This is kind of like asking whether or not to watch SD programming vs High Definition. V8 all the way (5.0 if you can swing it).

 

To be fair, that comparison isn't really fair considering that the 3.7 is rated at the same HP as the 4.6 with higher economy than the 4.0.

That in short means the 2011+ is a completely different beast than anything that came before it.

As a matter of fact, if he steps up to the 2013, he is buying the exact same car, with the only difference being the engine. The drivetrain is the same. I have the same transmission as the V8, I have the 8.5" rear end, etc.

I still take off like a bat out of hell if I want too, and I can safely and easily pass nearly anything on the road. The difference? I have watched my car turn in a legitimate 30+ MPG on highway trips when I do my part.

Sure, the 400+ HP of the V8 would be awesome, but pulling random numbers, I am certain that 300HP and 30MPG puts the Mustang Base somewhere in the top 5% of cars for power/economy. I am still faster than most anything on the road other than newer Mustang GTs, Camaros and Corvettes, and I get better mileage than a lot of imports that are touted for economy.



But, even after that tirade, if gas was $1.00 a gallon still, I wouldn't have thought twice, I would have gotten the V8. Unfortunately gas regularly hits $4.00 a gallon here. I like getting that extra ten miles out of a gallon.

 

That is pretty much why I picked the 3.7. It can be made to look like a bad boy, has good power with more potential and get great mileage. I am picking mine up today.

 

I have all 3 engine ever put in the mustang-4, 6 and 8 cyl. and honestly there isnt a difference in NORMAL EVERYDAY driving of them. (ok, the 4cyl does suck on acceration, but it does ok) But seriously, they all are capable of doing the speed limit and tooling around town. It really boils down to what can you afford and what you are gonna be doing with the car. If you are doing a lot of short trip, stop and go driving and little to no racing get the v6, which will get better fuel econ over the v8 in these situations.If you do alot of highway, open road driving and plan on a few to many strip/track visits get the v8, which will get about the same fuel econ as the v6 in these situations.

Most everyone on here will say v8 because they think bigger is better in reality it isnt always.

 

I also drove both cars. I have 3 people on my insurance currently. I am 51. My insurance was formerly on a 2009 Honda accord 4 cyl/BMW. I checked with the insurance company and it was only a 21 dollar increase per month for the V6 over the Honda. It was 120 per month more for the Mustang V8?
I bought the Conv. V6 for less (23,800) and have since added Magna flow competition exhaust, Air raid intake and Bama race tune. While i realize it is not as quick as the V8 version it is very impressive. I am getting 19-21 in town. I have a BMW 335i with tons of mods which is faster than most GT's but i really enjoy the convertible on sunny days. The exhaust note is better than my beemer and it is fun to drive. I am doing a 3.55 gear for &500 installed and i will have a really fast second car (5.5 sec 60 or better).

 

A stock 3.7L boasting 305RWHP (or is that 315?) will get stomped by the stock 4.6L with 300 RWHP mainly because the torque on the 4.6L is higher. I also believe that the 3.7L doesn't begin making much of its power until high in the RPM range whereas the 4.6L makes better power throughout.

But for a V6, the 3.7L should be proud.

 

I am finding for a 2009 Ford Mustang GT 0-60 times listed at 5.2s, the quarter in 13.6s.

Same site lists the 2013 V6 premium at 5.1s and 13.7s.

That sounds pretty much neck and neck to me.

Granted, I am just biased because I have a V6, part of me wanted to be impractical and get the V8, but hell, I am too old for throwing money away. However, those numbers are pretty nice.

I don't know how many of you are old enough to remember the dark days, but there was a day the Mustang wouldn't get to 60 in under 12 seconds, and the quarter was nearly a 20 second trip.

I remember those days.

And I still loved my Mustang then too.


Source

 

Remember the year there wasnt even a v8 option in the mustang and the v6 was the biggest baddest engine available.

 

Go for the V8!

 

If you buy a V6 you will be wishing you had a V8.
No pun intended.
$1400 a year here for insurance on a V6 with
zero traffic violations and awesome credit rating (it matters).