Why the DARK HORSE Is Better than the 2024 Mustang GT

Comparing the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse to the Mustang GT Performance Pack. Is the Mustang GT worth saving the money, or should you go big on the Dark Horse? These S650 Mustang are both great American 5.0 coyote V8 muscle cars, but one is clearly the winner.
TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@freewaymedia

[@tri3pleagent]

The Dark Horse is definitely the better car. The problem is the pricing.

[@zeromegaman123]

I agree, at that price point i would just buy a gt350

[@danielshepard7357]

Nobody is selling a gt350 with low miles in great condition for cheap partner.

[@zeromegaman123]

@@danielshepard7357 yeah its rare, gotta really look for em

[@Freeway_Media]

Really just comes down to what you like, this interior and drivability is miles better than a gt350 which is why I went with the DH

[@zeromegaman123]

@Freeway_Media i can agree, its just whatever you're looking to get out of it at that point. For me i really like that 5.2L voodoo engine but i also like the interior and suspension on the Darkhorse.

[@ricardoparga5614]

6 piston brembos on the gt performance pack.. non performance pack is 4 piston 👍🏼

[@Freeway_Media]

Gotcha, I saw people say both so was unsure which was true

[@xmariner]

I just bought this almost exact model - not a Dark Horse Premium though. It is a beast, and the most beautiful cars I have ever seen. Got it for $66K. Thank you Ford, for not giving up on the American muscle car! Now I need to know how I can get on a track!

[@analogguy5548]

No doubt the Dark Horse is a notch above the GT. However for some like me, the GT Premium with handling package is a near perfect daily driver. I have a 2018 GT Premium, PP1, 6 speed and active valve exhaust. Love the car and plan to keep for some time. S650 iPad dash is a major turn off. Happy motoring 🤠

[@Freeway_Media]

I get it! I personally love the interior which is why I went with this over a gt350 but I can see why it’s not everyone’s favorite

[@shannonandsheila1403]

I think the base model also the lightest model is far superior for the price difference I can get a lot more power as well

[@mikeg8224]

Would love a comparison with the Mach 1 handling package or non Handling package

[@Freeway_Media]

The Mach 1 is awesome! I’ll try to get my hands on one at some point to see if they compare

[@DrivenWildOutdoors]

Great review

[@Freeway_Media]

Thank you!

[@homeownerbuilderservicesll6777]

One of the best reviews i have watched thanks!!!!

[@Freeway_Media]

Thank you I appreciate it!

[@gordydexter2615]

The GT Performance Mustang cars have Brembo 6 piston calipers up front, not 4. The GT cars have the puddle light also that shows the Mustang horse. The performance GT has the Torssen differential also. I have driven both cars. The GT manual 6spd MT-82 is improved and actually feels better than the Dark Horse Tremec. Drive both cars, you will definitely agree. However the engine enhancements & handling enhancements and the look of the Dark Horse is why you buy it over the GT performance car; just as you stated!!! Thanks for the video!!! Cheers‼️👍💪😎🇺🇸✝️

[@Freeway_Media]

That’s interesting on the diff, everywhere I read showed they come with the limited slip. It’s so hard to come by accurate information nowadays it’s all just based on what you hear I guess. Hoping I didn’t get anything else wrong! (Also side note that’s awesome that the GT has the puddle lights)

[@cstraley]

My 2024 GT PP has the 3.55 rear axle and the puddle light, mag-ride.@@Freeway_Media

[@Freeway_Media]

Dark horse doesn’t have the 3.55

[@mikethompson7108]

@@Freeway_Media 2024 GT PP has 3.55 for automatic but you get the 3.73 with the 6-speed manual

[@christopherbrant2667]

The biggest complaint is the weight of Dark Horse vs GT. Of course its going to be a bit heavier because everything is beefed up and built to last longer! People just don’t get it. Great review!

[@Freeway_Media]

Most of that weight comes from the handling pack I believe, my honest opinion is go non HP and throw wider wheels on yourself if it fits your build… should’ve for sure mentioned weight tho good shout!

[@DWH300]

The Gross Weight I found listed for the Dark Horse is 3879 lbs. That would likely increase with the handling package option, but the Dark Horse doesn't weigh as much as an SRT Hellcat Challenger with a gross weight of 4415 lbs. From personal test drives of both a GT and Dark Horse. The Dark Horse is a fantastic and refined Mustang from inside and out with an engine capable of exceeding the rev limited 7500 RPMs. Ford did a great Job designing the Dark Horse and all it's siblings like the Dark Horse R, Dark Horse GT3, GT4, GTD Supercar and the upcoming NHRA X-CLASS Cobra Jet replacement. Nice job with your informative review

[@Freeway_Media]

Thank you! Very excited to see aftermarket capabilities of the dark horse

[@johnkutney206]

Torsen differential is available in the GT performance package.

