The Ford GT often gets mentioned as if it is its own stand-alone model. However, the real truth is that the Ford GT is just an available trim level on the Ford Mustang. While the Ford GT is simply a Ford Mustang trim level, there are some key differences that separate the Ford Mustang GT from the traditional Ford Mustang. Here’s a look at the biggest difference between the two. 

A look at the 2024 Ford Mustang GT 

The Ford GT is an available trim-level option in the 2024 Ford Mustang lineup. While not a stand-alone model, the GT clearly differentiates itself from other Mustang trim levels.

The term GT gets thrown around in the auto industry today to refer to anything that is seen as more luxurious than its counterparts. However, according to MotorTrend, the term GT originally stood for Grand Touring or Gran Turismo in Italian. 

The GT badge was first introduced into the car world in the 1920s by an Italian who used it to describe vehicles that fit somewhere between the classic sports car and a luxury car. Thus, the modern Ford Mustang GT still fits quite well into this definition. Ford offers the GT badge on three different trims in the 2024 Ford Mustang lineup, including the GT Fastback, GT Premium Fastback, and GT Premium Convertible. 

The biggest difference between the GT and the traditional Mustang 

The Ford Mustang GT is a more luxurious version of the traditional Ford Mustang. Thus, it comes standard with more features and a heftier price tag. For example, Ford offers the baseline 2024 Mustang Fastback for a starting MSRP of $30,920. In contrast, Ford starts the Mustang GT Fastback at $42,295. 

The extra $12K means the GT comes standard with many more bells and whistles than the traditional Mustang model. Overall, the biggest difference between the GT and the traditional Mustang is the inclusion of a V8 engine. According to MotorTrend, the 2024 Mustang Fastback sports a 2.3L turbocharged EcoBoost engine that produces 315 hp. In contrast, under the hood of a Mustang GT Fastback, a standard 5L V8 Coyote engine that produces 480 hp can be found. 

Is the GT worth the extra cash? 

So, is the extra power and amenities that the 2024 Ford Mustang GT has worth the extra money? Well, it seems that the majority of Mustang owners would say, “YES!” According to Edmunds, the GT Premium two-door coupe is the most popular Mustang trim in the lineup. Ford offers the most popular GT Premium Fastback at a starting MSRP of $47,015. 

The highest-level Ford Mustang GT trim is the GT Premium Convertible which Ford offers at a starting MSRP of $52,515. The GT Premium Fastback not only gains Mustang owners access to the more powerful V8 engine, but it also unlocks access to a variety of additional premium features and amenities like adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, ventilated seats, and more. 

In addition, Ford offers two more trim levels that are considered to be even more premium than the GT trims. These two trims sport the Dark Horse nameplate. Ford offers the 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse at a starting MSRP of $59,270 and the Dark Horse Premium trim at a starting MSRP of $63,265.

While the Dark Horse trims are certainly luxurious in their own right, the majority of consumers would be better served to stick within the GT trim level range to get the best bang for their buck.