we also need to remember, that the 6 cylinder mustangs have significantly more power of the v8 mustangs of past.
The little sixers like Dicho's MCA and mine come in at 305HP starting in 2011. 2010 GTs came with 310. The 2004 made 260 off the showroom floor. You can drive off in a base V6 Mustang coupe in the "teens" cost wise. For that money you're packing more power than the 2009 GT.
They're good performers and while I don't think they'd overwhelm a new driver they are definitely peppy. Enough that I've been to the track a few times now and for what I paid I can't feel at all bad about the performance I'm getting. Going back to the track tomorrow
Goal on street tires with zero mods in my convertible is 13.xx which should be around 103-4 mph. Not bad for a sixer that pulled 30+ mpg on my trip home to Ohio last week. If I had a coupe with taller gears (3.31 vs the 2.73s I have) and stickier tires (same as Caps) it would be no problem. The verts aren't made for that but if it went any faster I'd need a roll bar which is something I'm not going to do. No point cutting it up for that speed.
When the 11-12 GT500s are in the mid 30's then I've got my track day car.
(puts the tangent train back on the tracks)