Prospective owner asks: V6 or V8?

[Swordsman]

Hey guys!

I don't own a Mustang yet, but I WILL... it's already been approved by my banker (aka WIFE), so now it's just a matter of choosing what to get.

I'm trying to figure out which engine to go with. Part of me says that if I'm getting a Mustang, do it right, go big, and never look back. Choosing the V8 makes the most sense from the perspective of value... bang for the buck, and it'll be worth more later on down the road.

However, the part of me that obsesses over fuel economy (and that was seriously considering buying a *gasp* Toyota Yaris!), keeps screaming I'm absolutely MAD to consider a V8. I've been poking over in the fuel economy thread, and the results ain't so hot. The V6 makes the most sense from an everyday commuter perspective, and it's a good bit cheaper to purchase.

I commute 50 miles round trip every day, 80% open highway, so I've been trying to convince myself that I can pull off the Mustang EPA highway numbers, which aren't so far away from the 30-32mpg I'm getting with my Pontiac Vibe.

Decisions, decisions! Any advice? I'd like to hear from some people that own each.

Thanks a bunch!
~SM

 

[Jenns01TA]

In all practicality HOW YOU drive will be the largest contributor to your real life MPG. I found in town the 4.0L to be a thirsty little turd. I actually get better gas mileage in the 5.7L LS1 TA than I did with the 4.0L.

The 6 modifies very well (if this is in your eventual plan refer to some of the V6 tech forum posts).

Like all evolutions of the Mustang, there are more after market products available for the 8.

Either option will lead you to a nice refined sporty commute. Good Luck.

 

[gt06]

V8! No contest!

 

[gashog]

Drive both before you make your decision.

You'll probably end up with an 8 cyl.

 

[Roni]

 

[shooterm1]

Drive both before you make your decision.

You'll probably end up with an 8 cyl.

I'm betting ~ not ~ ...

(it sounds like he's on a budget)

 

[Bolt on 5.0]

Go for the GT. The gas is not that much different. I was worrying about gas mpg also before I bout my '07. But whats the difference gas is expensive anyways if you get to the point where gas is to expensive to buy then it does not matter what vehicle you own. I mean if gas went to like $10 a gallon I'll start riding my bike, lol. Good luck

 

[Swordsman]

I'm betting ~ not ~ ...

(it sounds like he's on a budget)

Not so much... anything under $30k won't be a problem. I mentioned the cheaper cost of the V6 just because, well, nobody ever really relishes the idea of spending more money than they have to. As far as fuel economy goes, it's really the sensation of wastefulness that I hate, not really the sting in the wallet. I like efficiency, and I try to be somewhat environmentally responsible when I can. However, we're talking about a Mustang here, so I'll look the other way.

I like cars. Lots of cars. The Yaris is an awesome little machine... it does exactly what it was created for, and does it well. That's why I was considering it. Not solely for the price. It may be slow as Christmas and sturdy as an empty can of Pepsi, but it's super-nimble and can achieve near-hybrid fuel economy if driven properly. I think that's pretty cool.

Needless to say, a Mustang one-ups it a bit on the cool factor.

I actually wasn't considering the V8 to begin with. My Dad and father-in-law both brought up the future value and reputation of the larger engine, and it makes sense. Had there been an enormous gap in the fuel consumption between the two, I might have just blown them off, but they're rated very nearly the same, with the V8 sporting MUCH more HP. It's quite a temptation!

~SM

 

[stang8urimport]

Don't buy a Mustang if you're so concerned about fuel mileage. Mustang and MPG don't really go together. I got 23-24 MPG with the stock 3.55s on my 60 mile commute to work, about 90% highway. With the 4.10s (and x pipe, always on it to hear it haha), it's gone down to about 20-21. I also usually go 80-85 MPH, so going slower would help a lot... but I don't have time to go slow.

 

[jas142]

Get the GT. If you get the V6, chances are you'll second guess it in the future and say "I wish I got the V8"

Either way, good luck!

 

[Swordsman]

Get the GT. If you get the V6, chances are you'll second guess it in the future and say "I wish I got the V8"

Either way, good luck!

Yeah, that's kinda' what I've been thinking. I really am biased toward the V8.... I was curious how many would advocate the V6 instead. They both seem like great choices, but the way I see it, if I plunk down this kind of cash for a Mustang I might as well get everything I could possibly want. With the retro styling, I fully expect this generation will be a classic, and a lifelong keeper. Not the kind of thing you want to skimp on, if you're really wanting the full monty.

Several of you guys seem to drive MUCH faster than I do. I top out around 75, and even then, I've got to be in a big hurry. I usually cruise between 60-70 mph. I feel confident that I can pull some numbers close to the EPA ratings with my commute (if I can resist the temptation to play!).

Thanks for the feedback!

~SM

 

[Jenns01TA]

Not many will say get the six. It is akin to asking within the MB CLK class should I get the 320, 500 or AMG 55. For $10,000 more I'm sliding in the AMG 55 Coupe instead of the 320 Coupe.

With the Stang, there is a small group of die hards that want to design, develop and re-engineer the six into their optimal driving machine. Most responses from the members will be the GT. It is what it is.

