2.3 EcoBoost vs. GT from Value POV

[Z_Rocks]

Hi Guys;

I've had many cars, N/A, Different S/C, Single/Twin Turbo and I love Turbos the best. I wish Ford would give us the V6 Turbo for Mustang, but as of now, I take what I can get.

The Base EcoBoost is about $10K lower than GT base in retail. Looking at the performance numbers, I even like the low end TQ of the I4 # 3000 RPM better for street driving.
My question is, Is the I4 really $10K less in "Value" than GT, or do you really get $10K more value from a GT?
Are there people who owned GT before and moved to I4 and regretted it or found I4 to be a better choice?

Thanks in advance!

Sponsored

 

[tw557]

There are 2 ways I look at the value. In my option the GT is no where near the $10000 more value in performance. But, The GT will almost always be worth 10000 more over the years as you go to sell or trade in. So in reality you spend more up front but get more back so it really doesn't cost a lot more to own a GT over the years. But the problem I have is the performance of a GT as a daily driver just wasn't nearly as impressive as I was expecting. And the Eco really surprised me with its low end daily driving torque. I also have grown to prefer turbo torque. So the position I was in cost wise it just wasn't worth it to me. I really wanted to be blown away with the GT power but I really missed the lack of bottom end pull. I was hoping for a short shift monster. I didn't realize at the time these Coyote motors are tuned to rev to the moon and unfortunately I don't have the opportunity around my area to drive like that with looking or sounding like an ass.
I do believe a tune would probably about satisfy me but I certainly didn't want to jeopardize another 10000 cost for a new coyote motor. At that point I would have the possibility of then a 20000 difference to a GT. Personally I believe I would much rather drive an Ecoboost with 10000 in upgrades to drive daily with that crazy amount of torque and still nimble handling. But I need to honestly say it does pain me to not have a "GT". To say I have a GT. To hear the GT. And since I am stock tune the anemic top end of the Eco is sad. i still plan to get into a GT in a couple years but I need to pick up a used one with moderate miles at a 20000ish price that I won't feel scared to modify and tune. And yes, the perfect Mustang would be a Twin turbo V6 for me.

 

[DRU842]

I purchased my Ecoboost after coming from several turbo Ford offerings; Mondeo XR5 and Focus ST both with lots of low down torque. Looking at the Ecoboost numbers the decision was an easy one.
My car is a daily driver for work (20-25,000km per year), averages 9ltr/100km around town but is a great GT car once out of the city. The fact that the company & tax man assist with some of the mods (and compared to my other choices the list of potential mods in massive!), has been an added bonus.

 

[Z_Rocks]

There are 2 ways I look at the value.

Yes, I agree with everything you said. Our logic is the same. For city driving, you need low end TQ.
Thank you for the reply.

 

[Redcruzer]

"Value" is the key. What does it mean to you?

I've seen many, many posts about buying a base GT so people can get the V8. Those folks valued the V8 experience.

For basically the same money, a loaded Eco could be had. Those folks valued all the extra goodies.

I valued the premium features over the V8. A tune and intercooler and the car is faster then I am anyway.

Many that choose the V8 route laugh at this. Thats fine. Many are over in the electronics section trying to add premuim features to thier base cars. Next time they go to buy a new car those "values" most likely will have shifted a bit.

Others without money worries have bought loaded GT's. Some like me, who could have bought the GT, bought loaded Eco's because we value features the the lighter turbo engine brings to the table.

No wrong answer here, its just what you "value" at the time.

 

[apx632]

It truly depends on how you look at it. If you were someone not interested in modding either model, but wanted the most performance possible the GT would make more sense. Especially in the 2018 models where the GT is really just that much better all around performance wise, at least in my opinion from having driven both engines in various trims. For me paying 29 or 30k for a base GT would be worth it if I could actually afford it right now.

 

[AGM2018]

I struggled for the last year with the decision to purchase a base 2019 GT or a lightly optioned 2019 Ecoboost Premium. I purchased a very early 2015 (built in November 2014) Ecoboost Premium, equipped with the Performance Package and 6 Speed Automatic Transmission, in early 2015. The car had plenty of low-end torque (even untuned and with the 6 Speed Automatic Transmission) for city driving. It was also fun for spirited driving but as tw557 said, the top end (at least on a stock tune) of the Ecoboost is anemic. Right at the year mark (10K miles) my Ecoboost developed a very loud and quite noticeable ticking noise...very audible from inside the cabin and outside as well. The dealers couldn't identify the cause of the ticking noise...and said it was "normal" and it wouldn't be an issue. But, this was at the time many early 2015/2016 Ecoboosts (granted most were tuned BUT not all) were failing. Thus, I decided to sell the car, rather than take a chance (granted, it was probably a low probability) the engine would fail. Had I not had this issue, I would still have the 2015 Ecoboost.

So when I decided last summer I wanted to buy another "Stang, I was hesitant to buy another Ecoboost, even though I had read the engine's Noise/Vibration/Harness had been improved, the stock engine tune was more robust with improved torque and perhaps the most notable improvement, the addition of the 10 Speed Automatic Transmission. I test drove multiple 'Stangs: base EB's/GT's, Premium EB's/GT"s, both variants with and without the Performance Package. Ultimately since I am not selling or trading in my daily driver (which has a lot of premium "Bells and Whistles), I decided that a lightly equipped Base GT fit my desires more than a premium Ecoboost. The 2019 GT, with an automatic, 301A Package and 3.55 gears, was 7K more expensive "Out-The-Door and "On-The-Road...all costs included) than a 2019 base Ecoboost equipped with the PP, automatic, 101A, Enhanced Security Package, Active Exhaust and optional 19 inch Luster Wheels...and about $3300.00 (again, Out-The-Door and "On-The-Road...all costs included) more expensive than a 2019 Premium Ecoboost equipped with everything the base was equipped with, except Active Exhaust.

