Ok, so I'm in the 99-04 mustang market. I checked with my insurance guy today and learned that a v8 mustang would be a few bucks cheaper than the v6. Weird, I know. But with that said it's only like $5 cheaper a month not a big deal. I just can't decide which I want to get. I know v8's usually hold up in higher mileage, but they do drain gas and I will be doing some long distance driving since I'm in college. But if I get a v6 I will give it a slight cam, long tubes, tune and a good intake. I figure with all that the gas mileage wouldn't be too much better than the v8. But I think either way I would be getting around the same horsepower. Thoughts? Which do you think I should go with?

 

Go for the GT. My first Mustang was a v6 and it lasted 11 months before I was trading it in on a GT. The gas mileage on my 03 v6 was horrid!!! I did not notice a big difference when I got the GT. You can get like 23 mpg if you drive highway miles. Its not too bad. I am not sure how the 05+ models perform.

 

Go the v8 route. Its hard to make any power with the v6. Like REALLY hard. Mainly because there arent many companies supplying aftermarket parts for them.

 

This is all very helpful guys! If I got the GT do you think I could get a chip to give me better gas mileage on the high way? I would want more horsepower in town but I wouldn't mind losing it on the long travels.

 

Americanmuscle.com sells tuners that increase your HP and it says it gives you better gas mileage, so it is the best of both worlds... Don't have one yet myself, but I will in the next few weeks

 

Yeah that's what I was thinkingish, they have a tune on the fly one with like 3 memory banks. Maybe I could have one designated for long drives that focuses on mpg and a different tune for in town when I want the horsepower.

Either way, I'm not really looking for mpg, it would just be nice to have the option. It would still get better than the 20mpg highway of my truck.

 

Def go v8.....you wont see much if any improvement in MPG with the older vs cars, maybe the 2011+

 

Ask this question in the V6 section and you'll see better answers. 99% of these guys have no clue about FACTS when it comes to the V6 nor have actually done anything with them.

The 3.8L cars (99-04) are stout motors, take very well to boost if you are looking for power, have good after market support, and if taken care of will throw down 30 MPG or higher (GTs aren't doing that).

You can pick them up cheaper than the GT counter part invest the left over $$ and have a car faster than a GT with the same amount invested, insurance is often times cheaper (depending on your background).

If you are looking for a good solid college car that will last, the V6 is a smart choice for you.

 

My gt is better on gas and cheaper on insurance then my v6, v6s are good platforms for builds and will be reliable but 85% of people will never do more then bolt ons GTs are turn key fun (not fast, but fun)

 

why would you ever buy a v6 mustang? GT's are slow enough...