Tough decision!

[Spartan]

And yes I was looking at an A5 before this. This is why I have this Angel/Devil thing going (the angel is Audi, the Devil is GT).....Since I was looking at an A5, then obviously why wouldn't I be considering the EB due to same type of car in HP, style, etc, BUT then I have the whole if you were going to spend that on the A5, then spend a little less and still get the GT which is a hell of a lot more power for still less then the A5 by a wide margin. To get the HP in an Audi, you'd have to get an RS5 in that range.

I think this is a decision a lot of us have to make. To me, there are two different ways to look at it.

Price: You were going to spend that much money anyway and why not buy the most power that you can get for that amount of money? Hard to argue with that.

Requirements/expectations: You were looking at a specific type of car like, for example, the A5/S5. The EB PP ticks nearly all of the same boxes and, as a bonus, comes in at a significantly lower price.

In my case, since I wasn't looking for pure power or a "muscle car," it made more sense to me to go for the EB PP. It fit my requirements and expectations and, while I can afford the GT Premium PP, I liked the idea that I could use the saved money for my other hobbies, like the money pit that is motorcycling. It took some self-discipline not to just go for the GT, but I liked the lighter weight and slightly better handling characteristics of the EB PP, too.

For me, a win/win. For you, the best outcome might be different. Whichever way you go, it'll be fun.

Last note: Sounds like the salesman is trying to up-sell you for sure. Go with whichever one makes you happier.

Yah it's a tough one. I'll be going to test drive the EB with PP later this week when the weather clears up. Again, I wish I could get it without the black wheel and summer tires.

And yes, you're completely right about the boxes being checked between the A5/S5 and EB with PP.

How's your MPG in the EB been?

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[Markbnh1]

As stated I was quite happy with the EB (no PP) until I made the mistake of driving the GT (no PP either). Then I drove the same EB again and it was kind of a no brainer for me. One put a smile on my face the whole ride while the other was just okay. I'm not even a muscle car kind of guy.

 

[Anvil3]

Yah it's a tough one. I'll be going to test drive the EB with PP later this week when the weather clears up. Again, I wish I could get it without the black wheel and summer tires.

And yes, you're completely right about the boxes being checked between the A5/S5 and EB with PP.

How's your MPG in the EB been?

For me, the PP was a requirement. I thought it tightened up the car just enough. Your results may vary. Depends on your roads and driving style.

Some people are going to put a premium on power, others on the handling. It sounds like the non-PP cars handle well, but are noticeably softer, maybe even a bit bouncy. My priority was precision, and not necessarily huge power. The GT with the PP gets you both, but, by all accounts, doesn't turn quite as well as the EB.

I knew the summer tires were going to be an issue. Unfortunately, you'll probably want to spend some more on a set of winter tires (and possibly wheels).

I haven't been paying too much attention to gas mileage. I know these cars probably don't require a lot of break-in, but that's what I've been trying to do, especially with this being a new engine platform. I've only put about 850 miles on the car and too much of it has been crawling around and short trips in town. I've also been sure to warm up the thoroughly on cold days, of which we've had several. This isn't going to help the MPG.

I also can't keep my damn finger off the Mode switch, so I've been trying out all the modes and trying to note the differences.

Anyway, given those caveats, I'm getting an average of 18 right now. This is a little disappointing, but it has been creeping up steadily and I'm not exactly driving normally. I'll start taking a more accurate look once the car hits about 1200 miles.

 

[Branden]

For me, the PP was a requirement. I thought it tightened up the car just enough. Your results may vary. Depends on your roads and driving style.

Some people are going to put a premium on power, others on the handling. It sounds like the non-PP cars handle well, but are noticeably softer, maybe even a bit bouncy. My priority was precision, and not necessarily huge power. The GT with the PP gets you both, but, by all accounts, doesn't turn quite as well as the EB.

I knew the summer tires were going to be an issue. Unfortunately, you'll probably want to spend some more on a set of winter tires (and possibly wheels).

