Tested Performance Numbers: 2024 Mustang Dark Horse (by Car and Driver)

[Rate_of_Twist]

Please provide a list of competing V8, rear wheel drive, manual transmission, 4 seat, cars available for $70k that can better 4.1.

Isn't that the point? If I were to list comparable models it would be the last gen mustang, the out going Camaro to start... Both those cars were thousands of dollars cheaper.

BMW M2 is mid 3 seconds 0-60 and in the $60k dept
Camaro SS is high 3 seconds 0-60 and is in the $40 dept
Camaro ZL1 is 3.4 0-60 and $69k
23 Mach 1 is 4.4 0-60 and $60k
Base C8, while not meeting your very narrow specification is significantly faster for less than $70k

Hell for those paying over MSRP for a DH a base M3/M4 is of similar price and getting 0-60 in less than 3 seconds for similar price.

Ultimately 0-60 is not a metric I put much value in, but it seems to be a thing here. I, foolishly, value lightning lap times far higher as fast to me is a car that accelerate, brakes, and turns fast. Straight line speed is boring to me.

I'm sure there is more, the point isn't that the Mustang DH is bad, it's just not "special" for the price.

Doesn't mean I wouldn't order one, it will likely be a good track car and fun to own. But approaching $70k? Seems like it's an awful lot for what Ford is offering.

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[Dave2013M3]

Do you know if that was before they changed the gearing in the Getrag? I think they put longer gearing in the Getrag sometime around then. If they changed it after 2018 maybe that's why it fell off some. Obviously the car keeps getting heavier too.

The MT82D4 came out in 2018. Same tranny in the GT, the DH has the better ratios with the Tremec.

 

[Dave2013M3]

The M2 makes much more power on the Dyno as well.

Even the M240i XDrive beats it in most tests as well...... albeit with a ZF Auto and AWD.......and at $52K.

The M240i is a no start for me as no manual offered. Only M2/3/4 have manuals now.

 

[Upacurb]

New Hellcats are being given away around here-

this is one of more then 50 within 100 miles of me under sticker

New 2022 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat w/ Plus Package for sale in Huntington Beach, CA 92647: Coupe Details - 663406978 - Autotrader

so here you go- new Hellcat for 70K

Its a huge boat with a wooden steering box on a 20+ year old platform - but its a damn fast one

 

[Bikeman315]

Isn't that the point? If I were to list comparable models it would be the last gen mustang, the out going Camaro to start... Both those cars were thousands of dollars cheaper.

BMW M2 is mid 3 seconds 0-60 and in the $60k dept
Camaro SS is high 3 seconds 0-60 and is in the $40 dept
Camaro ZL1 is 3.4 0-60 and $69k
23 Mach 1 is 4.4 0-60 and $60k
Base C8, while not meeting your very narrow specification is significantly faster for less than $70k

Hell for those paying over MSRP for a DH a base M3/M4 is of similar price and getting 0-60 in less than 3 seconds for similar price.

Ultimately 0-60 is not a metric I put much value in, but it seems to be a thing here. I, foolishly, value lightning lap times far higher as fast to me is a car that accelerate, brakes, and turns fast. Straight line speed is boring to me.

I'm sure there is more, the point isn't that the Mustang DH is bad, it's just not "special" for the price.

Doesn't mean I wouldn't order one, it will likely be a good track car and fun to own. But approaching $70k? Seems like it's an awful lot for what Ford is offering.

My narrow specs were written for a reason. All we talk about when discussing our Mustangs is the sound, the soul, the experience. And then we become total hypocrites and argue over a tenth here or there. What the hell difference does it make? The answer is simple, nothing.

Here is just one contradiction, the M2. Great car for those that want a German coupe with an inline six but it starts $4K higher and after a few options it will be a lot more. Let's not forget a base DH is under $60. Maybe $70k isn't special but for $60K its pretty damn good.

 

[Zig]

If they gave them to you for free which would you keep for personal use and which would you flip for a quick buck?

 

[Rate_of_Twist]

My narrow specs were written for a reason. All we talk about when discussing our Mustangs is the sound, the soul, the experience. And then we become total hypocrites and argue over a tenth here or there. What the hell difference does it make? The answer is simple, nothing.

Here is just one contradiction, the M2. Great car for those that want a German coupe with an inline six but it starts $4K higher and after a few options it will be a lot more. Let's not forget a base DH is under $60. Maybe $70k isn't special but for $60K its pretty damn good.

M2 sounds and drives pretty amazing. While its not for everything and NOT an American V8, I find it hard to believe anyone that cares about performance cars dismisses its capabilities.

My point in your narrow specs is the inclusion of 4 seats. I get that may be important to you, but it seems silly when comparing performance cars like this. The mustang doesn't seat 4 any better than a M2 or a Camaro - hell, all those cars are 2 seat cars with room for a gym bag and no different than a Corvette in practical purposes (in my opinion)

 

[Rate_of_Twist]

If they gave them to you for free which would you keep for personal use and which would you flip for a quick buck?

Not sure who this is directed at, but if I could have any similar under $70k for free for my own use and use the others to flip? GT350 or C7 Grand Sport M7 to keep, sell the rest. Both those cars flat out perform with no extra BS (even if one has a bowtie and one blows engines)

 

[Upacurb]

Not sure who this is directed at, but if I could have any similar under $70k for free for my own use and use the others to flip? GT350 or C7 Grand Sport M7 to keep, sell the rest. Both those cars flat out perform with no extra BS (even if one has a bowtie and one blows engines)

Hey now almost 15K abusive miles on my 350 and so far so good- burns 0 oil
no track use but Im really not nice to it lol

 

[Zig]

Not sure who this is directed at, but if I could have any similar under $70k for free for my own use and use the others to flip? GT350 or C7 Grand Sport M7 to keep, sell the rest. Both those cars flat out perform with no extra BS (even if one has a bowtie and one blows engines)

Not directly directed at anyone, just tossed out into the ether among the ongoing banter.

 

[lcbrownz]

UPDATE 8/25/23: This review has been updated with test numbers.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a44675712/2024-ford-mustang-dark-horse-drive/

Steeda came out with their on DYNO tests yesterday on the DH. The results were quite different. The caveats were: the test was on dealer-supplied 87-octane (2) 1st Darkhorse Dyno by Steeda | Ford Mustang Forum (allfordmustangs.com) and it was an automatic.

 

[Mustang406]

Steeda came out with their on DYNO tests yesterday on the DH. The results were quite different. The caveats were: the test was on dealer-supplied 87-octane (2) 1st Darkhorse Dyno by Steeda | Ford Mustang Forum (allfordmustangs.com) and it was an automatic.

They say in the video they drove it 180 miles and put 93 in the tank before they tested it lol. 408 is.....meh.

 

[lcbrownz]

They say in the video they drove it 180 miles and put 93 in the tank before they tested it lol. 408 is.....meh.

So which horsepower rating is Ford advertising: to the flywheel or to the rear wheels?

 

[Upacurb]

So which horsepower rating is Ford advertising: to the flywheel or to the rear wheels?

All car manufacturers advertise flywheel - so dyno numbers will always be lower

Also multiple types of dynos- all read differently

 

[Interstellar]

BMW are nice and all but they sound sooo weak.
Just the sound of turning on the mustang (let alone ripping it) is reason enough to go with the Stang

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