One of the big differences between the GT and the Dark Horse is that the GT is available as a convertible. This is also an indicator of the overall attitude towards the GT. It’s made to be enjoyed on regular roads and in everyday life. Yes, the engine is powerful and joy-inducing when you put the pedal down, but the idea of the GT is that this doesn’t take away from the user-friendliness. In fact, the clearest indicator of what the GT is intended to do is right in the name. GT stands for Grand Touring, and that’s exactly what the GT is built to do: powerful but comfortable transportation, even over long distances.

The Dark Horse is a much more focused version of the Mustang. It’s not quite factory-ready to be driven straight to the racetrack; there is no roll cage, for example, but it’s much closer to ready than the GT. The engine is a bit more powerful, but the more important features are things like the standard TORSEN limited-slip differential, the MagneRide suspension, performance tires, and the big Brembo brakes. So, the thing that sets the Dark Horse apart isn’t power, but how that power is used. Handling is sharper, stopping is quicker, and cooling is improved for better endurance. For those who wish to regularly push their Mustang to the limit, the Dark Horse is the clear choice.

There are a few factors to consider when choosing between the GT and Dark Horse variants of the Mustang. The first is cost; the Dark Horse costs noticeably more than the GT. You certainly get a lot more equipment for that money, but for anyone who doesn’t need the hard-edged character of the Dark Horse, the extra cost wouldn’t be worth it. That said, for those who do want the more focused experience, the Dark Horse is an outstanding value for money, costing a fraction of what basically any other V8 coupe in North America would cost. But the choice ultimately comes down to whether you’re looking for a grand tourer or a more dedicated sports car.