I love my 4.6.
the reason why i dont trade it in is bc i have too much invested in it.

but the 5.0 is a better platform to start from, as everyone is going to tell you.
unless the 4.6 is ridiculously cheaper, get the 5.0

 

Thanks for all the responses guys, to be honest, im still not sure which way to go. However, price is factor, my top budget is around 23,000 so Im looking in that range. people with 2010 GT's, how do you like the drive/ power/reliability? Is it noticeably different from the 2012 GT's? Im really just looking for a nice sports coupe with manual transmission, good power and good looks.

 

I can tell you right now, even though I don't own one, (I have driven one) the 5.0 is a monster. The 5.0 has a 6 speed transmission which can allow it to keep up with a 5 speed stage 3 Roush with 435HP.

Floor it from 60-80mph and it will push your head to the seat even the automatics.

The ride is more firm and solid in the newer models compared to my 09. The V6s even handle pretty well which surprised me when a rode with my friend in his 2011 through the mountains of north Ga.

If you can't swing a 5.0 but want something newer than the 2010 GT and better gas mileage, the 2011 V6 isn't a bad option. You just have a higher pitched exhaust note and a few less options as far as mods go.

 

Like most of the others said, they look the same...I had a 4.6 and LOVED it, until I had a 5.0. I definitely feel a difference however your price range is more in the 2010 range unless you find a really really good deal.

 

spend like 2000 more and have a newer more powerful car, which will probably have better resale value, and obviously a better engine and transmission..

the difference in a car payment is like 15$ probably

 

Get the 5.0 if you can afford it. If not, consider the new V-6.

 

well if you want to actually hear from someone that owns a 2010 gt then i'll chime in.

i love the car. its a blast to drive and actually gets pretty decent mileage for an 8.

when i bought my 10 i actually test drove the 5.0 and 4.6 back to back with the 5.0 being first. both with 3.73 gears.

the 5.0 is quicker no doubt, but to be honest your going to be hard pressed to FEEL the difference under 60 mph and especially in daily driving conditions.

if the price is right theres no reason not to get the 10 if its what you want in a car.

the 2010 merges the best of the new with the best of the old. rock solid reliability with the aesthetics and comfort upgrades of the newer stangs. the old power train already has the kinks worked out.

the 5.0 is a great platform but theres still alot of unknowns with this engine. its hard to say for sure how the engine is going to hold up over the years. so far it looks promising, but the modular 4.6 has been around in some variation or another since the mid 90's iirc.


if you just want a good car in your price range to build an obscene amount of power in you should be looking for an 03-04 termi.

 

I've had my 2010 GT for about 1 1/2 years and love it. If you get a 2010 with the 3.73 diff, there is only about a half second difference 0-60 between it and the 5.0 with the 3.31 axle. (4.9 secs vs. 4.3 secs.) I autoX it, and it does fine against the 5.0's. Straight line is the only place where you will notice the difference.

I think the 4.6 platform is more reliable. Not that the 5.0 is bad (it's not), but Ford had a lot more time perfecting the 4.6. I have had zero problems with mine. I haven't heard anybody on this forum complain about a problem with their 2010's. There have been issues with #8 cylinder on the 5.0's, which may be related to tunes. There have been issues with the 6 speed transmission enough where Ford was investigated by the feds for the problem. I think those problems were resolved by 2012, however. There is also the 2-3 gear lockout in the 5.0's which I understand is a pain, but you can get rid of it with a tune which deletes the lockout.

You can get a really good 2010 for $23k. The equivalent 2012 will be a lot higher.

I'm really satisfied with my 2010, and I don't think you would go wrong if you bought one.

EDT: To add to modru2004's comments, the 2010's have the upgraded suspension. So there is no gain there from the 2010's to the 2012's.

 

MF just got punk'd.

 

I would get a 4.6 without a doubt. The 5.0 is an awesome transmission, but the issues with the transmission cancel out the awesomenes of the motor for me. This is coming from someone with an '05 V6 that has the T5 (which is known for having a **** transmission) It is not easy to fix that kind of issue. A pain in the *** and a lot of money.

My husband's buddy has a '10 4.6 with a few mods that car is great with a solid drive-train.