2008 Ford Mustang

Ford's 4.0-liter V-6 produces 210 horsepower. A 4.6-liter all-aluminum V-8 in the GT pumps out 300 hp and 320 pounds-feet of torque. Both engines run on regular gasoline and work with either a five-speed manual transmission or an optional five-speed automatic.

The two new Shelby Mustangs are the Mustang Shelby GT and Shelby GT500KR. The more modest Shelby GT, in coupe or convertible, has exclusive blue paint and gets a power bump to 319 hp. It rides slightly lower and has firmer suspension tuning. The Shelby GT500KR puts out around 540 hp.

Safety
In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, the Mustang scored Good (the highest) for side-impact protection and Acceptable (one step lower) for frontal protection.

Previously optional on the Mustang V6, side-impact airbags are standard across the line as of 2008. Four-wheel disc brakes are standard. Antilock brakes with traction control are standard on the GT but remain optional on V6 models. Side curtain airbags are not available.

The latest Mustang is more refined than its predecessor - and not just incrementally so, as you might expect from a new generation. The steering has a satisfying, confident feel that's especially appealing on twisty roads.

Suspension differences between the two models aren't dramatic, but the GT is considerably more sure-footed. Its ride is no rougher, and the overall experience is more civilized. The GT's steering response is more agreeable, too - well-behaved through curves, with little correction needed on straightaways. Technically, the solid rear axle is inferior to an independent design, but out on the road it's truly impressive and exhibits far less hop than expected when turning on broken pavement.

Acceleration with the V-6 isn't so enthusiastic at startup, though it's better for passing and merging. Where the manual V6 is surprisingly satisfying, the automatic version's drama comes more from the noise than the acceleration itself. Performance is vigorous with the V-8. Its exhaust noise can be intrusive, but only when accelerating hard, and some buyers are sure to welcome the intrusion.