven both the 4.6 V8 and the new 3.7 V6. Sure, you see that they have very similar hp numbers, but look at the torque difference...
3.7L v6: 305hp, 280tq
4.6L v8: 300hp, 320tq (315hp for 2010)
That's 40 foot lbs difference, the feeling that you get when you are pushed back in your seat. Also I hear that the new 3.7L feels just like the old 4.0L with 210 hp/230tq up to about 4k rpm, then you really feel its ponies.
I think it just comes down to how much you care about slightly less power but with better fuel economy. Say the new v6 is $5k more than a v8 that is a few years older... you could slap a blower on the v8 and be pushing up to 400whp on stock internals. Or stay N/A and do cams/headers/intake/tune/exhaust and be muuch faster than a stock 3.7L
I've heard a few different accounts of those who have had or driven both the 4.6 V8 and the new 3.7 V6. Sure, you see that they have very similar hp numbers, but look at the torque difference...
3.7L v6: 305hp, 280tq
4.6L v8: 300hp, 320tq (315hp for 2010)
That's 40 foot lbs difference, the feeling that you get when you are pushed back in your seat. Also I hear that the new 3.7L feels just like the old 4.0L with 210 hp/230tq up to about 4k rpm, then you really feel its ponies.
I think it just comes down to how much you care about slightly less power but with better fuel economy. Say the new v6 is $5k more than a v8 that is a few years older... you could slap a blower on the v8 and be pushing up to 400whp on stock internals. Or stay N/A and do cams/headers/intake/tune/exhaust and be muuch faster than a stock 3.7L
03-08-2012, 07:08 PM
#10
6th Gear Member
Get the GT. If you're looking to "keep up" with your friends, you may be able to keep up with the V6 but with the GT you'll more likely kick their butts. You do more to the 4.6, too.