[@LeadfootLou]

5.7 ground clearance on the GT is a reason to select it over the Dark Horse. If one lives up north all season tires are very beneficial. I owned a 2020 GT500 for 2 years. Had to get rid of it because of the low ground clearance and the summer only tires. The Dark Horse is a beautiful vehicle. The Spoiler and wheels that come with the performance pack on the GT are fabulous but I had to avoid the performance pack because of the summer only tires. By the way my GT Premium has 6 pistons brembos up front and 4 piston brembos in the rear.

[@sneaker_hub_one4582]

Awesome review video. Made me love the car even more.. love from 🇮🇳 🇨🇦

[@torreylane2890]

I have the 2024 GT. I put the Steeda strut bar, G bar link, rear and front sway bars and links. I removed the carbon traps and put in K&N filters. It’s literally the Dark Horse for way less money 😀

[@Freeway_Media]

I don’t hate on other mustangs… but it’s literally not a Dark Horse… did you change the transmission, engine internals, differential, add oil coolers, change the k member, add rear diffusers, front air inlets, badging, chassis number? Adding sway bars does not make your GT a dark horse.

[@rocky_4003]

@@Freeway_MediaI’ve noticed a lot of people tend to forget there are other features to the car that separate it from a GT. I personally love my DH and don’t regret the purchase.

[@Freeway_Media]

I can’t let misinformation slide on this channel, I’m here to spread the truth about the dark horse and saying your GT is a dark horse because you added sway bars… I can’t let that happen lol

[@DirtySouthRider]

Well Said!!@@Freeway_Media

[@robertriegel5000]

6 piston on gt perf pack also. 4 piston on rear.

[@muradm8864]

Gonna get this in 2024 😬

[@archiethedog4515]

I got mine with the performance pack in that special blue ember metallic with the Recaro's. I am loving it so far.

[@Freeway_Media]

For sure thinking of throwing some wheels and tires to match the performance pack. Just didn’t want that rougher ride from the more aggressive suspension

[@WillFieldFire]

Premium trim levels for the eco and GT have the puddle projection lights

[@nealryan82]

Nice video! I'm seriously torn between auto and manual. I know I will do a lot of city driving in the car.

[@Freeway_Media]

Honestly with how much assistance this has it’s not that bad to drive in traffic. Great? No. Easier than most manuals? Yes

[@imlost530]

Id buy it if it was 60k I saw one of these for 86k nope

[@Freeway_Media]

I mean you can get a base GT for 60k

[@teamcaveman]

Do you mean the 2010 Shelby hood vents?

[@mmf9765]

I like the camaro hood vents on the s650gt and dark horse

[@teamcaveman]

I think they were on the 2010 GT500 first

[@freedom6919741]

No tuning available besides Whipple unfortunately. Nice video

[@cavaseno]

It’s not $15k-$25k better

[@Freeway_Media]

I heavily disagree, guess it depends on how you plan on using the car though

[@cavaseno]

@@Freeway_Media you don’t think a Base GT with a $20k build budget would outperform a Dark Horse?

[@cavaseno]

@@Freeway_Media it’s an awesome car bro I’m not trying to hate, I just can’t justify the price.

[@Freeway_Media]

Give the dark horse a 20k build budget as well then run it… if you are aiming higher, the dark horse makes sense.

[@cavaseno]

@@Freeway_Media I guess it really depends how much horsepower the Dark Horse transmission will handle. If you want to hit 900 wheel horsepower you’re going to need a built transmission, even with the dark horse.

[@Elliottdetroit]

My question is is the dark horse worth the trade-in for S550 PP1 & 2, Built, Mach 1 & GT350 owners ???

[@Freeway_Media]

I’d say it really just depends on what you want specifically. All the cars you listed minus maybe the pp1 are so close in specs that it just comes down to what fits exactly what YOU want.

[@Realfox37]

Not unless tuning opens up

[@jsturki]

Is the tremec here crisp as the one in the mach 1 ?

[@Freeway_Media]

Pretty sure it’s the same exact trans

[@jsturki]

@@Freeway_Media kindly, if you know one of the owners of the mach one compare it and tell us. Cause throttle house said in the mach 1 they had different experience from the trans in their latest video with the dark horse.

