Need help deciding on 2008 Mustang options

1805 Views 27 Replies 13 Participants Last post by pmr2000, Apr 25, 2008

Robonaut

Discussion Starter · Apr 18, 2008

Hi, new guy here! :wavey

I'm in the market for a new ride (which will be my daily driver), and the Mustang is on my short list of choices. I'm having a little trouble, though, determining which options are worthwhile. :scratchchin

So, I'm hoping that all you experts can help me out.

(1) V6 vs V8. I'm actually leaning towards the V6 due to the slightly better gas mileage and substantially cheaper price. I also suspect that the V8 is just going to get me in trouble with the law in relatively short order. :embarrassed

Still, though, I'm wondering if there are reasons (rather than the obvious ones of faster accelaration, etc.) to get the V8 over the V6? For example, the V8 uses a different transmission than the V6, I think. Is the V8 transmission noticeabley smoother shifting than the V6s, or anything?

(2) Wheels. I see that the V6 comes with 16" wheels with 18" as an option. Forgive my total ignorance here, but is there any reason to get the 18" wheels other than looks? Do they improve ride or handling or anything like that?

(3) Traction Control. From what I can tell, this is an option on the V6 models and comes with anti-lock brakes. Since this is going to be an all-year car, I assume that I definitely want this--unless there's a reason I shouldn't?

(4) Rear Spoiler. I prefer the looks of the Mustang without the rear spoiler--removing it isn't going to affect the handling or anything is it?

(5) Bluetooth. How's the "Mobile-Ease" hand-free option? Does it work well?

Sorry for the long post!

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1 - 20 of 28 Posts

nuts4stangs

· #2 · Apr 18, 2008

Ok, Here goes. I am a little partial to the V/6 for the obvious. The V/6 is much cheaper to insure and gets slightly better mileage, and it still hauls.(Particularly with the 5 speed)
With regard to the transmissions they are about the same in the automatic, but the v/8 has a heavier duty 5 speed. Yet the 5 speed in the V/6 has been used with earlier V/8 models than the S197.
With the Pony package in the V/6 you will get the larger wheels and the the nicer rims that are also used on V/8 stangs I think you also get larger front and rear stabilizers which are from the GT
The package that includes the traction control and abs should be a must for a car that is driven in winter or even just hard rain. With this package you get some othere stuff too. But with V /8 (GT) you can get a traction lok rear end which may be better for winter traction.
Unfortunaely the v/6 with the Pony package, which contains many of the things you want it also includes the spoiler which will leave 4 holes in your trunk. You can order a Gt with spoiler delete, but I'm not sure about the V/6
Hope this helps!!!

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daryle

· #3 · Apr 18, 2008

(1) V6 vs V8. Your choice, I think you've already answered your question though.

(2) Wheels. Smaller wheels give better gas mileage I think. BUT, if you want a larger tire after you purchase your car your going to pay the full monty for the 18's whereas if you buy the 18's now, it's just an upgrade charge.

(3) Traction Control. Traction control is a good thing, especially in a rear wheel drive. You can manually turn it off with a button.

(4) Rear Spoiler. Uhhh, no... unless you somehow manage to get your V6 up to 150mph+

(5) Bluetooth. No clue, I have an aftermarket kit.

Sorry for the long post! Long posts are fine, we charge by the number of words, not quality of context :bigthumbsup

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Rockin' Blue's

· #4 · Apr 18, 2008

Get the GT w/the V8 and upgrade 18" wheels, w/ Traction control and the spoiler delete ( your choice ) and you wont be sorry, mine is a daily driver and its so much fun driving back and forth to work everyday not mention the weekends, IMHO!

GoStang

· #5 · Apr 18, 2008

I would get the V8. Both the V6 and V8 are rear wheel driven. Install the aftermarket upgrades i.e, CAI and tune, UDP's and Exhaust w/free'r flowing cats, they all improve MPG's. If you stay out of the throttle you can get the same MPG as the V6 with those upgrades.

stlwagon

· #6 · Apr 18, 2008

The ride on 18" wheels will be a little harsher than 16". More metal means less rubber. Spoiler is decorative only. TCS is a good thing to have when you need it.

Robonaut

Discussion Starter · #7 · Apr 18, 2008

Thanks for the responses everyone!

I started looking more closely at the GT, and I noticed a couple of things:

(1) There is an option for a "3.55 Limited Slip Axle Ratio". What exactly is that?

(2) It looks like the HID headlights are only available on the GT, is that correct?

(3) I notice that some of the Mustangs have a chrome box around the pony logo on the grill. That's pretty cool looking--but does anyone know which option it is? I couldn't seem to find it.

pmr2000

· #8 · Apr 18, 2008 (Edited)

There is a pdf of 2008 Mustang Ordering guide somewhere on this website and the dealers can print one for you, 14 pages of models and options.

