My sister had a Mustang II when she was in high school. It wasn't the worst thing ever, and it was very light. I'm sure she could have slid a 289/302 and a T5 in it and it would have been a lot of fun at stoplights.
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Having driven various 5.0 swapped Mustang IIs, can confirm.
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I test drove a new 23 badlands today with the 2.7 wow that was fun.
The 2.3 will get you there.
The 2.7 can you there with a boner.
The 2.7 can you there with a boner.
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one thing not mentioned is the 2.3l has a chain driven oil pump and the 2.7l has a belt driven oil pump. I could be wrong and if I am, I will graciously learn and delete my post.
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The 2.3 looks cleaner under-the-hood, and for awhile I wanted the 2.3, but my order was initially for a 2.7 and I stuck with that (in my 2Dr). I cannot complain. The 2.7 with the auto is the fastest 4WD I have ever driven, gets 22-24 MPG on the road, and has been completely reliable for 3 years.
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No flappy paddles with the slushbox? That's a bummer. Even some CVT's have paddles.
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Yes I did wow what a difference between the 2.3 and the 2.7.
You’re not wrong, but that’s really not a legitimate reason to go with one or the other.
Neither have problems.
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Simple rule - I buy the largest engine that comes with a manual.
So, only option is the 2.3.
So, only option is the 2.3.
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I like a manual to play with, keeps my hands busy, 2.3 for me. If 2.7 had manual I would have considered that.
Get what you enjoy!!
Get what you enjoy!!
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I ordered a 2026 2.3L with a manual transmission. If I wanted to get an automatic, I might of still gone with the 2.3L vs 2.7L. Why? Without a modification/tune, there is only 30hp difference (at least that is what the spec say). The 2.3L gets better mileage (look at EPA and at most of the owner reports on this website). The 2.3L is lighter than the 2.7L. Also I want a hidden winch (bought a Warn Platinum and the Lobo hidden winch mount) and the install is much easier with the 2.3L than the 2.7L. In 2025, Ford swapped the 2.3L to the newer MPC version (same as used in Mustangs). It doesn't have a performance tune yet, but hopefully, when it gets one, it will add lots of HP for those who want it.
It's not a major difference in top end HP...but it is a major difference in torque. Nearly 100 lb ft of it.
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