Hi everyone, I'm thinking of buying an 03-04 mach 1 and I've been reading alot of the threads about them but I have a couple questions. Is the manual (stock) really that different in terms of performance (speed, acceleration) than the automatic (stock)? I've never driven stick before and am not sure about getting a manual, but I do want a mach 1. Also, are the 2005+ gt (auto) just as fast as the mach 1 (auto)? Thanks!!!

 

Nothing but problems.

 

get a manual and preferably the s197 body style!!!!! you can always add that plastic hood scoop to the newer body styles

 

It isn't plastic.

 

Or you could get a Mach that has an authentic, cast iron (or whatever the hell metal it's made of) Shaker [8D]

 

Ive read that a stock manual mach did a 13.1xxx and the best Ive seen for a stock auto is 13.5...pretty good difference to me. Stock S197 manuals have been driven to a 13.4 and the auto to a 13.7. All of this infor was taken out of MT and C/D magazines. Ive never seen or read any other people running better times, though Im sure some will say they have. Alot of variables comes into play when trying to get the best runs, weather, driver, altitude and track prep...

 

An auto can be properly built to be just as fast, if not faster than the 5 speed, as well as improving greatly on consistency. If you like doing a little "spirited" driving on the street, then have at 'er with a stick. If you want to drag your car often, then build the auto up.

And as far as Mach vs. S197, theyre relatively even matched, but im still a firm believer in 4V>3V.

 

Mach is a faster car. W/ 25 more hp it's supposed to be. It's also a much more exclusive model. And once again, the scoop is metal and it happens to be the only one that isn't glued on for show.U might want to stayauto if that's what your used to, as fast as most S197 w/ sticks, same potential with future modding, and Mach w/ auto is pretty rare. Hope the facts helped ya out!

 

get the mach. every 3v i've heard with aftermarket exhaust sounds like crap too.

 

sounds like WHAT????? http://youtube.com/watch?v=wrNFeQI_Zfk

stock for stock the mach may be a little quicker(due to weight)......but overall, the s197 has SO MANY MOREmods available.....i have "played" around with the machs, but i am so far from stock it wasn't fair ....I am not trying to be negative towards the mach1,AT ALL!!!! I love all mustangs...the OP wanted to know about the differences in autos...just giving my two sense worth......plus, good luck on finding a mach with an automatic(i heard that is rare)