[@Freeway_Media]

I believe that is just due to the dark horse trans being much newer and not worn in… I can tell a feeling difference from new to 1k miles. A lot less harsh

[@bobbyd6680]

It's the same transmission dude. It is possible to reprogram shift points and timing, however.

[@DanielFabbri-sc8pq]

And yet something else you didn’t know did GT performance and non-performance all have 4 inch tips so if you get the non-performance, you get dual 4 inch tips and with the performance package you get quad 4 inch tips, same as the dark horse

[@Freeway_Media]

They aren’t exactly the same tho you get smoked quad tips for the dark horse.

[@DanielFabbri-sc8pq]

I want to tell you that you were wrong about the Brembo brakes in the front for the GT. I have a GG and it has six piston, Rembles, front and rear that comes standard with the performance

[@Freeway_Media]

Yeah that’s was a false thing going around at the time, I’m making a new overview this spring!

[@2.9Seconds]

Sounds like you are trying to justify spending so much more money, for such little performance differences. But I'm glad you like the DH. I don't think it's worth the extra cash.

[@Freeway_Media]

It’s not justifying if there’s a whole essay of ways the DH is better 🤣 stock for stock its not even close and aftermarket it won’t even be close either… straight line? Sure… it’s decently close. Track times? Whole different league.

[@robertlawrence6606]

Not to mention the stopping power with the handling package. Right up there with some supercars that are welllll into 7 figures.

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

@@Freeway_Media Anyway you slice it, you are justifying it. If the DH was cheaper or the same price, this video wouldn't exist. You mentioned track times. I certainly hope all the upgrades Ford threw at the DH would have a leg up on the GT. It would be fraudulent otherwise. That being said, do you have those compared times you can share with us? Please name the tracks, please tell us what tires each car was riding on -- because this matters more than people realize. For example you put those Trofeos on the GT instead, and give the DH Continentals... well use your imagination on the results. Additionally, the famous Paul Gerrard reviewed the DH at Charlotte Motor Speedway and he said, "funny how it feels way too stiff on the road, and it doesn't feel anywhere near as stiff when you're actually on the track". Read between the lines my guy. What is The Stig trying to convey here? Without proper track mods, the DH is yet another "I am a stiff race car" vehicle masquerading around town, giving you the IMPRESSION of it being a stiff race car -- but it's really not. What is my purpose here. I'm not here to bash the Dark Horse. Actually I quite like it. I'm not here to bash you in any way shape or form. But I think some people, perhaps someone similar to you, make too much of "track times" on production cars. Most GTs and DHs will never log any track times. The mean streets of Dayton Ohio, or some other random city we could name, is where these cars will both live and die. Is the DH worth the extra 13(-ish) grand over the GT? Depends -- but purely basing it on your talking points, in my opinion you focused on the wrong bits. It's not the "track times", or the extra goodies equipped. It's if 13 grand is merely a couple weeks' worth of work on someone's W2 income. Or if the bragging rights of owning a DH matters more. That's why you should buy it. On the flip side, if you want a GT the supporting argument would be, you are getting 99% of what a DH is, AND you're saving 13 grand. Oh and btw track times don't mean shiz.

[@Freeway_Media]

I actually agree with a good amount of these points! It really just comes down to the fact that the car is better, non negotiable.. now whether it’s worth the extra money, I’d say that ends up being up to the buyer. Clearly the gt500 is better than the dark horse for example, but I went with the DH. Just depends what your specific uses are

[@ChristianC-gy1ym]

@@Freeway_Media Understood. I guess my point was that, yes the DH is better I don't think that idea in it of itself is debatable. But the reason why we are all gathered here is to discuss if it's "worth" the price of admission. And yes, that is truly up to individual buyers. However where's the line drawn? Hypothetically, if the DH was let's say, $50,000 more (obviously it's not and I know it's a ridiculous parallel), then I think even you would be on the fence. Point being, as subjective as this topic is, there is a definite line for most buyers in this non-exotic supercar market. Where at a certain point, we go "ouch, not worth it". And the question is.... is the DH at that point? Sounds like for many, it is. For me the delta seems justified -- IF dealers aren't going to play that stupid markup game with their DHs. If I start seeing them marked up 10k, 20k, then it's a hard no. At msrp? DH seems legit.

