I'd like an opinion

[4speedsupreme]

Originally Posted by ApexGT

Are there any performance differences between an LX 5.0 and a GT? I'm basically trying to find the best possible Mustang (assuming that a Mustang is the best car I can expect to find) for under $5,000. How does a 1992 Mustang LX 5.0 stand up against a 1995 Mustang GT, for example? I'm still torn between generations.

The performance between these 2 is probably a matter of 1 or 2 10ths of a second in the 1/4 mile. I would look for a 5 speed in either body style. They are way more fun to drive and usually quicker. I would personally be torn between the 2 of them. I like the 94 and up body as well as the LX coupe.

[King Cuda]

I'd say go with a 67-71 dart and drop a 360 in it, real easy muscle for under five grand. I do'nt know if I'd trust some 30 year old 300 dollar caddy motor.

[ApexGT]

Originally Posted by King Cuda

I'd say go with a 67-71 dart and drop a 360 in it.

I wouldn't mind doing that...but finding a good quality car and engine could prove to be rather difficult.

[ApexGT]

If I didn't want to go the Mustang 5.0 route, what about a Thunderbird SC? Would you recommend I try for an SC?

[MagicRat]

Originally Posted by ApexGT

Are there any performance differences between an LX 5.0 and a GT? I'm basically trying to find the best possible Mustang (assuming that a Mustang is the best car I can expect to find) for under $5,000. How does a 1992 Mustang LX 5.0 stand up against a 1995 Mustang GT, for example? I'm still torn between generations.

A Mustang LX hatchback and the GT had identical drivelines, suspension etc. The GT had extra luxury items and more sound deadening, standard, which adds up to 140 lbs.
Therefore, the LX is faster just because it's lighter. Also the coupe body style saves an additional 80 lbs over an identically equipped hatchback.

The T-bird SC was a nice car, and decently fast. They are more of a luxury performance car, instead of a sporting performance car (like the Mustang). They are also several hundred lbs heavier and IMHO more complex and expensive to repair and modify.

IMHO the mustang is faster, more fun to drive and has more modification potential.

[4speedsupreme]

Originally Posted by ApexGT

If I didn't want to go the Mustang 5.0 route, what about a Thunderbird SC? Would you recommend I try for an SC?

The 2 things I don't like about Thunderbird SC's are #1. 3.8 engines seem to have headgasket problems. A supercharger can only make it worse. #2. I don't care for the independent rear suspension. I do like the body style of them. Have you considered a 87 or 88 T bird V-8 or turbo coupe. I have built 2 2.3 turbo coupes. They are pricey to build, but different. An EEC4 EFI V8 could be modified fairly cheap also.

[Mr. Horsepower]

Hey man,
i would highly suggest if you are in the 5k range to buy a chevrolet. I would turn you toward a mid 80's camaro. the body is cheap to buy. plus chevy parts are cheaper and more interchangeable. you could buy a lets say 83 camaro and have a good engine built for under 5k. I would definately go that route. now if you would be willing to buy one and take time to fix it up. the sky is the limit that way. but if you want to buy one and drive it right away you could for 5k easy. but one good thing about a 5.0 stang is they were alot quicker than the camaros of the same mid 80's to early 90's era. I am a hard core chevy guy but that is the truth. but that is why we have jegs and summit and dad and his car buddies. talk to an older gentleman and get some roots junkyard dog tricks for a small block chevy and that is the way to go...

[ApexGT]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I would rather not have to fix it up; I'd like something I could just drive as is.

Also...I've noticed that Thunderbird SCs are very rare around here, yet there are several Thunderbird LXs with V8s. Would a V8 Thunderbird be a good decision? I like the Mustangs, but I also like the luxury features of the Thunderbirds.

[Autofreefindersguy]

No performance diffs...But the GT did have better seats...
I say, go out & drive many cars & see what you like...

You can also drive F-body's (Camaro's & Firebirds/Trans Am's) that offer the same performance & value in a V8 chassis...
If your going to go for a daily driver, get as new of one as possible...
Good luck/skill

[Madcat455]

Seems like eveybody agrees that for $5K you're not getting a "Muscle Car".... But most are pushing the Mustangs here.. How about something different.

84-87 Grand National or T type regal. Those things were very quick in stock trim & respond very well to a few mods. Can probably get into the low 13's high 12's easiely.

Have seen a some go for $5k range... good running & condition.

[Swifster]

Not to sound like your Dad, but I would suggest taking only $3000 of your budget and buy a '91-'96 Escort GT or a '95-'98 Dodge/Plymouth Neon. At your age, the first thing to consider is insurance. Any kind of high performance car will suck the money out of your wallet faster than you can imagine. Get a nice cheap, economical car.

Use the rest of the money for college. Once you graduate from college and get that engineering (or IT,etc.) job, get a nice place to live with a nice garage and buy yourself a new Mustang GT to get back and forth to work. Get a nice older car as a toy.

The most important thing you can do at your age (17) is to invest in yourself, not your car. If you can find a nice, clean six cylinder car like a Dart, Nova, or maybe a Buick special or Olds F-85. If you live in the rustbelt, stick with an Escort or Neon. Study, get good grades and reap the rewards at age 25.

[ApexGT]

Swifster's advice is well appreciated. I already have 4.0 in high school, and have all my life. I will most certainly go to college. In the meantime, however, I'd like a car to make the trip from A to B as enjoyable as possible. That's why I was thinking of the 5.0 Mustang, or a V8 Thunderbird (or an SC if I'm lucky enough to find one).

[Swifster]

Originally Posted by ApexGT

Swifster's advice is well appreciated. I already have 4.0 in high school, and have all my life. I will most certainly go to college. In the meantime, however, I'd like a car to make the trip from A to B as enjoyable as possible. That's why I was thinking of the 5.0 Mustang, or a V8 Thunderbird (or an SC if I'm lucky enough to find one).

I had this delema in 1989. And I choose.....

A Taurus SHO. Even at age 25, I couldn't afford the insurance on one of those cars. The SHO at the time was just as fast as either the Mustang or T-Bird. Traction was the only issue.

At age 17, might I suggest going to your local insurance agent and getting a quote on either that Mustang or T-Bird? And after more than 10 years, both of those cars will have been rode hard and put away wet. A new less powerful car will most likely be in better condition and will have seen far less abuse.

[ApexGT]

I checked out a web site for auto insurance quotes (I know they wont give me an incredibly accurate quote, but it's great for sake of comparison.) My current car (1996 Chrysler Sebring LXi) is cheaper to insure than a 1995 Mustang GT. Yet, surprisingly, it'd be cheaper to insure a 1995 Thunderbird SC than my Sebring. The Thunderbird V8 came in just a little below the SC.

In order to be cheaper to insure than the Sebring, the Mustang GT would have to be at most, a '93. To be cheaper than the '95 SC, the GT would have to be a '91...

[Swifster]

Drive the Sebring until the wheels fall off.