Budget 'cool' car: 2012 Mustang V6 base vs Performance Package?

I seem to have a hankering for the new Mustang, but would like to be practical too. I am looking for:

A 'spirited' daily driver, which I can take to the odd autox event or lapping day.

Enter the 2012 Mustang V6...

The only debate is between the base or Performance Package (PP):

• $27,000 vs $31,000

• 2.73 vs 3:31 gears

• Bigger brakes on the PP (is it just pads or rotors & calipers too?)

• Suspension upgrade on the PP

• Sport Mode ASC for the PP?

• Bigger tires on the PP

Some comments/questions:

You have to get the Premium package and the PP is an add on, up here in Canada at least. Is the $4,000 difference (after taxes) worth it?

Am I missing anything in the comparison/differences list? I don't care about the better sound system on the Premium+PP.

I am the type of guy who likes to perform mild upgrades to cars - I find these little projects fun and they keep me busy. Can I (easily) upgrade the base to PP level? For example, I hear that I can the GT brake upgrade is a simple bolt on process.

The bigger (19"?) tires on the PP are going to be something to replace. I was thinking of keeping the stock rims and tires for daily & snow driving and buying a set of extra wheels and tires for the summer & track. I figure, cheaper and wider selection in the base 17" range.

Are the 2.73 gears 'lame'? What is involved in upgrading this? Void the warranty?

The only mod I am likely to do right away is a throatier exhaust but still low key - Borla Touring sounds nice.

I know I could probably buy a used S2000 for around the same price or less, but it's one of those things - feels right.

I would say that your best bet would be to get the performance pack, gives you alot of fun stuff to play with from the factory, and then we you want to make upgrades there is still plenty of room to expand. oooorrrrrr get a used GT or an e46 M3 ( cause I want one )

I'm just curious, what's the base price for the GT?

2.73? Really? I thought thoise went the way of the Dodo bird when we invented overdrive transmissions.

I'd order the stripper, go to about a 3.55 gear, add the big brakes and aftermarket shocks/springs/bars.

I don't know, but the performance package probably gives you a whole lot of stereos and wifi and bull E36 M3 you really don't want. I miss the days you could order a car with individual options, instead of the packages we get now- Its like satellite TV. I want the channels I want. I don't want the Oprah channel packed with Speed, thank you very much.

I priced out a Performance Package car at $24K and change; the Premium wasn't required on the Ford USA web site. The base for the GT was about 32K if I remember right.

Of course, those plans went out the window since I found the Q-ship.

You can find a used Shelby GT for the same price, if you're into them.

GT starts $10k CAN above the Premium, $13k above the Base (MRSP).

Will wrote: You can find a used Shelby GT for the same price, if you're into them.

Maybe... maybe not... since he's in Canada... his prices confused me until I noticed that part.

I've pondered this idea as well... a new V6 did trophy in DS at Nationals this year... Unfortunately, I'm not fond of the "sitting in a cavern" seating position of the Mustang as I generally prefer a more open greenhouse. Hmm...

Heesh. I just priced the GT with Brembos for $27k US using the USAA car buying service. It's 25.6 for the base GT. The base v6 came in at $19.7. I had no idea they were that cheap.

Streetwiseguy wrote: I don't know, but the performance package probably gives you a whole lot of stereos and wifi and bull E36 M3 you really don't want. I miss the days you could order a car with individual options, instead of the packages we get now- Its like satellite TV. I want the channels I want. I don't want the Oprah channel packed with Speed, thank you very much.

Nope. You can get the Performance Package on the base V-6 Mustang. No infotainment systems, stickers, or bullE36 M3 included or required.

A 2011+ Mustang V-6 Base with the Performance Package is high on my list to replace the MS3 in a couple of years. The problem is, I want to test-drive one and Performance Package-equipped Mustangs are unicorns! The stealerships probably don't have them on the lots unless they are factory-ordered by the customers or the car is loaded.