[@gropeandchange5490]

Top trim level Mustaro😊

[@homeownerbuilderservicesll6777]

Yes the GT has a pony light up when opening door! I have both... well i have three now! GT, GT Pro and Dark Horse.... im sick like that!

[@Freeway_Media]

That’s actually awesome! Would you say there’s a noticeable difference between each?

[@mattthompson3656]

The Dark Horse sounds so much better! Love the wheels better too!

[@AB-coyote]

I’m team Mustang no matter the configuration. The Tremec 3160 is NOT stronger than the MT82. It may shift better but it’s not stronger. Pretty sure PP1’s have the 6 piston Brembos. The base GT’s have 4 piston.

[@Jaang29]

real men , drive stick shift , lol , so much more fun

[@Sly_Wolf_1]

Real men don't need to advertise they're a "REAL" man😂

[@pharoahmonk50]

I hope you are wrong. Previous iterations of the GT Performance Package had 6 piston Brembos. I hope the PP are not 4 piston Brembos.

[@Freeway_Media]

I do think they actually get the 6 pistons, when these first came out that was one of the “false” things being tossed around.

[@MrAdrian13]

This video was kinda hard to watch with all the misinformation. Performance pack GT’s have Torsen diff (my 2017 has it). Performance pack GT’s also have 6 piston brembos up front and 4 piston rear (just like Dark Horse). And lastly the premium pack have had illuminating puddle lights that demonstrate a pony logo for YEARS. Ironically, I saw you commenting about making sure we have the right info. Just based off that, you should either remake the video or add little correction notes.

[@Freeway_Media]

For sure, it’s always hard when a car is first released to find the TRUE info… I searched the internet for weeks before I got the car to see the differences and honestly some of them were just wrong. I’ll be making an overhauled review in the spring!

[@MrAdrian13]

I hear ya. The Dark Horse is amazing@@Freeway_Media

[@johnkutney206]

The Mustang GT with the Performance Package is the better choice but you may have to go Auto. Manual vs Manual Dark Horse wins

[@amanpreetsingh4837]

👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@johnathanmello4754]

I found one at a dealer and the mark up was $20,000. They tried to sell me it for 90k out the door. It was a joke IMO.

[@Freeway_Media]

Yeah lol there’s for sure mark up on them. 20k is insanity tho

[@paatakvitsinadze4339]

BMW M2 just more complete & well rounded & more daily driver & efficient

[@phillipchetta8120]

The Dark Horse is nice but I think it’s way overpriced! I’ll stick with my 2019 GT with PP1 which I got a great deal on. Thirty seven five before tax, title and license. I added a Corsa extreme cat back exhaust system, an MGW race spec shifter along with a tune. Putting out about 450 horsepower to the wheels. I’m Happy! I love my pony!

[@becraftcorey]

The dark horse I'd way to expensive. 70k for a basic GT with some extras, no sir, that's roush money

[@Freeway_Media]

Can you buy a brand new roush for 70k?

[@becraftcorey]

@Freeway_Media yeah you can because the base price is like 41 and it's a 20k option to have roush do what they do stage 3 that's still less then 70k

[@Freeway_Media]

I don’t think they offer 2024 (gen 4 coyote) cars yet, would be cool to see though!

[@becraftcorey]

@Freeway_Media it will happen, I'm sure salen option as well. A local dealer in my area, offers to stage 3 evrey GT they get. Or at least they did a few years ago.

[@davidtennien39]

The DH is better than a GT if no ADMs. Also the color choice is limited as is the interior colors. Not a fan of that blue.

[@ChrisMenendez609]

What are ADMs

[@agentd36]

Gt500 pricing with super low mileage, is way to close to Dark Horse prices

[@Freeway_Media]

Yeah but… manual

[@robertlawrence6606]

StangMode got drug to the 330 by a Raptor R and I almost fell asleep the automatic is so boring. Put this thing on a track track and see.

[@sleeeper88]

I was going to buy a dark horse but it's just to much, I'm going with another gt500. Sold my 2020 last year and miss it, found a 2021 iconic silver with 291 miles for 89k not a track pack but it has painted stripes. Just can't justify the dark horse

[@josephvera6031]

I mean you can get a new DH for like $65k to $70k New VS a used GT500 for $20k more lol

[@Freeway_Media]

Only problem with the gt500 is no manual which is a complete deal breaker for me tbh… I love the gt500 tho, especially if you have that little extra cash for the upgrade!

[@2livfr3]

Mine has a horse elimination

[@knutikiss1576]

How much is dat ish again ?!?

