Base Dark Horse vs. Performance-Optioned GT Premium?

[Fridge56Vet]

My dream of a loaded Dark Horse is almost certainly out of reach financially, but after messing around on Ford's "Build & Price" tool for 2025, it seems that a GT Premium w/the Peformance Pkg, Nite Pony Pkg, MagnaRide, and Active Valve Exhaust is only about $2700 cheaper than a base Dark Horse (no options). I'm thinking that it may be worth it for the Tremec (I row my own gears) alone. I think the B&O sound system is on the base DH too, though I'm no audiophile and wouldn't generally pay the extra $995 for that in the GT. Otherwise I think I've built both of them fairly comparably.

Is there anything I'm missing? Should I consider bumping up, or is the DH not really worth it w/out the Handling Package?

I'm also 6'4" and pushing 3 bills, so the Recaros probably aren't in my future, but if any other bigger guys find them to be a tolerable fit please let me know.

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[young at heart]

My dream of a loaded Dark Horse is almost certainly out of reach financially, but after messing around on Ford's "Build & Price" tool for 2025, it seems that a GT Premium w/the Peformance Pkg, Nite Pony Pkg, MagnaRide, and Active Valve Exhaust is only about $2700 cheaper than a base Dark Horse (no options). I'm thinking that it may be worth it for the Tremec (I row my own gears) alone. I think the B&O sound system is on the base DH too, though I'm no audiophile and wouldn't generally pay the extra $995 for that in the GT. Otherwise I think I've built both of them fairly comparably.

Is there anything I'm missing? Should I consider bumping up, or is the DH not really worth it w/out the Handling Package?

I'm also 6'4" and pushing 3 bills, so the Recaros probably aren't in my future, but if any other bigger guys find them to be a tolerable fit please let me know.

I‘m 5-10 and tip the Toledos at 252. I have a DH with Recaros and one without. The regular seats are definitely more comfortable but the Recaros aren’t anywhere near as bad as I had anticipated. Having said that another person my exact height and weight might be built entirely differently and they might not work at all. I carry most of my weight in my chest and shoulders so the only place I feel the bolsters is across my upper back. The butt bolsters are no problem. You just have to try them and see but remember this: the Recaro bolsters will flatten out substantially in pretty short order. The Recaros aren’t standard on the DH and cost ~ two grand so there’s that.

You can read all the opinions in other posts but here’s mine: if the extra $2700 is at all doable get the DH. Otherwise enjoy what your budget allows.

 

[S650sunshine]

It’s basically just upgrades from the DH for a GT to be like a base model DH. Can’t go wrong with any in my opinion.

 

[theMANIMAL]

I had the same thought when we optioned out our 2024, but couldn’t find a dealership willing to let us order a DH, let alone without ADM. Something else to consider if you’re financing, the lower Ford rates don’t apply to halo vehicles, which the DH gets categorized as. However, if paying cash then this is a nonissue.

 

[Polo08816]

I had the same thought when we optioned out our 2024, but couldn’t find a dealership willing to let us order a DH, let alone without ADM. Something else to consider if you’re financing, the lower Ford rates don’t apply to halo vehicles, which the DH gets categorized as. However, if paying cash then this is a nonissue.

How things change in a year or two…

https://www.sheehyfordgaithersburg.com/new-vehicles/

They’re offering anywhere from $1000 to $3500 off a DH.

 

[brian5814]

I have every option on my 2025 except the magna ride car came in at 64K, i’m really happy with it. It’s my daily driver.

 

[GrabThatBlue]

I have every option on my 2025 except the magna ride car came in at 64K, i’m really happy with it. It’s my daily driver.

Do you have Recaro's or the base seats?

 

[Fridge56Vet]

I‘m 5-10 and tip the Toledos at 252. I have a DH with Recaros and one without. The regular seats are definitely more comfortable but the Recaros aren’t anywhere near as bad as I had anticipated. Having said that another person my exact height and weight might be built entirely differently and they might not work at all. I carry most of my weight in my chest and shoulders so the only place I feel the bolsters is across my upper back. The butt bolsters are no problem. You just have to try them and see but remember this: the Recaro bolsters will flatten out substantially in pretty short order.

Thanks. I carry most of my wt. around chest/shoulders too. Belly/waist gets carried in the front, which helps, I suppose.

 

[broncoboy22]

I agreed that if the extra $2700 is within your budget/financing then I would get the DH. Will hold its value longer and you get the tremec, all the coolers, plus a beefier coyote

 

[theMANIMAL]

How things change in a year or two…

https://www.sheehyfordgaithersburg.com/new-vehicles/

They’re offering anywhere from $1000 to $3500 off a DH.

Sure, they’re offering a discount, but the DH isn’t worth $70k+ in my book, so still a non-starter.

 

[Jonyxz]

My dream of a loaded Dark Horse is almost certainly out of reach financially, but after messing around on Ford's "Build & Price" tool for 2025, it seems that a GT Premium w/the Peformance Pkg, Nite Pony Pkg, MagnaRide, and Active Valve Exhaust is only about $2700 cheaper than a base Dark Horse (no options). I'm thinking that it may be worth it for the Tremec (I row my own gears) alone. I think the B&O sound system is on the base DH too, though I'm no audiophile and wouldn't generally pay the extra $995 for that in the GT. Otherwise I think I've built both of them fairly comparably.

Is there anything I'm missing? Should I consider bumping up, or is the DH not really worth it w/out the Handling Package?

I'm also 6'4" and pushing 3 bills, so the Recaros probably aren't in my future, but if any other bigger guys find them to be a tolerable fit please let me know.

If you want the manual get the Dark Horse and dont look back. You'll enjoy more the car every time you drive it.

Tremec, coolers, internals, rotors, deeper exhaust. Much value in those $2,700

 

[Dharri21]

I did not double check but I think the engine internals are slightly upgraded in the DH. edit: I see @Jonyzx mentioned it

 

[Lakersfreak]

I had the same dilemma and ended up with a loaded GT PP. I think I made the right decision. I don't like the way the front of the DH looks.

 

[Ryunker]

My dream of a loaded Dark Horse is almost certainly out of reach financially, but after messing around on Ford's "Build & Price" tool for 2025, it seems that a GT Premium w/the Peformance Pkg, Nite Pony Pkg, MagnaRide, and Active Valve Exhaust is only about $2700 cheaper than a base Dark Horse (no options). I'm thinking that it may be worth it for the Tremec (I row my own gears) alone. I think the B&O sound system is on the base DH too, though I'm no audiophile and wouldn't generally pay the extra $995 for that in the GT. Otherwise I think I've built both of them fairly comparably.

Is there anything I'm missing? Should I consider bumping up, or is the DH not really worth it w/out the Handling Package?

I'm also 6'4" and pushing 3 bills, so the Recaros probably aren't in my future, but if any other bigger guys find them to be a tolerable fit please let me know.

Go for the DH, just did the track attack with an owner who had a loaded GT '24 drove it 5k miles, then he added 30k and turned in his GT for a new DH.

 

[Polo08816]

Sure, they’re offering a discount, but the DH isn’t worth $70k+ in my book, so still a non-starter.

Just have to wait another year or two and see if production ramps up.

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