I think it comes down to $$ and what you want. Yes the V6 is cheaper and less to insure, gas mileage not that much better than the GT. GT is a more modern engine and gives you a lot more standard equipment.

I special ordered my V6 to keep the price down-all the V6's on the lots had $5K of options, to me does not make sense to buy a loaded V6, just get a GT instead.

stlwagon

· #9 · Apr 18, 2008

Robonaut said:
There is an option for a "3.55 Limited Slip Axle Ratio". What exactly is that?

The stock gear ratio is 3.31:1. The 3.55s are just a taller gear which will improve off-the-line performance a little.

Robonaut said:
I notice that some of the Mustangs have a chrome box around the pony logo on the grill. That's pretty cool looking--but does anyone know which option it is? I couldn't seem to find it.

I believe only the V6 Pony package includes that trim.

daryle

· #10 · Apr 18, 2008

I made a thread with this link in it but I think you'd find this side-by-side comparison of the V6 to the V8 informative as well: Media.Ford.com: The Products

As you'll notice, there are more differences between the V6 and V8 than just horsepower and aesthetics. You get better front brakes, suspension, tires (standard tires that is) and transmission in the V8.

Also, according to Fords tech specs, the V6 is assembled in Germany and the V8 is assembled here in the states

stlwagon

· #11 · Apr 18, 2008

daryle said:
Also, according to Fords tech specs, the V6 is assembled in Germany and the V8 is assembled here in the states

I wouldn't consider that a strong selling point to get a GT :scratchchin

daryle

· #12 · Apr 18, 2008

stlwagon said:
I wouldn't consider that a strong selling point to get a GT :scratchchin

If you had to go pick it up you would! :shigrin

stlwagon

· #13 · Apr 18, 2008

daryle said:
If you had to go pick it up you would! :shigrin

Ok, I'll buy that statement.

Robonaut

Discussion Starter · #14 · Apr 22, 2008

Thanks for all of your help, everyone.

Unfortunately, it looks like the Mustang is not for me.

I test drove one last week and, honestly, I kind of hated it.

The engine's good, but the transmission, interior, and suspension were all pretty disappointing.

I ended up getting an RX-8 instead, and I couldn't be happier.

thomasusmc

· #15 · Apr 22, 2008

It's your money, do what you want.

I think a Mustang would have been better though......

1mach1

· #16 · Apr 22, 2008

Rotary engine........come on, Robo. :head_shot:

2008GT

· #17 · Apr 22, 2008

V8 no brainer you'll love it after the first full day of driving and will not care about the mileage. Next wheels the stock GT wheels no extra cost is the 17" rims that look like the old thrust. Great look. NEXT track control you live in Mich. and it's going to be a daily drive so this is a big YES!! In winter you will be glad you did! NEXT spoiler well thats up to you. Yes if you like them no if you don't OR if you want to put an aftermarket one on like a duck tail. NEXT blue tooth just throw the cell phone away and drive!! Get the shaker 500 or shaker 1000 upgrade. Get a premium GT and it will have the spoiler, shaker 500, the 17" thrust type rims, and of course the V8! And pick your favorite color while your at it!!

2008GT

· #18 · Apr 22, 2008

Robonaut said:
Thanks for all of your help, everyone.

Unfortunately, it looks like the Mustang is not for me.

I test drove one last week and, honestly, I kind of hated it.

The engine's good, but the transmission, interior, and suspension were all pretty disappointing.

I ended up getting an RX-8 instead, and I couldn't be happier.

Dude :nono: Don't forget to put the big muffler on it and the big bat wing. Your dead to me.

Troon2004

· #19 · Apr 23, 2008

Living in Dearborn Heights and buying an RX-8 may require you to arm yourself (so to speak)...after all, Mustangs are wild horses and who knows what they might do to you if they see you out in an RX when you could've been "running with the herd"

unk:

pmr2000

· #20 · Apr 23, 2008

As someone who had at least one rotary for the last 19 years until the Mustang....

RX-8's are are different driving experience, like most small engines you need to rev the hell out of them to get power. I've driven a couple of RX-8's at autocrosses and they handle amazing, well built quality wise but are not cheap for what you are getting, and are small.

I sold my '88 RX-7 convertible last Nov. after 6yrs to get my Mustang, with kids I needed something more practical as a "toy". That RX-7 had a $25K sticker when new, my '08 Mustang has a $24K sticker.

Before that -'85 300ZX, '79 RX-7, '71 240-Z, '71 Chevelle, '70 Challenger...

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