Table of Contents
Introduction
After a full six‑month test‑drive of the Ford Mustang GT, I finally have a clear picture of what the manual and the new 10‑speed automatic bring to the table. The original video transcript, peppered with candid observations, shows that the manual still feels like the true Mustang, while the automatic offers a smoother, more relaxed ride that some drivers may prefer. In this article I’ll unpack the pros and cons of each gearbox, dive into the car’s sound, handling, interior tech, and practicality, and give you a verdict on whether the 10‑speed is worth the extra gears.
Performance & Driving Experience
"The more I drove the GT automatic, the more I understand what it brings to the table," the reviewer notes. The 10‑speed "does what it’s meant to do" – smooth shifts, a high top gear that keeps the engine in the sweet spot, and a "sliding" feel that lets you stay in 10th gear for most of the freeway. However, the manual "makes you a lazier driver" and "doesn’t have that all‑together connection" that the V8’s 6‑speed offers. The reviewer’s favorite moments come from the manual’s "beautiful pop and crackle" at 1,000 RPM and the "bassy burble" at 6,000 RPM, a sound that the automatic can’t quite replicate.
Handling is another area where the manual shines. With Magnaride adaptive dampers, six‑piston Brembo front calipers, and Pirelli P0 tires, the GT feels planted and "extremely faithful in corners." The automatic’s "firmer" ride, thanks to new tires, is still solid, but the reviewer admits that the manual "hangs together as an American car that feels like it had German engineering input."
- Manual: 7‑month average fuel economy 15.3 L/100 km
- Automatic: 13.9 L/100 km
Interior & Technology
The interior is a mixed bag. The reviewer loves the "wireless Apple CarPlay" and the "big screen" but criticises the "limited functions when driving" that force users to pick music manually. The 12‑speaker B&O system "doesn’t blend well" and the subwoofer "sounds a little thin." Optional Ric‑aro seats cost $2,950 and lose heating/cooling, which the reviewer calls a "counterintuitive value for money" decision. The boot, however, is a highlight: 400 L of space, gas struts, a flat floor, and a folding back seat that "beats many SUVs and hatchbacks."
Door storage is a pain point. The reviewer describes it as "wasted space" and "nothing to put a drink bottle in." He even suggests a DIY solution by placing a holder under the pedals, which "slides down" when braking.
Practicality & Value
Fuel economy is a major consideration. The manual’s 15.3 L/100 km is "not economical" for city driving, but the automatic’s 13.9 L/100 km is a modest improvement. The reviewer notes that the GT "is not a four‑seater" and that the "practicality of having a 400 L boot" is a key selling point for Australian buyers who value space. Resale figures are strong: the V8 fastback retains 72–73 % after three years, while the EcoBoost models hold 67–71 %.
Cost‑wise, the manual is cheaper to buy but more expensive to run in the city. The automatic’s higher purchase price is offset by better fuel economy and a smoother ride that "makes your driving better." The reviewer ultimately says, "I just miss the manual," but acknowledges that the automatic "is a better car" for some drivers.
Conclusion
After seven months of hands‑on experience, the Ford Mustang GT remains a thrilling V8 muscle car that blends American muscle with European dynamics. The manual gearbox delivers the visceral connection and sound that purists crave, while the 10‑speed automatic offers a more relaxed, efficient drive that suits everyday use. If you value raw driving engagement, the manual is still the way to go. If you prefer a smoother ride and slightly better fuel economy, the automatic is a solid choice. Either way, the Mustang GT’s spacious boot, powerful engine, and unmistakable style keep it a standout in the muscle‑car market.