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Manual?

Dxm

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The manual transmission is very good. I've only had experience driving a 2007 GT with manual. You have rev-matching, so it will really help those who are new to manual transmission. I personally disable it after every update, because I want to drive a manual without any gimmicks. Also, there's a hill assist, which you can now disable. It's very useful for all the extreme hill situations if you are not experienced enough.

The new engine is noticeably more powerful during low speeds, and I often drive in 3rd gear in residential areas. It allows for smooth acceleration/deceleration when approaching speed bumps. I wouldn't be able to do that on my 2007 GT.

I love the current gear ratio on the base model. When I accelerate on the highway, I go from 4th to 6th gear. 5th gear is good for cruising at 50 mph, and I also use it sometimes, but not on the highway, unless traffic slows down. The gear ratio is the same now on gears 1--4 as on my old Mustang. But now they've added the 6th gear, and it's faster than the old 5th gear. And 5th gear is somewhere in-between. I really like this new gear ratio a lot.

On my base model, the shifter confidently snaps into its gear, not just kind-of slides in there. An added bonus is that it shows you which gear you are in on the screen, so you don't accidentally go into 3rd gear instead of 5th, for example.

One thing that I dislike is the reverse gear. I've had a 5-speed previously on my 2007. The pulling on the ring to get into the reverse gear feels weird. And sometimes I go into the 1st gear instead of reverse, or reverse instead of the 1st gear. But again, the screen will show which gear you are in, and the backup camera will be on so you'll know.

As for the clutch pedal, it's very smooth and light. You don't need to apply a ton of pressure to it. The only thing is that the pedal was initially kind-of sluggish returning to the up position, but either I've gotten used to the timing, or it bled the air bubble that was in there. No issues there.

And finally, since you are driving manual, you need to get used to that idiotic automatic parking brake tab. It's really a nuisance to me. I really needed to train myself to use it, and there are times where it doesn't engage. I've used DEOX-it on the tab, and I think it's resolved that issue now. But always, always make sure that the brake is engaged, or else your car will roll down the street.

There's also the "auto hold" feature, which I've assigned to the star button. It applies brakes when you stop and press the brake pedal. So you can remove your foot off the brake when you're at a red light, the car is not going anywhere. There's slight resistance when getting going after that. Less resistance than when you have the parking "tab" engaged, and get going -- the brake will get disengaged once you go automatically. But anyway, with the "auto hold" enabled, the parking brake applies automatically when you turn the car off. "Auto hold" = parking brake, just the disengagement is different whether you've pulled on the parking brake (more effort) or have the "auto hold" on (less effort).

That about sums it up.
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Alex381

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The manual transmission is very good. I've only had experience driving a 2007 GT with manual. You have rev-matching, so it will really help those who are new to manual transmission. I personally disable it after every update, because I want to drive a manual without any gimmicks. Also, there's a hill assist, which you can now disable. It's very useful for all the extreme hill situations if you are not experienced enough.

The new engine is noticeably more powerful during low speeds, and I often drive in 3rd gear in residential areas. It allows for smooth acceleration/deceleration when approaching speed bumps. I wouldn't be able to do that on my 2007 GT.

I love the current gear ratio on the base model. When I accelerate on the highway, I go from 4th to 6th gear. 5th gear is good for cruising at 50 mph, and I also use it sometimes, but not on the highway, unless traffic slows down. The gear ratio is the same now on gears 1--4 as on my old Mustang. But now they've added the 6th gear, and it's faster than the old 5th gear. And 5th gear is somewhere in-between. I really like this new gear ratio a lot.

On my base model, the shifter confidently snaps into its gear, not just kind-of slides in there. An added bonus is that it shows you which gear you are in on the screen, so you don't accidentally go into 3rd gear instead of 5th, for example.

