Is upgrading from a 2019 auto 5.0 to a manual mach 1 worth the price difference?

[ajl006]

Thinking about upgrading from my 2019 Mustang GT Premium (10-speed) to a manual Mach 1 with the handling package and bucket seats.

I can afford it either way, but realistically it would be about $15–20k plus my current car’s value. I also got approved for a loan around 4–5%, and I was considering taking it just to build credit history, even though I could technically pay cash.

Main reason for the switch is I really want a manual. I’ve driven the 10-speed a lot and love the car, but I feel like I’m missing that engagement. The Mach 1 also seems like a better fit for what I want to do now - more spirited driving, twisty roads, and maybe even some track days.

I’ve looked into GT350s too, but I’ve heard mixed things on reliability, and I’m not really trying to deal with that right now.

Just wondering if anyone thinks the upgrade is actually worth it or if I should just keep what I have.

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[ironsurvivor]

I go back and forth on this too with a 2018 GT Premium with the 10 speed. It would be a Mach for me, but I find it hard to justify another $20,000 for what it is when mine is paid off and provides a lot of enjoyment. I just tell myself I'll boost it instead.

 

[ajl006]

I go back and forth on this too with a 2018 GT Premium with the 10 speed. It would be a Mach for me, but I find it hard to justify another $20,000 for what it is when mine is paid off and provides a lot of enjoyment. I just tell myself I'll boost it instead.

I agree with you but for me I enjoy n/a power, if I had a Mach 1 I would do a lot of suspension components/upgrades along with getting a perfect (to me) exhaust setup with only a few visual mods as I like OEM+, then maybe add a ess/procharger later if I really got bored of it (I dont think I would).

 

[Rael]

Hell, yes!!

Just do it. You'll be so happy.

 

[ajl006]

Hell, yes!!

Just do it. You'll be so happy.

This is what will probably end up happening

 

[allfivefifty]

I am biased; however, if you can test drive one then that will convince you. I find the mageride very enjoyable at Sebring International Raceway. Also with the track goodies, no worries about overheating. If you get the HP, you'll want to remove the second chin spoiler for road trips. I removed the OEM aluminum rivets and put in rivet nuts so I could bolt it in.

 

[MACHtobers Very Own]

Have you driven a manual before? or had a good amount of seat time with one? I am genuinely curious as most people who have usually know the answer to this question with no hesitation.

like the miata for some a manual is always the answer for me. I won't even consider an automatic in any sports car buying decision. I am biased and biased is me.

 

[skinnyb]

YES YES YES to the 10000'th degree. I had a 22 GT, PP 10 speed, magneride, the whole nine yards. Absolutely beautiful Grabber Blue Metallic car. Amazing... BUT I wanted back in a manual. Had to be a Tremec. Got my Mach 1 over a year and a half ago. NEVER looking back. SOOOO much more car. And the Tremec is stellar.... DO IT I do miss the grabber blue paint though, but the Fighter Jet Grey is even more of a conversation starter...

 

[dccz302]

Absolutely worth it (I may be biased). The Mach 1 is a GT350 with a Coyote motor. Same handling performance (front-rear GT350 subframes), and the TREMEC transmission is amazing. The only thing missing is the bespoke bits and pieces of a Shelby Mustang. And compared to a GT, it’s a whole different car.

 

[skinnyb]

Absolutely worth it (I may be biased). The Mach 1 is a GT350 with a Coyote motor. Same handling performance (front-rear GT350 subframes), and the TREMEC transmission is amazing. The only thing missing is the bespoke bits and pieces of a Shelby Mustang. And compared to a GT, it’s a whole different car.

Agreed Its a "parts bin" car, but a damn fine parts bin car. Maybe with the exception of the Shelby models, its the pinnacle of S550 Mustang... All the good bits from every S550 ever made, into a nice tidy Coyote powered package (the 480 HP Bullit package no less) And if you wanna go faster, boost is just a few thousand dollars away I am eyeing an ESS at the moment, might pull the trigger soon. Get the head unit powder coated orange to match my orange accents and send it

 

[ajl006]

Have you driven a manual before? or had a good amount of seat time with one? I am genuinely curious as most people who have usually know the answer to this question with no hesitation.

like the miata for some a manual is always the answer for me. I won't even consider an automatic in any sports car buying decision. I am biased and biased is me.

Yes, I've driven my friends manuals plenty of times - S650 5.0, Focus St, and some 86/brzs. I know for a fact I will enjoy a mach 1 more, I am just debating wether or not its worth the $15-20k + what id get for my car since mine is all paid off.

 

[skinnyb]

Yes, I've driven my friends manuals plenty of times - S650 5.0, Focus St, and some 86/brzs. I know for a fact I will enjoy a mach 1 more, I am just debating wether or not its worth the $15-20k + what id get for my car since mine is all paid off.

I took a bath on mine too. Mine was paid WAY down but not paid off. Still don't regret it. Got mine with 4800 miles, and still had at least 6 months factory warranty (2021 model, originally put in service in April 2022)... I would do it again in a heart beat. But I make bad financial decisions every day. I need a tag that says "MY401K" LOL.... I truly enjoy driving the Mach 1 MUCH more. The GT was fun, and FAST. But the M1 just makes me grin every time I shift gears. And hit a really twisty road, and it just comes alive... I hit curves harder and harder just for fun to see what it will do.. I have hit close to the limit a few times, but it is high on this car.

 

[wingnutt]

If you like mustangs more than money…do it you won’t be sad.

if you like money more than mustangs…buy a blower, you won’t be sad.

 

[agmattocks]

Thinking about upgrading from my 2019 Mustang GT Premium (10-speed) to a manual Mach 1 with the handling package and bucket seats.

I can afford it either way, but realistically it would be about $15–20k plus my current car’s value. I also got approved for a loan around 4–5%, and I was considering taking it just to build credit history, even though I could technically pay cash.

Main reason for the switch is I really want a manual. I’ve driven the 10-speed a lot and love the car, but I feel like I’m missing that engagement. The Mach 1 also seems like a better fit for what I want to do now - more spirited driving, twisty roads, and maybe even some track days.

I’ve looked into GT350s too, but I’ve heard mixed things on reliability, and I’m not really trying to deal with that right now.

Just wondering if anyone thinks the upgrade is actually worth it or if I should just keep what I have.

YES

 

[LxMike]

Main reason for the switch is I really want a manual. I’ve driven the 10-speed a lot and love the car, but I feel like I’m missing that engagement. The Mach 1 also seems like a better fit for what I want to do now - more spirited driving, twisty roads, and maybe even some track days.

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