281GT

It seems that all people ever look at is maximum horespower. You also need to look at how much torque it develops and at what RPM. This is a big failure with some import engines. Lots of horesepower but very little torque that doesn't come in until high RPM.s When you consider that 99 miles out of a hundred that the average street car is driven will be at something less than where maximum horsepower is made it make sense to pay more attention to the power the engine makes at low to mirange rpm.s I have made the mistake of putting too much cam in a street engine. The car was actually slower despite the fact that maximum horsepower was available. You also have to consider costs. I think Ford did a pretty good job of balancing hp, torque and price with the V6. The Mustang is heavier than a lot of comparably priced imports so it needs more low end grunt to move the car.

Shifty

Well why does the GT only have 300hp? Why don't they try to match the new z06's number of 500hp on a n/a v8? Because they are fitting the car to the market.

nanaki

that's what the cobras and saleens are for.

Shifty

Exactly. If the cars had higher and higher horse power, our insurance would be EVEN HIGHER! Sure horsepower rules but I hate paying for it. This is what the aftermarket is for.

DMoney

I haven't bought one yet, but I am close. I drove a V6 this weekend and was really impressed, of course I had a 94 that couldn't even compare to the 05's. The dealer told me, and this may have just been a load of BS, that Ford may cut back the hp in the 6 because most people are finding it's enough power and passing on the GT. Has anyone else heard this?

Shifty

I seriously doubt that. 210 is about the right number.

Dare

hahahahahahaha! fish hook!

dan

Sorry to burst your bubble but they have 210 HP stock, a cai will bring that up to maybe 215, and mid pipe and catback exhaust would bring you to maybe 230 if your lucky. On topic, the reason they only have 210 HP is because what was said above, if they had more people wouldn't want to buy a gt, and the reason the GT doesn't have 400 HP is because thats not where the market for their car is at.

DMoney

I thought that sounded like someone really wanting to sell a car that day. He did say he would give me $5000 for my 2000 ZX2 which I thought was great for that car. I do have a lot done to it, but I am getting close to 40mpg and it's paid for. Not bad for a car that ran low 14's last fall. It will make a good winter car when I get the Mustang.

ryanb311

what do you have done to the escort to be running low 14's ive seen them run mid high 15's stock but thats pretty quick for that car.... i like it!!!