GT350 or Mach 1?

[Nate22]

I went back and fourth between the 2 for quite awhile and landed on the Mach. It’s just a nicer car and the coyote is dead reliable. Plus it happens to love boost. Can’t go wrong with either though

How is the mach 1 "just a nicer car?"

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[detamble13]

GT350 gets my vote

 

[mustang88_cars]

This isn’t an apples to apples comparison but I’ll give you my take.

my daughter has a 2017 GT PP1 with long tubes and no cats. I drive the car quite a bit. I have a 2019 GT350. When I first got the GT350 I was a little disappointed with the lack of low end torque. I’ve had the GT350 just about a year now.

The 350 is a waaaaaay better car and substantially more fun to drive than the standard coyote. The low end torque is fun on the 5.0 but it come to an end quick. The 350 just goes for days and wants more. I think the aesthetics on the 350 are just a bit better than the Mach 1. Those are the 2 real differences between the 2. Engine and aesthetics. Once you learn to appreciate the Vudoo and get to know the car the driving experience is just that much better than a coyote I think it’s hard to deny.

I get the GT isn’t a Mach 1 but I’m just comparing them in straight line street driving. My .02

I think if the Vudoo never had the problems it’s had we wouldn’t even have threads like this. At the end of the day people just mentally don’t want to have to think about a 25k engine going bad and I totally get that.

 

[BlkMach10510]

This isn’t an apples to apples comparison but I’ll give you my take.

my daughter has a 2017 GT PP1 with long tubes and no cats. I drive the car quite a bit. I have a 2019 GT350. When I first got the GT350 I was a little disappointed with the lack of low end torque. I’ve had the GT350 just about a year now.

The 350 is a waaaaaay better car and substantially more fun to drive than the standard coyote. The low end torque is fun on the 5.0 but it come to an end quick. The 350 just goes for days and wants more. I think the aesthetics on the 350 are just a bit better than the Mach 1. Those are the 2 real differences between the 2. Engine and aesthetics. Once you learn to appreciate the Vudoo and get to know the car the driving experience is just that much better than a coyote I think it’s hard to deny.

I get the GT isn’t a Mach 1 but I’m just comparing them in straight line street driving. My .02

I think if the Vudoo never had the problems it’s had we wouldn’t even have threads like this. At the end of the day people just mentally don’t want to have to think about a 25k engine going bad and I totally get that.

If the voodoo engine didn't have issues I think the Mach 1 would have had a modified voodoo engine instead of the coyote.

 

[dnstommy]

I have a '19 GT350 and have considered a few times switching to the Mach 1 for the reliable motor. But honestly when I drive the car, all those thoughts disappear. With either car, you will have a blast. But, to me, the 350 is unique car.

 

[MachNroll]

I've been considering moving up but I find myself in abit of a flux. Price range 50 to 60K. Do I go 2016 to 2018 GT350 or 2021 to 2023 Mach 1? This car would not be tracked or on the strip. Not a daily, but not just a weekender either. I do enjoy spirited driving. I feel the Mach 1 fills the bill better but .. the GT350, what more can I say?

Chiming in as a 2x Mach 1 owner; both the base and HP models. If I could have waltzed into a Ford dealership and get a brand new GT350 off the dealer lot, with a factory warranty, never been owned, for mid 60k, I would have done it in a heartbeat.

Unfortunately, when I was ready to buy, the GT350 had been discontinued, and the availability of reasonably priced one owner relatively low mileage 350's were few and far between. I was a bit nervous about the Voodoo engine so I opted for the base model Mach 1 with the 6 spd manual. Then after about 2 years I started getting that itch again but with the 350 even further out from last production run, and quality used options were not ideal, I upgraded to the Mach 1 HP with the auto trans and I do not regret it. The HP gives just enough visual uniqueness combined with great handling and also with the reliability of the Coyote. And while it does not have that 350 presence/design/sound, it's pretty darned good.

Now, with the 350 6 years out of production, and the Mach 3 years out of production, if I were in the market for an "upper tier" Mustang I would go kick the tires on a Dark Horse and see how it went because personally, for the 50-60-65k price range, I want a bit more certainty that I would get with a newer car with a warranty. My .02.

 

[Nate22]

If the voodoo engine didn't have issues I think the Mach 1 would have had a modified voodoo engine instead of the coyote.

What is there to modify?

 

[Mach 307]

In my opinion, any comparison between the Mach 1 and the GT350/GT350R should be made using a Handling Package Mach 1 equipped with the Tremec 6-speed. Once you start including non-HP cars or the 10-speed automatic, you’re comparing vehicles that are much further removed from what made the GT350 and GT350R special.