One thing that I dislike is the reverse gear. I've had a 5-speed previously on my 2007. The pulling on the ring to get into the reverse gear feels weird. And sometimes I go into the 1st gear instead of reverse, or reverse instead of the 1st gear. But again, the screen will show which gear you are in, and the backup camera will be on so you'll know.

As for the clutch pedal, it's very smooth and light. You don't need to apply a ton of pressure to it. The only thing is that the pedal was initially kind-of sluggish returning to the up position, but either I've gotten used to the timing, or it bled the air bubble that was in there. No issues there.

And finally, since you are driving manual, you need to get used to that idiotic automatic parking brake tab. It's really a nuisance to me. I really needed to train myself to use it, and there are times where it doesn't engage. I've used DEOX-it on the tab, and I think it's resolved that issue now. But always, always make sure that the brake is engaged, or else your car will roll down the street.

There's also the "auto hold" feature, which I've assigned to the star button. It applies brakes when you stop and press the brake pedal. So you can remove your foot off the brake when you're at a red light, the car is not going anywhere. There's slight resistance when getting going after that. Less resistance than when you have the parking "tab" engaged, and get going -- the brake will get disengaged once you go automatically. But anyway, with the "auto hold" enabled, the parking brake applies automatically when you turn the car off. "Auto hold" = parking brake, just the disengagement is different whether you've pulled on the parking brake (more effort) or have the "auto hold" on (less effort).

That about sums it up.
I turned off auto hold almost immediately Because it engages on totally flat roads and adds that tiny bit of resistance. Made cruising around town slightly less pleasant as it made every start less smooth than it should be.
 
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shubox56

shubox56

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If I were to go automatic, it's something like this at a discount to MSRP that may tickle my fancy. Close to the DH in performance (it seems) at a smaller price tag. And as mentioned, if I go manual, it will be the DH based on the collective opinions which I believe to be spot-on.
 

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LouG

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The only Mustang I've driven was an EcoBoost convertible on a recent trip to key West. I wasn't terribly impressed at the time, but I know a GT premium or Dark Horse will be a different animal. I will definitely test drive both along with test driving a base stingray.

I'm carefully reviewing finances before walking into a showroom; I don't want to get caught up in the passion of the moment without carefully planning retirement cash flow which will begin on January 1st. Finally letting go of my career at 70.

I truly appreciate all of the opinions shared. In regards to the automatic, will I like the paddle shifter?
I don't use it much, but it does work well, you can flick down or up multiple gears and it responds well.
You might also like sport and track modes, the downshifting under braking is a bit of fun.
 

LouG

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btw I personally feel that in old age (whatever that means) drivers should be allowed to drive manual transmission cars only. They’re a lot safer! I haven’t seen any statistics on this but I bet the vast majority of elderly drivers hitting the accelerator instead of the brake pedal and causing a car park or driveway accident, were driving automatics. So there it is!
I couldn't agree more. I witnessed this happen and it was frightening. She shunted three cars out of the way and hit a trailer. If people were around her they would have had no chance, it happened faster than you'd believe.
 


Pierre

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I’m a bit embarrassed to ask, but it’s been a long time since I last drove a manual. My first car was a 68 Chevelle with a small block and a stick. The motor was shot, so I rebuilt it in my high school shop with help from my teacher, who owned a 70 Chevelle 454 and a Corvette. The transmission worked fine, but the clutch was always a problem. I still remember sweating bullets on hills, terrified of rolling back when someone pulled up close behind me.

Now, at 70 years old, I’m considering buying another manual, but I’m nervous about the prospect. In my recently sold 56 Chevy, I ran a reverse manual valve body TCI Turbo 400 and loved it—the fun of a manual without the clutch. Realistically, I’ll probably play it safe with a 10‑speed automatic, but deep down I know the stick would be more fun.

For those with experience: what are your thoughts on choosing a manual at my age? Any advice or stories that might help me decide? I’m currently leaning toward either a GT Premium (loaded) or a Dark Horse (basic), though also looking at a base stingray.
Get the Manual, you will enjoy it!
 

