Why do Mustang jokes seem to land so well with some owners? I feel like some hit a little too close to home for me, especially when it comes to the V6 vs. EcoBoost debate .
I used to think the EcoBoost had more power than the V6 too. But, turns out the numbers are pretty close!
Yeah, the EcoBoost had 310 horsepower back in 2015, while the 2014 V6 was pushing 305. Both weigh around the same too, between 3500-3600 pounds.
That’s true, but if the V6 is boosted, it’s a different story. I’ve seen the 3.7 V6 reliably push 450 horsepower with a boost, and some have even gotten close to 550.
So, here’s my “based on a true story” moment . I’m running full bolt-ons and a bigger turbo, but no meth or slicks yet. At the time, I was still fine-tuning things, and I’m pretty sure I was only pushing around 370 horsepower. I don’t know much about the other guy’s S197 aside from it having an exhaust, but it was a surprisingly close race.
Stock vs. stock, the difference was only about 5 horsepower. Honestly, not something you’d really notice. I can’t remember if there was much of a weight difference, but sounds like that V6 might’ve had a few mods too.
Torque was the biggest thing that separated the V6 from the EcoBoost in my opinion.
I’m just glad all Mustang engines are making solid power these days. No real complaints from me .
Yeah, if an EcoBoost with all the bolt-ons and drag slicks is losing to a V6, then that V6 must be seriously modded. I raced an S550 V6 a while back and won pretty easily, and I only had a tune. The S197 V6 might be a bit lighter, but not enough to make a massive difference.
Also, you’ve got to consider factors like a solid axle vs. IRS. Was it a good launch vs. a bad one? Did the S197 have launch control? A lot of variables come into play.
I see what you’re saying, but an EcoBoost with that many mods, especially with a bigger turbo, shouldn’t lose to a V6 unless the V6 is boosted or something. With a big turbo and drag slicks, the EcoBoost should recover from a bad launch pretty quickly. Maybe the other guy is still learning to drive his manual, which could explain it.
I had a similar experience. I raced my buddy’s S197 V6 with my stock GT, and I beat him pretty easily. Even he was like, “man, those things have some serious power!”