If you’re shopping for a Mustang that delivers both high-end interior luxury and superstar performance, you’re probably eyeing the 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium and the Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Which car best suits you? Our comparison guide helps you explore your options.
Key Takeaways
- Compared to the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse (from $58,185), the 2024 Mustang GT (from $46,480) delivers high-octane power at the lowest price.
- Inside, the Mustang GT has a few extra comfort features, including front-seat ventilation!
- The Dark Horse features the most powerful version of Ford’s 5.0-liter V8 ever made, pumping out 500 horsepower!
- The Dark Horse comes standard with a long list of performance upgrades, most of which are optional for the Mustang GT.
What is the Starting Price of the 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium?
Starting at $46,480, the redesigned 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium treats you to both a thrilling ride and, inside, some of life’s finer things. The MSRP includes standard creature comforts like dual-zone automatic climate control and heated, power-adjustable front seats. Under the hood, its iconic 5.0-liter V8 roars to life with up to 480 horsepower!
Meanwhile, the all-new 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse starts at $58,185. Although this sports coupe was specially designed for track-level performance, it also includes many of the GT Premium’s luxury features. Better still, the Dark Horse features a high-output version of Ford’s 5.0-liter V8 engine, boosting output to 500 horses. Compared to the GT Premium, the Dark Horse delivers a longer list of high-performance upgrades, including Ford’s MagneRide suspension system!
Is the 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium Comfortable?
We can say in all honesty that, inside, both Mustangs treat you to cushy comfort. Differences between these models’ list of standard features are almost nonexistent!
You’ll find one of the most noticeable differences between the pair in the front seats. As one of the line’s Premium models, the Mustang GT Premium enhances your everyday drive with heated and cooled front seats. The Dark Horse, on the other hand, has heated —but not ventilated — front seats.
The other major difference between the pair is styling. Both Mustangs are sporty and stylish, but the Dark Horse dials these elements up. Outside, unique exterior trim gives the Dark Horse an extra-aggressive look. Inside, details like a suede steering wheel insert set it apart from the Mustang GT Premium.
The 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium offers these upscale comfort and tech features:
- Power-adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats
- Leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- 12.4-inch LCD digital cluster
- SYNC 4 with 13.2-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Wireless smartphone charging pad
- Ambient interior lighting with MyColor
- Optional leather-trimmed seats with color accent
- Optional Recaro leather-trimmed front sport seats
- Optional 12-speaker B&O sound system
You’ll find most of the above features available to the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, with a few adjustments:
- Power-adjustable, heated front seats
- Heated, leather-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel with suede insert
- Optional Recaro micro/suede sport seats
- Optional electronic-locking center console
While you’ll find the same V8 engine under both hoods, the Mustang GT Premium and Dark Horse offer unique powertrains.
The Mustang GT Premium powertrain options will look familiar to fans of the brand, including its iconic 5.0-liter V8 engine and transmission options. However, compared to last year’s model, this redesigned Mustang GT delivers a 30-horsepower boost!
- 5.0L V8 (480 horsepower, 415 pound-feet of torque)
- Six-speed manual transmission with rev matching
- Optional 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters
- Rear-wheel drive
In spite of the Mustang GT’s incredible power, the Dark Horse is the ultimate contender. With a high-output version of the same V8 engine, the Dark Horse increases speed with 500 horsepower. In fact, it hosts the most powerful version of the Coyote V8 that Ford has ever made, delivering more power than even the F-150 Raptor! Besides more muscle, the Dark Horse’s TREMEC manual transmission is specially designed to enhance acceleration and maintain speed.
- 5.0L V8 (500 horsepower, 418 pound-feet of torque)
- TREMEC Six-speed manual with rev matching
- Optional 10-speed SelectShift automatic transmission with paddle shifters
- Rear-wheel drive
Is the 2024 Ford Mustang GT Better than the 2024 Dark Horse?
If the Mustang GT Premium has a slight edge when it comes to interior luxury, the Dark Horse takes a major lead when it comes to performance. But that’s not to say that the Mustang GT Premium won’t help you achieve your need for speed! After all, this iconic Ford pony car comes standard with a sporty final drive ratio and a dual-throttle body system, delivering incredible acceleration and throttle response. It’s just that the Dark Horse is also designed to do all of that, only better.
The Mustang GT Premium’s performance features include:
- Vented four-wheel disc power brakes
- 3.55 limited-slip rear axle (manual transmission)
- Dual throttle body intake manifold
- Optional 3.55 limited-slip rear axle (automatic transmission)
- Optional quad chrome tips with active valve performance exhaust system and remote rev
- Optional 19-inch Brembo brake system with red calipers
- Optional MangeRide damping system
- Optional GT Performance Package
The all-new Mustang Dark Horse immediately turns up the heat with its shorter final gear ratio. Plus, standard features like Brembo brakes and the MagneRide high-performance suspension improve driver control and agility. Like the redesigned Mustang GT, the Dark Horse features a dual-intake throttle body, amplifying power and engine response.
On the Mustang Dark Horse, you’ll find many of the performance features that are merely optional for the Mustang GT, plus some that aren’t.
Highlights include:
- 19-inch Brembo brake system with red calipers
- 3.73 TORSEN limited-slip rear axle
- MangeRide damping system
- Performance-enhanced powertrain calibration
- Dual throttle body intake manifold
- K-brace
- Optional Dark Horse Handling Package
Is the 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium Right For You?
So, which one of these Mustangs is calling your name? For fun-loving speed and rich interior luxury, you can’t go wrong with the 2024 Ford Mustang GT Premium. But if you crave racetrack-style performance (and can do without ventilated front seats), the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse is the car that belongs in your driveway.