Dark Horse v. GT Performance Package Differences

[snakeyes]

I had a DH built out and it was $73K MSRP - bought my GT for $52K

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[timd38]

Nothing new here. GT guys say that the DH isn't worth the extra money and DH owners wonder why you would buy a loaded GT for not much less. When I see $20k gaps in stickers, people aren't comparing apples to apples.

 

[snakeyes]

Nothing new here. GT guys say that the DH isn't worth the extra money and DH owners wonder why you would buy a loaded GT for not much less. When I see $20k gaps in stickers, people aren't comparing apples to apples.

DH is nothing more than a Mach 1 with a tad more HP (and that's debatable). I had two of them and there not worth the extra coin. After doing it twice won't do it again. Took it in the bum on both of those resales. Rather take the pain on something I didn't give much pain to buy - just sayin' my opinion, no need to get mad (Jonyxz) when people don't agree with you. It is what it is - opinions are like Aholes everyone has one, it's what makes the world go round. As far as the $20K statement I wasn't talking about a base DH which I would never buy anyway, (but still there was a $10K gap, as I believe base MSRP was $62-$63K including Ford delivery fees..?) $10K from what I paid still a big deal for me anyway.

 

[10basscat]

Nothing new here. GT guys say that the DH isn't worth the extra money and DH owners wonder why you would buy a loaded GT for not much less. When I see $20k gaps in stickers, people aren't comparing apples to apples.

Absolutely agree lol. And it’s the same argument about 87 octane vs premium. The guys using 87 don’t see or feel any benefit of using premium and the premium guys think those of us using 87 are crazy. I opted for the loaded GT and I run 87…. Glad we have choices.

 

[timd38]

Absolutely agree lol. And it’s the same argument about 87 octane vs premium. The guys using 87 don’t see or feel any benefit of using premium and the premium guys think those of us using 87 are crazy. I opted for the loaded GT and I run 87…. Glad we have choices.

Yup, your money spend it the way you want! no wrong answer, buy what you enjoy.

 

[2BigPups]

If you track your car (i.e. HPDE, road courses) then go with the DH with HP. All the track focused parts are well worth it and less expensive than adding them all in later. I wanted to save a few dollars when I bought my 21 Mach 1 and did not get the handling package in order to save $4000. Ended up spending over $5000 to get the car to an almost the HP configuration. Still needed front sway bar and magneride calibration.

If you only cruise, autocross, or drag strip then go with the GT with PP and upgrade to your hearts content. The track focused bits, such as differential cooler, transmission cooler, megneride tuning, swaybars, etc, will not be used or missed.

The same exact conversations and comparisons between the Mach 1 vs GT PP went on and on ad-nauseum over on the Mustang6G forum. It all comes down to your individual use case.

 

[Zig]

New Balance

or British Knights ?

 

[Cobrakit]

GT Prem, 401a, PP, Magneride, Active Exhaust, B&O = 66,360

DH (NON HP) = 70,970 (no ADM)

This as close as I could get since some DH features not available on GT.

So buy what you like and can afford. And there are guys out there with Ecoboosts that think all the V8 guys waisted their money. Enjoy what you have and we're all paying to much for our Mustangs!

These are my recent pony's, from heavily modified (supercharged, 6 sp), to stock. Each unique and enjoyable !

 

[BreadBurner]

The 3160 is a great tranny but it is pretty light duty. The 6060 can handle more power and that is why the 6060 came in the 14 GT500.

People have put some big power in front of the MT-82 and not had an issue.

But is there a scientifically/engineering reason on why the mt-82 can handle boost better than the tr 3160? I understand the points you referenced, but there has to be a mechanical reason on why that is for a transmission bogged down by a crappy clutch/flywheel.

 

[Mustang406]

But is there a scientifically/engineering reason on why the mt-82 can handle boost better than the tr 3160? I understand the points you referenced, but there has to be a mechanical reason on why that is for a transmission bogged down by a crappy clutch/flywheel.

The weak point in the MT-82 is the clutch. The transmission itself is rated for more torque than the 3160.

Comparatively do I want to row the gears in the quirky MT-82 for an entire track day over a Tremec? No. Would I rather have the MT-82 over the 3160 for the drag strip? Absolutely. 6060 in my opinion is superior to both and the GT350, Mach1 and DH should have had the 6060.

 

[BrianJ77]

I have a GT premium, PP, MR, Active exhaust in manual. I drove a dark horse at the Ford performance school and honestly couldn’t really tell the difference in speed or handling (although the DH was an auto, so there’s that) I’m fine with the lesser tranny but I did put a MGW short throw on it that was an improvement. If $ isn’t the biggest issue the. why not go DH but for me I got the best I could afford and have zero regrets. It’s been about a year and I still smile when I walk up to it.

Well said and I agree with you 100%! I also went to FPRS in Charlotte and had the same thoughts you have about the DH I drove vs my GT.

 

[BreadBurner]

The weak point in the MT-82 is the clutch. The transmission itself is rated for more torque than the 3160.

Comparatively do I want to row the gears in the quirky MT-82 for an entire track day over a Tremec? No. Would I rather have the MT-82 over the 3160 for the drag strip? Absolutely. 6060 in my opinion is superior to both and the GT350, Mach1 and DH should have had the 6060.

The torque factor, of course! I was completely unaware of the fact that mt 82 is rated for a higher torque capacity than the tr 3160. The Camaros and Challengers out torque the Mustangs hence why Ford cut costs by choosing the lighter Tremec since the other two have the 6060s. Thank You for the explanation

 

[LoneRanger57]

I had a DH built out and it was $73K MSRP - bought my GT for $52K

Same here 52k for my GT Performance Package

 

[Ewags81]

Personally, I ordered my dark horse but then optioned a GT PP just in case it didn't happen. The gt premium pp with with night pony, active exhaust, magneride, stereo, basically as close as you could get to the dark horse came out to about 61 or 61.5k. I was buying a 6-speed so for me the dark horse premium at 64.5k was justifiable at least to me because it was a limited car and the number one reason was the tremec. Hate the cost, love the car.

 

[Farmer Fran]

I think the biggest reason to DH is the HP with the much larger better wheel/tires...

But then we debate to get the GT with HP and add larger wheels/tires.

This is a discussion forum and we are discussing, Buy what you like and live to the fullest

Be safe, have fun, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

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