Z_Rocks, in my opinion if a mustang is to be utilized as your daily driver, I agree with Redcruzer...get a nicely equipped premium Ecoboost over a lightly equipped GT...or a loaded out base. As a daily driver, the EB has plenty of horsepower, torque and is a very fun car to drive (a bit more nimble, due to the EB being around 180 pounds lighter on its front end vice a GT). I will use my GT as a "Week Ender" and "Nice Weather Cruiser"; if I had to drive a mustang everyday, it would without a doubt be a well-equipped Ecoboost Premium. I hope all works out well for you...

 

[Bear376]

My 2013 3.7 has decent power and is good in most weather conditions and gets great mileage. My BIL has a 2010 4.6 blown engine (525 rwhp). with summer only tires. No good for any moisture on the roads. Both the 5.0 and EB have value, but only the buyer can decide.

 

[Z_Rocks]

I struggled for the last year with the decision...

Thanks man. I personally think EB is good for city driving, as GT needs room to rev it up.

 

[Vicr]

I hadn't thought much about buying a Mustang but after decades of driving pickup trucks (I was towing an RV) I wanted a change. One Sunday after lunch my wife detoured into the local Ford dealer where I saw many Mustangs for sale but the Triple Yellow Ecoboost Premium was heavily optioned had really low miles (13,000) and the previous owner had done multiple mods to it. Looking at retiring in a couple years it was a no brainer. Inexpensive, excellent performance, decent gas milage and all the bells and whistles. One test drive later it was mine. One happy ex-gearhead.

 

[tw557]

Yeah. Mine was fully optioned premium with plenty of mods too .I sold off the bolt on engine mods but kept all the suspension mods. Also 10000 less then lower optioned gt. I really like the car way more then expected coming from an Audi Tts that was fully tuned. So after 2 years I figured it's time for the gt. I sold my motorcycles and the engine mod and exhaust parts and that gave me my 10000. This was all before test driving a GT. I figured after test drive I won't care how much more. Well I was really disappointed with gt performance. I expected a lot more then the Eco. I just could not spend that much more for a gt. There I sat with 10000 in my pocket now. I ended up getting an 05 gt heavily modded for 10000 and enjoy that much more then just a 5.0 motor To me this option was a much better value.

 

[Z_Rocks]

Yeah. Mine was fully optioned ...

Last week I drove my friends 2019 V6. No juice in it. I had driven a 2018 GT couple of months ago, just from traffic light to traffic light. Max RPM was around 3000, the the V8 had no low tq in 2500 - 3000.
EB gives you 350 TQ in 3000, perfect for city driving. And then adding COBB stage 1, will really wake her up for $530.
Before pulling the plug on 2019, I want to see what's coming up on 2020 EB.

 

[tw557]

I have CPO warranty so I just can't bring myself to tune it. The cost of the tune is no concern but the ecoboom cost is. I think i would be so content with a decent tune. Since I seldom go full throttle, I installed a pedalmax that does enough for me to be content. And since I drive most of my day from 2000 to 4000 the Eco torque really doesn't get enough respect in that area. Personally I think the gt gets too much respect in that Rpm range for what it actually feels like. At least some gt owners will admit it. Sure is fun from 5000 on up though. Problem is first 3 gears are really the only gears that will see those rpms. The higher gears just lug around. Interesting to see if 2020 brings a little more performance

 

[Maggneto]

Hi Guys;

I've had many cars, N/A, Different S/C, Single/Twin Turbo and I love Turbos the best. I wish Ford would give us the V6 Turbo for Mustang, but as of now, I take what I can get.

The Base EcoBoost is about $10K lower than GT base in retail. Looking at the performance numbers, I even like the low end TQ of the I4 # 3000 RPM better for street driving.
My question is, Is the I4 really $10K less in "Value" than GT, or do you really get $10K more value from a GT?
Are there people who owned GT before and moved to I4 and regretted it or found I4 to be a better choice?

Thanks in advance!

I don't know of anyone that has gone from a GT to the Turbo, usually it's the other way around.

Turbo charged engines are superior to NA engines, period. (Thats right, I said it)

The GT will hold its value better since there will be more demand. However, cost of ownership is more than the Turbo in most cases so the value deminishes over time. Gas, insurance, and the cost of finance charges on the extra 10k will add up. Also, there could be some motor vehicle violations caused by the need to show off more in a GT.

Most of our driving is done on curvy country roads with lots of elevation changes with a Max speed of 55. The superior handling characteristics, efficiency and usuable power of the Turbo is the best choice for us.

Having said all that, not all Turbos are created equal. The early 2014-15 cars run 0-60 in the low to mid 5, while the 16-17 started approaching CUV territory. The 2018 with the 10 gets you back to the low 5 with 93 octane. I have had several loaners over the years including 2018 and hated them all.

 

[320guy]

Last year, I was between a fully optioned GT or EB.

I ended up ordering the EB, the only thing missing is the magnetic dampers. I figured that since I wasn’t going to track the car, I was going to save money in the long run. The only thing lacking in the 2018 is the active exhaust or a better exhaust note.

The A10 and 3.55 gears in this car feels great. If you want to cruise around, normal mode is awesome.

Some GT guys arge about the fuel. But some don’t realize the GT holds 0.5 Gals more, which will eat the difference in fuel prize in the long run.

Sponsored