Rev It Up: The Ultimate Showdown Between 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Manual Vs Automatic

Jun 22nd

2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Manual vs. Automatic: A Comprehensive Comparison

The 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost has been one of the most popular models of sports cars since its release. It has been praised for its sleek design, impressive performance, and affordable price. However, one of the biggest debates among car enthusiasts is whether to go for the manual or automatic transmission. Both have their pros and cons, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and driving style. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive comparison of the 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Manual vs. Automatic, highlighting their key features, controls, functionalities, and other important factors that can help you make an informed decision.

Overview

The 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost comes in two transmission options – the 6-speed manual and the 10-speed automatic. The manual is equipped with a standard clutch pedal and a gear shifter, while the automatic has a shift lever and paddle shifters. The manual transmission offers a more engaging driving experience, giving the driver more control over the car’s performance. On the other hand, the automatic is designed for convenience and ease of use, particularly in heavy traffic or long journeys.

Key Features

The 2018 Mustang EcoBoost manual comes with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing up to 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque. It has a top speed of 155 mph and can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over five seconds. The automatic, meanwhile, has the same engine but is tuned to produce slightly less power at 310 horsepower and 350 lb-ft of torque.

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Both transmissions come with selectable drive modes, allowing the driver to adjust the car’s handling and performance to suit their preferences. The manual has four drive modes – Normal, Sport, Track, and Snow/Wet. The automatic has five modes – Normal, Sport, Track, Drag Strip, and Snow/Wet. The drag strip mode is exclusive to the automatic, providing optimal performance for straight-line acceleration.

Controls and Functionalities

The manual transmission provides a more engaging driving experience, allowing the driver to shift gears manually and feel more connected to the car. The clutch pedal requires coordination and skill, but once mastered, it can provide a rewarding driving experience. The gear shifter is placed within easy reach of the driver, allowing smooth and precise gear changes.

The automatic, on the other hand, requires less effort and coordination. The shift lever and paddle shifters allow the driver to switch between gears effortlessly, without having to worry about the clutch pedal. The automatic also has a torque converter, which helps to smooth out gear changes and provides better acceleration.

User-Friendly Features

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The automatic transmission provides more user-friendly features, making it easier to drive in heavy traffic or long journeys. The automatic has an adaptive cruise control, which adjusts the car’s speed based on the traffic ahead. It also has a lane departure warning, which alerts the driver if the car drifts out of its lane. The automatic also has a start-stop system, which turns off the engine when the car is idling to save fuel.

The manual, meanwhile, has a hill start assist, which prevents the car from rolling back when starting on a steep incline. It also has a rev-matching system, which automatically blips the throttle during downshifts, making for smoother gear changes and reducing wear on the clutch.

Tire Maintenance

The Mustang EcoBoost comes with high-performance tires, which require regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. The manual and automatic transmissions have different tire specifications, so it’s important to check the owner’s manual for the recommended tire pressure, rotation, and replacement schedule. The manual and automatic also have different brake systems, which may require different maintenance procedures.

Interior and Exterior

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The interior and exterior of the 2018 Mustang EcoBoost are designed to provide a sporty and luxurious feel. The manual and automatic have similar features, such as leather-trimmed seats, a rearview camera, and a touchscreen infotainment system. However, the manual has a traditional gear shifter and a clutch pedal, while the automatic has a shift lever and paddle shifters.

The exterior of the Mustang EcoBoost is sleek and aerodynamic, with a low profile and aggressive styling. Both the manual and automatic have similar exterior features, such as LED headlights, a rear spoiler, and dual exhaust pipes.

Price

The price of the 2018 Mustang EcoBoost depends on the transmission and other features. The manual is slightly cheaper than the automatic, with a starting price of around $26,000. The automatic starts at around $27,000. However, the price can vary depending on the trim level, additional features, and dealer incentives.

Safety

The Mustang EcoBoost comes with a range of safety features, such as airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes. The manual and automatic have similar safety features, such as a rearview camera and a blind spot monitoring system. However, the automatic has additional safety features, such as adaptive cruise control and a lane departure warning.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 2018 Ford Mustang EcoBoost provides a thrilling driving experience, whether you go for the manual or automatic transmission. The manual provides more control and engagement, while the automatic offers more convenience and ease of use. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and driving style. However, both transmissions have their pros and cons, and it’s important to consider factors such as tire maintenance, user-friendly features, and safety before making a decision. Overall, the Mustang EcoBoost is a great choice for sports car enthusiasts, offering power, performance, and style at an affordable price.

This post topic: Manual