I haven't been paying too much attention to gas mileage. I know these cars probably don't require a lot of break-in, but that's what I've been trying to do, especially with this being a new engine platform. I've only put about 850 miles on the car and too much of it has been crawling around and short trips in town. I've also been sure to warm up the thoroughly on cold days, of which we've had several. This isn't going to help the MPG.

I also can't keep my damn finger off the Mode switch, so I've been trying out all the modes and trying to note the differences.

Anyway, given those caveats, I'm getting an average of 18 right now. This is a little disappointing, but it has been creeping up steadily and I'm not exactly driving normally. I'll start taking a more accurate look once the car hits about 1200 miles.

I really don't think the MPG difference is as big as it looks on paper. I'm around 18 mpg in my Auto GT, leaving it in normal drive mode most of the time (cold, snowy, and rainy lately). That said, every day that the roads are dry I don't hold back from the pedal either. To get the same fun feeling from acceleration in the EB, you're going to be into boost which really hurts mpg.

To say the GT doesn't turn quite as well is a bit misleading, IMO. You would have to really push the car to notice any significant difference in handling between the EB and GT. I test drove numerous EBs and GTs before buying my car, and on the street I didn't really notice a handling difference. That said, there's a huge difference in available torque which may mask some of the different handling characteristics.

I didn't see the significant differenes between the EB and GT being MPG or handling. To me, it was about smooth power delivery, fun driveability, and that delicious sound when you press the Engine Start button.

 

[Rickycardo]

How much horsepower you need should only be limited by your right foot... Go GT!

 

[Markbnh1]

I really don't think the MPG difference is as big as it looks on paper. I'm around 18 mpg in my Auto GT, leaving it in normal drive mode most of the time (cold, snowy, and rainy lately). That said, every day that the roads are dry I don't hold back from the pedal either. To get the same fun feeling from acceleration in the EB, you're going to be into boost which really hurts mpg.

To say the GT doesn't turn quite as well is a bit misleading, IMO. You would have to really push the car to notice any significant difference in handling between the EB and GT. I test drove numerous EBs and GTs before buying my car, and on the street I didn't really notice a handling difference. That said, there's a huge difference in available torque which may mask some of the different handling characteristics.

I didn't see the significant differenes between the EB and GT being MPG or
handling. To me, it was about smooth power delivery, fun driveability, and that delicious sound when you press the Engine Start button.

Your last paragraph sums it up completely for me also! I drove the EB twice but there was just something magical about my ride in the GT. Once I experienced it there was no going back!

Branden, what rear axle did you get? That's my only indecision at this point even after reading all the comments in the transmission section here.

 

[Anvil3]

I really don't think the MPG difference is as big as it looks on paper. I'm around 18 mpg in my Auto GT, leaving it in normal drive mode most of the time (cold, snowy, and rainy lately). That said, every day that the roads are dry I don't hold back from the pedal either. To get the same fun feeling from acceleration in the EB, you're going to be into boost which really hurts mpg.

To say the GT doesn't turn quite as well is a bit misleading, IMO. You would have to really push the car to notice any significant difference in handling between the EB and GT. I test drove numerous EBs and GTs before buying my car, and on the street I didn't really notice a handling difference. That said, there's a huge difference in available torque which may mask some of the different handling characteristics.

I didn't see the significant differenes between the EB and GT being MPG or handling. To me, it was about smooth power delivery, fun driveability, and that delicious sound when you press the Engine Start button.

MPG: The jury is still out on the MPG question. If the EB doesn't do significantly better than the GT eventually, it will be disappointing. While MPG isn't one of my primary concerns, Ford has been touting the efficiency of the engine. That said, I can't say one way or another yet. It's just too new of a car and I'm just playing with it right now.

I think I can assume that hooning around in S+ and Track mode is not going to return the best mileage, though.

