Mr2013GT

For 2013, Ford got rid of the piston oil squirters due to windage (if i'm not mistaken? Somebody correct me if i'm wrong). The 8 hp, i'm pretty sure, is a result of different engine calibration related to the ignition timing and such, or as Ford puts it, "tuning learned while developing the 444 hp Boss 302". I had a 2012 GT, and the 2013 does feel like it has slightly better throttle response.

The 2013 GT's also have heat extracting hood vents. The 2011-2012's didn't. This obviously helps control heat in the engine bay. Aerodynamics have been improved for 2013 as well.

Ford offers the Brembo package, which isn't just the larger front rotors/4-piston brembo calipers.

On the regular Mustang GT 5.0, the tires are all-season 235's on 18 inch rims. With the Brembo package, You get 19 inch rims and 255/40R19 Summer-only Pirellis on the coupe, or 255/40ZR19 goodyear F1 supercar tires on the convertibles. Also:

Regular GT springs are 123 lbs front/156 lbs rear
Brembo GT springs are 131 lbs front/167 lbs rear

The Brembo GT's also include different shocks/struts, which are tuned for those springs, and GT500 rear lower control arms, along with unique Electronic Stability Control tuning and a unique sport steering control setting.

Stopping distance from 60 mph to 0 is reduced from 133 feet to 110 feet.

Also, new for 2013 is the track apps, which I believe come on all 2013 Premiums, v6 or v8. Also new is the track package, only available with a manual, which includes everything in the Brembo package plus a Torsen diff 3.73 axle ratio, a Boss 302 radiator, engine cooler and upgraded brake pads that will reduce stopping distance over the brembo package from 110 feet to about 107 feet.

If you're going to get a new GT, i'd definately recommend a 2013 premium with at the very least, the Brembo package. The 2013's are a more refined package IMO, and the Brembo package transforms it into a whole different beast, and it just might save you from a crash one day anyway. You can also have recaros, but the regular power seats are pretty good through the corners and you can lower them, which I like to do. I'm not sure if you can lower the recaros. They have holes in them for a harness etc. though.

Zodiac

Yeah like what has been touched on in the above post they are relatively the same. Only minor differences, and what it comes down to is if you want those differences.

The biggest overall difference is if you were looking for an automatic, to me hands down the only automatic to buy would be the 2013, due to the better options.

If you are getting a manual and don't want the new appearance or recaro seats, go for a 11-12.

Mach2

Thanks for the great 2013 GT info Mr2013GT, most helpfull. Thanks too Zodiac. I am going to hold off on buying untill till after the first of the year and try to make a good score on a 2013 GT with the Brembo package without the Recaro seats, 13 GT seats sound good enough.

Zodiac

You're welcome, but be sure to test both the recaro and the base seats. I did and the recaro seats were a must.

TheDutchTexan

I am glad you are going for a 13. I have seen both at a light, and the rear end on the 13's actually looks right. The 11-12's suffer in that department. I am still very much in love with the 05-09 styling. The only thing I am missing is coyote power and that awesome interior...

Mach2

I can't stand it. I gotta scratch the 2013 GT with the GT Track Package itch. There's a dealer 152 miles and 3 hours according to google maps that got $5000 off all Mustang GT/GT Premiums. They don't have any with the GT Track Package though. I'm working with the closest, large Ford Dealer in the area, and trying to get a good deal using the other Ford Dealers 5k off for leverage. I live in Clearlake, CA., and Ukiah is the closest Ford Dealer. We'll see.

solaratomic

The 11-12 cars had an option for HIDs and the tail lights are LEDs.
But the Fog lights on 11-12s are halogens and the 13s come with LED fogs.

In reference to your decesion making its basically what body do you like best. I actually liked the 13s better but I saved 11K off the 38K sticker by buying my 12 with 5800mi on it. I'm satisfied with my decesion b/c mainly I wanted that 302 and 6 speed. Only a mustang enthusist will be able to tell the difference between the two year models at a glance.

nj07

Go get a used Shelby then with a six speed that has no issues, and a nicely built 5.4 under the hood!

Mach2

What pushes me over to the 2013 instead of the 2011-12 is the availability of the GT Track Package option with the GT. That performance/engine upgrade is exactly what I want in a performance car. I don't want/need all the electronic wiz bang things nor the Navigation is important to me. I generaly know where I'm going and don't need to look at the console screen to see the directions and miss watching the road. Heads Up Display would be nice for the Nav and Engine perameters.


Here is the Package with the 3.73 geared 6 speed manual tranny.
"GT Track Package that gives track enthusiasts an engine cooler, an upgraded radiator, performance friction brake pads, and the same Torsen differential that’s on the Mustang Boss 302. The package includes everything in the current Brembo Brake Package: 14-inch vented front discs, unique 19-inch alloy wheels, and summer performance tires."

All I will do to it is an aftermarket intake and lower it with Eibach springs.

DPHC13

Jizz... I'm actually learning something from this thread, but thanks for thinking about baby Jesus.