IL Track Tested: 2010 Ford Mustang GT vs. 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8

Looks like the Hyundai would be good competition for the last gen Mustang. Not totally a bad thing. It didn't embarass itself out there. Promising start for the Hyundai.

But I'd still take the Mustang out of this pair, even though it's $5000 more, just for the fact that everyone knows what it is.

the numbers are totally what i expected. the fastest time i've seen for the genesis coupe was 5.5 secs to 60.. which is very good but still a little disappointing.

I know they are a lot different, but I still see a lot of Tiburon in the Genesis Coupe.

I prefer the Mustang.

Horsepower don't win drag races. Torque does. That's why the Mustang beat the Genesis at the drag strip.

It's simple math. V8s have more cylinders than V6s, so they have an inherent torque advantage (which in engine terms, means the ability to suck in air and fuel the combustion process).

I'd still prefer the Genesis though, because you have to turn the steering wheel eventually. lol.

With 2 extra cylinders, 60 extra ft./lb. of torque and SEVERAL decades worth of model development, it's surprising (okay, not really) that the Ford standard bearer can't distance itself further from from a first offering RWD 6 cylinder Korean coupe.

I don't know that the Mustang has to be a WHOLE lot faster than the Genesis to prove it is still the standard bearer. The V8 sounds better, has more torque, and the whole package is appealing with lots of aftermarket support. The Genesis simply puts up a fight with a darn good showing!

I love V8s, but torque isn't about cylinder count; it's about displacement. Larger displacement engines tend to have a better torque curve - more torque at a lower RPM. Thus, more work can be done, and when combined with more power, it can be done at a faster rate. The Mustang's additional 8/10 of a liter give its V8 that advantage.

The Mustang is too darn heavy though. It could use some spring training from the Genesis.

"It's simple math. V8s have more cylinders than V6s, so they have an inherent torque advantage (which in engine terms, means the ability to suck in air and fuel the combustion process)."

Drbyers, you can have more cylinders and still produce LESS torque. Torque (for the most part) is about displacement and the Mustang GT has a clear advantage in that area.

Im not sure which car Id pick as I like both. I like the GT's sound, looks and overall performance however I like the Hyundai for similar reasons, although I still think the Hyundai should be faster given its power ratings.

To be fair, the Mustangs V8 should be making MUCH more power given its displacement advantage. Hell, if Nissan can make a 3.7L V6 with 350hp (Nismo 370Z) why cant Ford give the GT the extra power it deserves as a 300-320hp V8 these days is not impressive. Does anyone remember the "drag race" of the 370Z, Genesis V6 and the GT Edmunds featured? The GT got out first, the 370Z EASILY caught it, kept pulling away and it doesnt have a significiant advantage in weight.

Want an even more valid reason why it should make more power? Look no further than the Camaro.

This is what the Mustang should offer:

IRS on all models

Base - 3.7L VVT 24v V6 300hp/265tq. (6MT/5AT)

GT - 4.6L VVT 32v V8 400hp/360tq (6MT/6AT)

Sure, it would drive up the price a bit, however the Mustangs starting price is dirt cheap as is. You'd get more car and performance for your dollar, it would be more inline with its MAIN competition (the Camaro) in terms of available power, and it would give its V6 only competition a much better fight.

For the 5k difference in price, you could supercharge/turbo the Genesis and make it faster than the Mustang.

I prefer precise steering over outright power.

"I'm surprised the Mustang was that much faster. With almost 400 lbs more weight and just 9 more HP, it should have been closer or even a win to the Hyundai.

Wonder if Ford is under rating it's engine"

firstwagon, the Mustangs weight is "as tested", while the Genesis' weight is the "curb weight".
The Mustang GT's curb weight is around 3572 lbs.

PS: The Mustang might only have 9 more horsepower but it has 59 lb-ft of torque.

Correction: PS: The Mustang might only have 9 more horsepower but it has 59 lb-ft more torque.

Enough with the "well given that car x has more cylinders it should have more horsepower" comments.

The two engines work differently. The v6s are more high strung while the v8s tend to be more relaxed while produced more torque.

I'm not biased against the Mustang, but 13.5 @ 102.9mph is a tad fast. The Mustang should be running closer to 13.7-13.8 with that trap speed.

It would be nice if a publisher did an article about the V6 Mustang sometime, since that's actually what the majority of people will be buying. I'd like to see a comparison between the V6 Mustang and the turbo 4 Genesis.

lt1boy: I've got to say here-here! I've been looking for a recent v6 review, and have yet to find one. The 0-60 times should be the same sub 7 seconds, but I'm curious if the handling has been as much improved behind the wheel as the gt.

That said, I really wish there were less comparisons between the hyundai and the mustang. Those two seem to have as much in common as a harley vrod and a honda cbr: both can put out impressive numbers, but one is all engine and style, while the other is generic but sportier.

Just wait until Ford busts out the ecoboost for the Mustang.

I believe Mustang will get new engines next year.

The new 5.0L V-8 coming out for the Mustang next year looks to be one great engine. Ford desparately needs this engine to compete with the LS3 in the Camaro SS. The Hyundai is irrelevant in this class without a V-8.