[@user-vy6mp9ue7c]

Id rather have the Hennessey version

[@Freeway_Media]

So would I bro 🤣 gunna build this up my way tho

[@Arcticfox7]

Interior is a huge turn off. Should've kept the old layout with digital readout gauges. Very un-sports car like

[@Freeway_Media]

Idk I think it comes down to opinion, I like this interior a lot more but it just depends on what you like!

[@rslayking1975]

"Why......the DARK HORSE Is Better than the 2024 Mustang GT" No shit 💀

[@DanielFabbri-sc8pq]

Another mistake you made that you’re not aware of the GT does have illumination. It is the regular horse and the dark horse has the dark horse elimination when you open the doors.

[@Freeway_Media]

Interesting, cool feature didn’t think they’d have on the more base models

[@Lord.Crawford]

UK dark horse suck. They are 453bhp and the GT is 453bhp. We get such a poor deal. 70k GBP for dark horse and not even anywhere near 500bhp. Will wait till the drop in price and then have to do headers map to get 500

[@Freeway_Media]

Isn’t 453bhp close to 500 crank? Sorry I don’t know much about bhp idk if it’s different from RWHP

[@Lord.Crawford]

@@Freeway_Media no that is 453 to the crank in the UK spec. To the wheels will be even less. I've worked it out and to boost it we need to go down the headers route but obviously that will void any warranty on a new car. So be it, just a shame as we get a more tame version including the handling packs too. They even make the spoilers smaller. It might be worth importing a US spec as it will work out same price but you get the full fat dark horse experience so to speak.

[@huddy32]

@0:45 is it me or is that hood alignment garbage

[@cnewell1971]

Dont see how this is worth the price..at around 73k for the premium model then plus taxes and etc your looking at over 80k for a car with only 500hp that does 0 to 60 in 3.8 to 4.0 seconds..my 1le does it in 4.0 stock with 455hp.. A zl1 is about 80k but it has 650hp..def not worth it..their are just as good cars for alot cheaper out there.. i would go gt350 or zl1 beforeci bought a darkhorse.

[@Freeway_Media]

Price of this build sticker I believe was 66k, 80k is quite the difference in price to be fair. The gt350 is an AMAZING car, but again, you can’t buy new.

[@paatakvitsinadze4339]

BMW M2 is much bettet than any mustang 😃 can’t compare with German quality. M2 is faster & better bild with high quality & carbon roof just better at everything

[@aarsenalfan]

It's a matter of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$, you should know that, not everyone is fortunate to like you. 💵💵💵💵💵💵🤣🍻

[@flea4061]

The GT is better looking. That's a problem for me.

[@Sly_Wolf_1]

I just hate that black shit under the headlights. UGLY+Cheap imo, along with all that horrid blackish plastic diffuser nonsense on the rear bumper. S550 rear bumper/diffuser much nicer Imo.

[@enzodamu]

You should've researched ewhst is included with the Performance Pack option before you made this video.

[@Freeway_Media]

Oh I did, everything I said in this video I based off articles and other peoples videos on the GT. The things I wasn’t 100% sure on I said correct me if I was wrong, which people did! So thank you to them

[@enzodamu]

The Performance Pack also comes with 6 piston front and 4 piston rear brakes. In fact, you can get all of the performance upgrades, other than the 500 hp, that come standard on the Darkhorse. BTW, sick car!

[@Freeway_Media]

I don’t think you can get the upgrades that the dark horse has without getting a dark horse.. and thank you!

[@enzodamu]

@@Freeway_Media Short of the Blue Ember paint and the GT 500 connecting rods, yeah, you can. So technically, I guess you're right and I'm wrong..

[@Freeway_Media]

Different cams, front air intakes, diffusers, tremec, different differential, better crank, connecting rods, better sway bars, different tune, better K member… there’s a lot more than just the connecting rods

[@ghostface0007]

Dark horse? Dark piece of overpriced shit. Should be 55k out the door.

[@Freeway_Media]

Gotta pay to play my friend

[@heronthere]

The inflation over the last few years is real, whether its a darkhorse or hyundai

[@juancamongo88]

The engine is the same

[@Freeway_Media]

No…. It’s not….

[@mrnk7911]

I didn't know youtube allowed hardcore porn

[@MindWaterrr]

Sounds biased

[@Freeway_Media]

Nope just facts

[@clints8731]

Horrible waste of money. These things keep getting more complex and more expensive. Why can't they come up with something badass and economicle. I gues its too hard to do.

[@Freeway_Media]

Gotta pay to play my man