Do I really need the Performance Package?

[BaileytheDog]

So I have finally gotten the ok to purchase a mustang. Unfortunately, per the wife, it needs to be a convertible and auto so she can drive it.
Does not make me happy, but any way I can get one, I'll take it!
I have been looking for my specs: Auto, Active Exhaust, Performance Pack, Magna Ride and Digital Dash (401A). And her specs: Auto, Convertible, not a black exterior.

I have been having a hard time finding that package in a convertible. I guess the question is do I really need the performance package? Because of the convertible, I cannot hit the tracks around here without a roll bar anyway which I'm not going to do yet.
We are looking at 2020-2023. I can order a 2024 from the dealer, but getting up there in price, plus I do not want to wait until October.

Thoughts?

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[Obsidian]

The PP1 convertibles are rare and also one of the most expensive specced mustangs. It’s a great package, but some would say is too expensive these days when ordering new to be worth it. Active exhaust is a must imo the others are debatable based on how much or little you’ll be happy with.

 

[kz]

Magneride used to require Performance Package - so if you want Magneride you will have to get Performance Package.

 

[EFI]

If you're ever going to step foot on a road course and you don't want to mod the car, yes get it.

If not, it's 99% a waste on the street for just putting around. Even the base suspension/brakes are good enough to have fun in some moderate twisties.

 

[BaileytheDog]

Magneride used to require Performance Package - so if you want Magneride you will have to get Performance Package.

Still does (well not sure about 2024)

 

[Jstang23]

Still does (well not sure about 2024)

Since the convertibles weigh so much more than the coupes I would try to find a performance pack. It'll take some significant suspension to keep all the weight properly balanced. But like others said above those are some of the hardest mustangs to find. Extremely limited quantity. Good luck

 

[MAGS1]

Active exhaust was a must have when I ordered mine. Sounds cleaner (to me) and it’s nice to have quiet start when I leave early in the morning. The PP used to be a pretty good value. At almost $7k, I think that the value isn’t there. You can get the FP Track Handling kit for $1,500 after the fact. Digital dash is cool, my dad has it in his. I prefer the analog look but you can do some cool stuff with the digital dash and MyColor with the 401a.

 

[PhillyMike]

I have the PP with magneride in my 2023. I like the PP+MR combo, and it suits my modest performance driving ambitions and lack of desire to do mods to the car. As others have said it is not a 'must have' with the high cost of the package combination. It may not be as much of a bite on a used car.

Also, if you are mechanically competent and are going to mod your car for the track later yourself, a good part of the PP is moot and you are better off getting without and spending the savings on your choice of Ford Performance parts.

The active exhaust IMHO is a must have for the price. It is an absolute bargain for the price.

 

[Seanuf99]

I'd be asking myself if I need the wife...tell her to learn to love the MT.

 

[shogun32]

The magride (the only reason to buy PP) is now a nearly $8000 package which is insane on steroids. Get a set of B6 bilsteins dampers and front linear spring rate of about 200-225 and you'll be good to go for about $1000. Lots of people gush over Active-Exhaust so I'd check that box.

I would FIRST rent a A10 and put it in Sport mode (on the sly?) and have her drive it for a few days and ask her how she likes the neck snapping and erratic behavior. "you think you can really live with this"? (keep the existence of potential "fixes" close to the vest)

Then go find a cheap stick (civic? subi?) and teach her to drive stick. If she's just one of those who "can't get it" or doesn't want to, then you're stuck with a hard choice.

 

[Aero1900]

Can't track a convertible, don't need the perf pack. Simple as that

 

[Traffic22]

Can't track a convertible, don't need the perf pack. Simple as that

I think there are a few people here that would disagree with that statement. Is it the preferred track mustang, of course not, but there are a few here tracking theirs quite well. (@gone_n_60 comes to mind.)

 

[JustSomeGuy]

I don’t think the PP is necessary if your plans for the car are to enjoy it on Sunday cruises with the wife. The car is more than capable of being enjoyable with the top down without the PP stuff. With how rare it is, you’d probably enjoy the premium stuff over the PP. if you’re going to track the car or really hit the twists you’d probably not be getting a convertible then…

I have literally no idea why anyone would want active exhaust. I don’t ever want my v8 to be quiet. If you’re going to put an aftermarket exhaust (non negotiable in my eyes)the cost of aftermarket active is a lot more.

 

[shogun32]

I don’t ever want my v8 to be quiet. If you’re going to put an aftermarket exhaust (non negotiable in my eyes)the cost of aftermarket active is a lot more.

Heh, I know what a quiet V8 sounds like - Audi S5. I can barely tell it's running. There's good sound level and there's obnoxious. The AE stays on the safe side of the dB meter. I personally have a Steeda H paired with the Borla Touring (sans resonator) and it's just right. I wouldn't want it louder.

 

[JustSomeGuy]

Heh, I know what a quiet V8 sounds like - Audi S5. I can barely tell it's running. There's good sound level and there's obnoxious. The AE stays on the safe side of the dB meter. I personally have a Steeda H paired with the Borla Touring (sans resonator) and it's just right. I wouldn't want it louder.

Likely that comes from different purposes for buying the car. I grew up racing (two wheels) so my tolerance for loud is a lot higher than others. I have the FP Borla cat back and absolutely love it. It’s very similar to the Atak system-

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