• by Tanya Gazdik , Staff Writer, July 31, 2023

While the Mustang Mach-E helped introduce many buyers to electric vehicles, the traditional gas-powered Mustang muscle car is alive and well. 

Ford Motor Co. is fully committed to the gas-powered pony car, which was the best-selling sports car over the last 10 years combined. The seventh generation 2024 Mustang is available in two powertrains — a 2.3L EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine and the GT's more powerful 5.0L V8.

The EcoBoost starts at $30,920 while the GT starts at $42,495. As to be expected, fuel economy is better with the EcoBoost, which has a combined 26 mpg, compared to the GT, which has a combined 18 mpg.

While some consumers might feel the GT is worth the extra $11,575, I’m here to tell you that the EcoBoost is plenty capable and will offer more than enough power — 315 horsepower and 350 lb.-feet of torque. For comparison’s sake, the GT offers 480 hp and 415 lb.-feet of torque. 

While the GT accelerates faster — 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds vs. 5.1 seconds in the EcoBoost — the EcoBoost handles better on tight curves, perhaps due to its lower curb weight. 

There are more similarities than differences in the customers for each model, according to Jim Owens, Mustang brand manager. 

“Demographically the customer base might be different,” Owens told the media during a presentation. “But psychographically, there is a common thread of enthusiasm. It might be displayed differently amongst GT and Eco Boost customers and the boomers to the millennials, but there's that common thread of excitement of passion."

Personalization is important to all Mustang customers, Owens says.  While older Mustang owners might do it with a different brakes or different wheels and tires, the younger generation personalizes it through technology. The graphics in both models are powered by Unreal gaming technology.

“And our younger audiences can personalize their performance, their colors, the screens that come together,” he says. “We feel that that is a great way to connect that common thread of enthusiasm across GT and Eco-Boost customers.”

Another common thread across customers is the deep-seated love for the brand, he says.

“Everybody has a Mustang story, from the time you buy your first little Hot Wheels car,” Owens says. “It allows the Mustang to go beyond just the vehicle, but to be an important part of the culture."

Thousands of movie chase scenes include Mustangs. The vehicle has also been featured in music videos and songs. There's even a licensed Mustang tattoo.

"People are willing to extend that experience beyond the vehicle into the fabric of their lives, which enhance all of Mustang owners' experiences," Owens says.