 

[Troy-Stangsaver]

Get the GT that gas milage isnt that bad. if u keep it stock hahaha

 

[DarkFireGT]

Get the 8. The gas mileage difference between a stock 6 and 8 is 2-3mpg at most. With my new intake and new, I get 23-24 city and 27-30 highway when I baby it. When I play with it I get 19-22. The difference in displacement isn't that great. 4.0 - 4.6... but the extra two cylinders use the gas a bit more efficiently. The 6 cylinder is on the large side for a 6, and it gets worse gas mileage than most 6's because of it.

If you're on the fence, here's what I'm thinking. The benefits of an 8 outweigh a 6 3 to 1. You are a lot more likely to regret getting a 6, than getting the 8. If you get either of them and regret them, when you go to sell it, the 8 will be worth a lot more.

 

[stanmckinney]

Insurance for me on a V8 which I now own, is about $90 a year more than the V6 I traded in. Gas mileage in town for either one sucks, about 13 to 14 especially if you like to feel the power once in awhile.
The V8 with less than 3,000 miles on it is getting 23 to 25 MPG on the highway. The v6 got 25 to 27.
I loved the V6. I lust over the V8.
Remember the commercials for the vegetable drink? Don't be wishing you had got a V8. Just get one.

 

[homebrewer]

The V8 really does get some pretty good mileage, all things considered. Granted, it may not be as good as a new C6 vette in MPG/HP, but it's still an efficient engine. I'm a broke post-grad student, but I still don't have a problem filling up. To me, the price of a tank of gas is small compared to the smile I get from that lovely V8.

If you're really that concerned about efficiency, just consider an aftermarket turbo kit. On either the six, or the eight, the turbo can utilize the "wasted" heat,velocity and flow of the exhaust into creating more power, and if driven right, more fuel economy. At this point, you're almost getting something for nothing.

In the end though, regardless of what you do, I can almost gaurantee that you will wish you bought the V8. Even if you do buy the eight, you'll still yearn for more power. Like you, I also drive relatively slowly.... but sometimes it would be nice to have the power to get up to that slow speed even faster!

 

[bluecar]

I'm a bit prejudiced because 5 out of 7 cars I drove were V8. I learned on a '73 Impala with a 400. The instructor slammed on the brake on his side to keep me from going too fast!

Honestly, if you're concerned with mileage there is not much of a difference in real life. Don't read those stickers.

Rent a v6 convertible, then test drive an 8. Rental agencies dont have v8s! Feel the difference, feel the kick. The 4.6 is a more sophisticated engine whereas the 4.0 seems to pour the gas down the cylinders. I rented a 6 in Los Angeles and it got 10 mpg, in town driving, no traffic jams.

Then there's the sound. The v6 sounds terrible in my opinion, especially at 2000 rpm. Sounds flatulent <<pbbbbbbbbbbhhhhh>>. I had a 2000 v6 (3.8) and I took the first opportunity to trade it for an 8 mainly because of the sound of the engine. Bugged the living bejesus out of me. Dont put louder exhausts on a 6. You'll hate it. Oh, and the 4.0 is off of the Explorer. (correct me if I'm wrong)

Don't think of it as $3000 more per cylinder. You get other things with a GT that are not on the v6. Dont European cars run $10000 extra per cylinder?

Not to disparage the 6 cylinders because they have the horsepower of the older 5.0 fox bodies. Its also a good car, but the GT was my choice hands down. Seek approval from the bank.

 

[kooldawg6]

If you love the styling and better MPG, go for the 6. If you have any desire of having power and sound and the rush it creates, get the 8! The stock GT can be made much more enjoyable with a tuner and custom tunes for less than $500! I could care less about the MPG of the GT unless it got less than 10 MPG or gas prices double. I have no problems paying for 93 and filling up an average of 2 times/week compared to the on my face ever time I get behind the wheel and start her up. Most of my cruising is at or 5 MPH over the speed limit. With the gear swap and exhaust mods, I can get a pretty good sound out of it at those speeds. To prove how much fun the GT is, I have a diesel Jetta that has been sitting untouched since last November that gets mid 40s MPG. I've even stopped riding my motorcycle as much as well. Before the Stang, I put about 10K miles a year on it, now it might get 200/month.

 

[tsaints1115]

I went with the v6 as it is my primary driver,60 miles each way to work all highway. Now that its broken in I have seen mpg as high as 29 when i short shift and use the cruise around 75mph. When i want some speed its there also. I just didn`t think the amount of better performance that the gt has was worth the higher purchase price,insurance,and gas mileage difference. But buy what works best for you.

 

[tr7driver]

If You go V6, Consider A used one

When I was shopping about a year ago, there were a lot of low milage (like 4 to 8K) used V6 stangs around on the lot with some nice discounts and less "off the lot" depriciaton than buying a new one. However, the salesmen always told me the original owner traded it for a GT, so if you really think you wantt the v8, just buy it. Around here, the GT's do hold value a lot better than the V6, so if you are only going to hold it a few years, the V8 may be the way to go. I drove several V6's, but once i drove the V8, for me, it was the way to go. Drive it like an old lady, and you get great mpg, but you still have the ponies in reserve when you want them.