Everything I've read says the Mustang is a significantly better driving experience. I'd take the Mustang, even if it were slower than the Genesis.

"the Mustangs V8 should be making MUCH more power given its displacement advantage"

It's not a game about who can pull more hp per L. Ford knows how to do that. The 4.6L is more proven, more durable, more cost effective, more tunable, and smoother. Yum!

I read some where that for 2011 the Mustang is increasing displacement to a 5.0 with direct injection. Estimated HP is 400.That will drop it's acceleration times to Camaro numbers(app 4.7 0-60 etc).The Z V6 puts out impressive numbers(350 HP for the Nizmo version).However Nissan has been unable to eradicate vibration in the 3.7 V6. I've read that anything over 4000 RPM sounds strained with a lot of vibration. Inside line is not the only publication mentioning this. To me that ruins the car. It may handle better then the Mustang and have ever so slightly better acceleration but if your paying on average 38 grand for a sport pack you deserve a smooth engine that zings to it's red line.Hyundai with it's 3.8 does not make the same power but it is a much smoother engine.Part of the "Sportscar" experience is not just about numbers but how the car feels while driving. I just sat in a new Z at our local auto show. The quality has improved but it is not as nice an interior as the Mustang and the rear window is little more than a slit.Both the Mustang and Hyundai are easier to see out of.(Which makes a difference if you use the car as a daily commuter).For me the Z is out of the picture because while it's quite focused it's 2 drawbacks(visability and engine NVH)are unacceptable at that price range. Comparing the Mustang and Hyundai is more a matter of personal preference then performance #'s. Both have pluses and minuses against each other. Being that Hyundai is the new kid on the block I'd wait a yr or so to see if they could get more HP and improve the ride slightly. I'd go for the Mustang. I prefer it's styling over the Hyundai. I hope they will offer the track pack in the base car as I don't need leather and sat nav and I color is a rip off.

I have to say, I'm amazed at what a good car the new Mustang GT is. They did some good work on it while I wasn't looking!

I don't know whether I would rather have the Mustang or the Genesis. Both cars have major pro's and con's that the others don't.

Mustang = V8 torque, sound and confidence (as it is a Ford Mustang). But lesser gas mileage, probably less reliability (not quite released on Genesis as far as I know, but Hyundai has been improving) and considerably more expensive. Genesis will have less power - not that big of a difference, better handling, lighter, better gas mileage, also I think someone said $5000 cheaper. If you were looking between a Mustang GT and a Genesis Coupe, you could get SO much more out of the G if you put that $5000 you're saving back into the engine.

What would you guys rather buy with these factors taken into account?

The determining factor for me would be: which one can I get cheaper after 2 years?

Question!

Isn't torque a factor of piston surface area and compression ratio, not displacement per se?

Regarding the prices... This Mustang in this test has to be a GT Premium (base MSRP: $30,995)with over $4,000 worth of options on it. You can get a base GT for $27,995. The Genesis Coupe appears to the be 3.8 Track model with minimal additional options. You can get a base 3.8 for $25,000.

I wonder if this Mustang had the Track Pack? And if not, what rear differential?

On the engine front, Ford's 4.6L could stand for more power. But I think Ford has decided to spend the money and time on developing the new engines for it. Considering that the upcoming Taurus SHO will have 365 hp, I wonder what Ford will bump the Mustang's power up to?

Oops, forgot to mention... Yesterday on my drive home, there was a young man on the road with the new Mustang GT Convertible (an '09 I assume... definitely not the '10). It was definitely a stick, and he was driving it like it was meant to be driven. No smoky burnouts, but probably 5,000 rpm shifts and a decent amount of throttle. Looking at it and hearing it made me remember why America has had a love affair with the Mustang for 45 years. It made me want one again.

I thought stroke length had a lot to do with torque generation, not so much displacement. Hence a small diesel with a long stroke can generate a lot of torque.

That's why I always thought motors like Honda's K20 had low torque, because they had a low stroke but a wider bore to get to that level of displacement. Therefore, they can rev quickly with such a short stroke.

Am I way off base here?

crowb: from my understanding, a lot of the diesel torque comes from the compression that is required to combust diesel fuel. i guess that could also be related to stroke length, since the stroke length is naturally longer to facilitate the added pressure.

i love reading comments about these two cars. it's really a case of different strokes for different folks. both cars perform within small thresholds of one another. the mustang is faster, sounds better, and in stunning fashion, seems to have a better interior. i also say it has more "cool factor". however, the Genesis isn't super deficient in any of those categories (except engine sound... the mustang has em all whooped there), and handles better with a look that leans sporty rather than "mean". it's probably more satisfying when the road bends. but the mustang is no slouch in this regard, either... just not quite as proficient.

so, really, pick your pleasure. for me, few things compare to the drama and presence of a muscle car, but it's sporty enough to be fun to drive by all accounts. others will sacrifice that classic look and demeanor for pure handling and communication.

in short, both are pretty good cars.

why havent these ppl done a comparison between the 370z and the genesis

gotta love ford. a muscle car with a 4.6 v8 shouldnt even have to worry about anything with 2 less cylinders, especially one that is smaller than a ford's own mustang v6

cute really.