Handling: Yes, I agree that under normal conditions, you probably won't notice much of a difference. I'm only going by what testers have said, which is when pushing the car a bit on back roads, the EB turns quicker and they noticed less weight on the front. Unfortunately, my salesmen might have frowned on me had I tested that theory fully during test drives.

The GT however, will certainly rotate the back end easier than the EB, so if you like to steer on the throttle, well, then that would probably make up for any slight disadvantage at the front.

 

[Keyser_Soze]

So I have my new Mustang all picked out, my dealer has the specs and will order it any day now for a late Winter early Spring delivery. Ruby red Ecoboost, automatic, with 50 year appearance package. Yes, I test drove one in stock. So what's the problem? Well, yesterday I test drove an automatic GT at another local dealer and I can't stop thinking about how awesome all that power felt! And so smooth!

The practical side of me is saying I don't need that much horsepower. I'm 65 years old, won't be racing it, and know the insurance will be less on the Ecoboost. Plus, my wife may divorce me if I upgrade to the GT. (She was with me for the GT test drive). I know all you muscle car guys will tell me to get the GT. Any other insight would be appreciated.

Help!

You're 65 - your insurance will be cheaper than 95% of us. You probably have more saved up than most of us judging on your level of caution. Buy whatever the hell you want, especially if you're approaching retirement and will be driving it around all the time. A Mustang isn't a practical purchase in the first place, so unless it's an issue of money, don't try to FORCE practicality upon it. It's a smile machine - lighten up :cheers:

 

[Markbnh1]

You're 65 - your insurance will be cheaper than 95% of us. You probably have more saved up than most of us judging on your level of caution. Buy whatever the hell you want, especially if you're approaching retirement and will be driving it around all the time. A Mustang isn't a practical purchase in the first place, so unless it's an issue of money, don't try to FORCE practicality upon it. It's a smile machine - lighten up :cheers:

I agree! My GT is on order! Now the waiting game begins.

 

[Spartan]

MPG: The jury is still out on the MPG question. If the EB doesn't do significantly better than the GT eventually, it will be disappointing. While MPG isn't one of my primary concerns, Ford has been touting the efficiency of the engine. That said, I can't say one way or another yet. It's just too new of a car and I'm just playing with it right now.

I think I can assume that hooning around in S+ and Track mode is not going to return the best mileage, though.

Handling: Yes, I agree that under normal conditions, you probably won't notice much of a difference. I'm only going by what testers have said, which is when pushing the car a bit on back roads, the EB turns quicker and they noticed less weight on the front. Unfortunately, my salesmen might have frowned on me had I tested that theory fully during test drives.

The GT however, will certainly rotate the back end easier than the EB, so if you like to steer on the throttle, well, then that would probably make up for any slight disadvantage at the front.

Correct and don't forget, the GT can easily run 87 oct and you'd never notice a difference other then at the track. The EB can run 87 but you'll definitely notice it so most will be running 93.

When you factor in the cost of fuel, the GT gets about 18 gallons with 87 oct to the EB 15 gallons for the same cost with 93 oct. So 342 miles with the GT and 390 miles with the EB. That's only a 48 MPG difference for same $$$ spent. (and I still think Ford is low balling the GT combined. Probably closer to 20 or 21).

 

[Branden]

Your last paragraph sums it up completely for me also! I drove the EB twice but there was just something magical about my ride in the GT. Once I experienced it there was no going back!

Branden, what rear axle did you get? That's my only indecision at this point even after reading all the comments in the transmission section here.

I went with standard 3.15s. MPG on road trips does matter to me somewhat and I felt the standard gears were plenty for a DD. I don't have any regrets about that option considering most of my drive is spent between 2-3k RPM and 20-40 mph.

I ended up buying off the lot so I could get the $750 EAA rebate before it expired, and the only option I regret not getting is the Premier Trim. I really liked it for only a few hundred bucks, but the premium interior is really nice already so it probably won't bother me a year from now.

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