When Ford initially launched the Boss 302 in 2012 it separated itself from the standard Mustang GT with more horsepower and several unique components designed for lowering lap times at the track. For weekend warriors looking at buying a Mustang to take on the road course, the Boss 302 was the clear choice.
With the debut of the revised 2013 Mustang back in November, though, Ford is making it tougher on customers to make a decision. The standard 5.0-liter V8 now makes 420 horsepower – eight more than in 2012 – and items like the Recaro seats, Torsen limited-slip differential, engine oil cooler and upgraded radiator that used to be unique to the Boss 302 are now available on the Mustang GT with the optional Track Package.
Is it possible that the 2013 Mustang GT is now a better performance bargain than the Boss 302? That’s the question Motor Trend is asking in their latest episode of Ignition, and they recently tested out a brand new Mustang GT both on track and in the hills of Southern California to see how it stacked up to its racing-inspired sibling. You can watch the full episode in the video below.