Having spent time around both platforms, I would argue that a Mach 1 Handling Package with the Tremec is essentially a GT350/GT350R chassis paired with a Coyote engine. At the same time, the Mach 1 also benefits from lessons learned during GT500 development, such as the digital instrument cluster, and even shares spring rates with the Dark Horse Handling Package. That’s why some people describe the Mach 1 as the “better car” not necessarily because it’s superior dynamically, but because it’s a newer, more refined Mustang with additional creature comforts and technology.

My overall point is that there is a specific way a Mach 1 needs to be optioned before a stock for stock comparison with a GT350 or GT350R becomes valid. At a minimum, I believe that means a Handling Package car equipped with the Tremec and Recaros, with the rear seat delete if you want to mirror the GT350R experience more closely.

When configured that way, the comparison becomes much more straightforward. You’re essentially choosing between two interpretations of the same philosophy: a GT350 with its high revving Voodoo, or a Mach 1 with the proven Coyote. Neither is objectively “better”; they’re simply different flavors of the same recipe.

To me, claiming one is definitively better than the other while ignoring those configuration details often reflects an incomplete understanding of what each car actually brings to the table. Obviously, I understand people are going to be bias to which one they own, but I try not to do that as it’s not fair to either of these cars.

 

[dnstommy]

In my opinion, any comparison between the Mach 1 and the GT350/GT350R should be made using a Handling Package Mach 1 equipped with the Tremec 6-speed. Once you start including non-HP cars or the 10-speed automatic, you’re comparing vehicles that are much further removed from what made the GT350 and GT350R special.

Having spent time around both platforms, I would argue that a Mach 1 Handling Package with the Tremec is essentially a GT350/GT350R chassis paired with a Coyote engine. At the same time, the Mach 1 also benefits from lessons learned during GT500 development, such as the digital instrument cluster, and even shares spring rates with the Dark Horse Handling Package. That’s why some people describe the Mach 1 as the “better car” not necessarily because it’s superior dynamically, but because it’s a newer, more refined Mustang with additional creature comforts and technology.

My overall point is that there is a specific way a Mach 1 needs to be optioned before a stock for stock comparison with a GT350 or GT350R becomes valid. At a minimum, I believe that means a Handling Package car equipped with the Tremec and Recaros, with the rear seat delete if you want to mirror the GT350R experience more closely.

When configured that way, the comparison becomes much more straightforward. You’re essentially choosing between two interpretations of the same philosophy: a GT350 with its high revving Voodoo, or a Mach 1 with the proven Coyote. Neither is objectively “better”; they’re simply different flavors of the same recipe.

To me, claiming one is definitively better than the other while ignoring those configuration details often reflects an incomplete understanding of what each car actually brings to the table. Obviously, I understand people are going to be bias to which one they own, but I try not to do that as it’s not fair to either of these cars.

You are right, the comparison should be with only the Handling Package Mach 1 equipped with the Tremec 6-speed.

 

[TonyNJ]

A driving instructor at the FPRS who had tons of seat time in both the GT350 and the Mach 1 with the HP, Recaros, and RSD said the Mach 1 was the best handling S550 he'd driven, but preferred the motor of the GT350.

So, to @Mach 307 's point, it really comes down to "preference", and "better" is subjective. Some people like , some like . But this comparison thread is the usual .

 

[brfdrums]

Im happy to have found this...going through the same debate. I'm scared if I test drive either I won't like my current car as much anymore, and I do like it, a lot!

 

[TonyNJ]

Im happy to have found this...going through the same debate. I'm scared if I test drive either I won't like my current car as much anymore, and I do like it, a lot!

"Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?"

 

[UpACurb]

Ill quote myself from a different thread having owned both a GT PP1 and now 350

The Voodoo is like marrying a 10. She might divorce you and take half your stuff. She is a little high maintenance. But at night when you get to the bedroom somehow it's all worth it.

The Coyote is like a solid 8. Dinner cooked and on the table every night. Will never leave you. Lower maintenance..... but every time that perfect 10 walks by ....your going to look.....

 

[Mikepol2]

Im happy to have found this...going through the same debate. I'm scared if I test drive either I won't like my current car as much anymore, and I do like it, a lot!

Yeah... you'll still like your car, but there's definitely the prospect of liking both the Mach and the 350 better.

And to @TonyNJ 's point, this debate has raged since the Mach was introduced. And it's probably not going away anytime soon.

 

[HoldenSSVandGT350]

Your choices:
A gt350 with a voodoo engine
A gt350 with a coyote engine (Mach 1)
A reskinned Mach 1 (DH)

The Mach 1 isn’t a GT350 with a Coyote. Having driven both I have to just say that. It’s not just the sound and 8250 revs that make the difference. The look for one, especially from the front, obviously. But also the sides and the rear.

It’s also the way the steering wheel communicates differently through the electric rack, I don’t mean tramlining but rather the tuning. It’s immediately noticeable when both are on same tires. Drive both and you’ll feel it.

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