Lakersfreak

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absolutely love my manual. Tried to convince myself by test driving the automatic first, but quickly changed my mind after 4 seconds of test driving the manual. You just don't get the same experience in an automatic.
 
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shubox56

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I couldn't agree more. I witnessed this happen and it was frightening. She shunted three cars out of the way and hit a trailer. If people were around her they would have had no chance, it happened faster than you'd believe.
I here ya! Some of this is dollars and cents having recently bought a new car. It will require a "cannot pass it up" deal to buy a DH with the Tremec.
 

RC53

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If this new Mustang will be just a weekend car, Then for sure Manual box, If your drving it everyday auto better choice, But for sure if u go Manual, tremec all the way. So DH
 

Redback

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I bought my 2024 GT because it was one of the few manual options left. I have no interest in a Mustang without a stick shift. If I just wanted straight ahead acceleration I’d buy a Tesla over an automatic Mustang. One thing to consider is that this vehicle format is a dinosaur. There are so few stick shifts left on the market. This may be your last opportunity to have the absolute joy of rowing your own before they are all obsolete.
 

tktrain

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I've had several manual cars and several racing built automatic cars over the years. There's no denying that the sticks are fun to drive, but there's also no denying that, all else being equal, the automatic cars are faster. I love the fact that the A10 Dark horse cars are 0.4 seconds faster than the sticks 0-60. Put it in Drag mode and see how hard the shifts are.

I went searching for an A10 Dark Horse and found a new 2025 in Grabber Blue at dealer invoice. I jumped on it. It's sitting in my garage. Love the lightening quick shifts in manual mode via the paddle shifters. I've had top loaders, T10s, Tremecs, built C6s, and now this Dark Horse A10. If I had a car that isn't for racing but only for fun, sure, I'd go stick. But 0.4 seconds and quicker lap times are very expensive in mods. I don't regret the A10 choice at all. But this is a personal choice. The Dark Horse is a limited edition car and if a $1500 option gets me a faster car, so be it.

S650 Mustang Manual? PXL_20251112_215710084.MP
 
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shubox56

shubox56

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If ONLY I could find a 25 near invoice. My original budget was set at 60K max. Unless I want to do used, which I would rather not, that likely eliminates DH unless I'm willing to up the ante.
 

Alex381

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I've had several manual cars and several racing built automatic cars over the years. There's no denying that the sticks are fun to drive, but there's also no denying that, all else being equal, the automatic cars are faster. I love the fact that the A10 Dark horse cars are 0.4 seconds faster than the sticks 0-60. Put it in Drag mode and see how hard the shifts are.

I went searching for an A10 Dark Horse and found a new 2025 in Grabber Blue at dealer invoice. I jumped on it. It's sitting in my garage. Love the lightening quick shifts in manual mode via the paddle shifters. I've had top loaders, T10s, Tremecs, built C6s, and now this Dark Horse A10. If I had a car that isn't for racing but only for fun, sure, I'd go stick. But 0.4 seconds and quicker lap times are very expensive in mods. I don't regret the A10 choice at all. But this is a personal choice. The Dark Horse is a limited edition car and if a $1500 option gets me a faster car, so be it.

PXL_20251112_215710084.MP.webp
If I’d wanted the faster car, I’d have just kept my Model 3 performance. I bought the GT for the experience.
 

Frogdog1

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I bought an auto because I could get it now, not in 6 months for the manual. If both were available it would have been a tough call.
But now there's something I've seen on reviews that concerns me, and that's the ridiculously tall 6th gear. That could be a pain here where we have no high speed roads.
I had a Z06 Tremec and six gear was useless unless overdrive was wanted and it wasn't. Decided not to do it again and a bad back doesn't need to be pushing pedals. I find my automatic fun and quick as hell. LIke the paddles now and then. Both have their place.
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