firefighter1

Hey, everyone! I'm a big fan of both Chevy and Ford. As long as they produce a muscle car, I'm happy. Anyway, im in the market for a new(er) car. It's going to be my daily driver for spring/summer/fall, but NOT winter. I've been looking into a Trans Am or a Mach 1. I've always loved the Mach 1's look. I guess you could say the same thing about the Trans Am!! They would be manual, for sure. That's a must. I have yet to test drive the two cars, but i'm aware that's the best way to make my final answer. If any one has driven or has any experience with each of these cars, can you please give me some pointers. I know i'm on a GM site, so may get some biased answers!! Thanks!

jmm98LS1

iTrader: (28)

Well obviously buy the T/A if you wanna be fast, or the m1 if you don't.

ActionJack

I have experience with the Trans Am and can say it is a great ride. I have no aspirations to own a Mach 1 though. As to pointers...

The Trans Am is a fun and reliable ride out of the box and has a lot of potential with mods. Pretty much any way you want to head the Trans Am can get you there.




Jack

tx3

iTrader: (1)

ya im in the same situations - i like both and im a ford and chevy guy - domestics - fk imports

novi2000

iTrader: (2)

well, i would say there are good qualitys of both, ive driven both, and both are very quick for stock cars, both with great modding potential. and both look great, its a personal choice i guess.

YoungGunLs1

I would have to say that it is all personal preference, or which you can get a better deal on etc.. I think both cars look great, and both are very quick in stock form...Test drive them both and make your decision

Either way IMO you will get a great car.

8GTOKLR

iTrader: (6)

I am a Trans Am die hard. But if i had to do it a again go with the 01-02 camaro's. They dont have the quirky pop up head lights or the heavy rear spoiler, plus you can get more appearence upgrades! Either one thought you get the LS motor which is a marvel. For a grand you can boost your rwhp min of 70hp whether you go cam, or heads,. other thing also get traction control so when you "have" to replace the rear you'll be able to get a 9 inch for the M6. umm the Mach One isnt a slouch, its got looks, exhaust tone and good performance. Downside it will cost Arm + Leg to mod that thing. Intake,TB,catback, headers, supercharger 8# + tune will get you + or - 414rwhp with the bill of about 8k for parts and labor. Those are my few cents of info

300bhp/ton

Buy on price and condition. Each car is good and neither one is better.

Modding the LS1 is fairly easy and cheap but a new rear end (stock 10 bolt axle is rubbish and breaks) can make it just as expensive in the long run. Also don't get hung up on age either, a nice 99 or 00 LS1 maybe a better bet it it leaves you with more money to spend on mods.

If you have big asperations then the Fbody is a good starting point as LSx engines can be taken out to 427ci and there are supercharger and turbo kits available for similar money to those for Mustangs.

The DOHC 4.6 in the Mach 1 is a really nice engine though and can be pretty potent considering it's displacement.

8GTOKLR

iTrader: (6)

" a nice 99 or 00 LS1 maybe a better bet it it leaves you with more money to spend on mods."




True but they dont come with improved heads or cam,LS6 intake and EGR delete

Ric

Look for an 01-02 T/A, man. The good thing about these cars is not only are they fast out of the box, but they get pretty awesome gas mileage, too... better than a V6 Accord. Plus, if I ain't mistooken, the Mach 1 has a 5 spd compared to the 6 spd in manual F-cars.

Yes, I'm biased, but I'm offering information as accurately as I can to you. Remember, pick what you like, not what we tell you to pick. Either way, go stir the rice with your American muscle.

novi2000

iTrader: (2)

very true about the rear-end situation, the mustang 8.8 is alot better, and if it breaks put a eaton locker,31spline axles, and youve put a dang good rear for under a grand. the the block and crank in the mach are very good, the pistons and rods are still the same junk thats in the gt's, but it does have the forged cobra crank.

BLK02TA

iTrader: (11)

Mach1 = 50 less hp + less cubes & 5speed
T/A = More hp + 6speed

novi2000

iTrader: (2)

50? the mach 1s in 03 had 305, and the ones in 04 i think have 310hp.

Swang

iTrader: (3)

mach 1's are nice. my friend's got one and its a nice car. if youre out for rarity go with the mach. the mach will be a little more pricey because its rare and newer. the LSx responds very well to bolt ons...a 4v 4.6 responds well but not as well. its a toss up, your choice, no one outstandingly outperforms the other. good luck with your choice, whichever it is.

jswelburn

In addition, the Mach1 will probably hold its value longer.

Test drive them both and see which one you like.

300bhp/ton

So?

The heads are fine and the cam is actually more agressive in 98-00 cars, EGR doesn't cost any HP and a NEW LS6 intake is only $450.

So if an 01/2 car costs ~$500 more than a 99-00 then I can't see the point in spending the extra (price & condition dependant of course).

And I'm not saying it because I have a 99. It just makes sense, if you had two cars in similar condition with similar mileage. One an 02 the other a 99 but there was 2k+ difference in price I personally don't think it's worth it.

2k will buy a lot of mods - LT's, ORY, catback, lid, intake, gears and so on.

firefighter1

Thanks for the help guys! Believe it or not, but in my area a 2003 Mach 1 with about 20,000km's goes for around $20,000 to about $25,000. Were as a 1999-2002 T/A with about 30,000km's goes for about $27,000 to about $35,000. I swear this Northern air screws with some people. There nuts!!

BlueSix

A mach can be made fast. But it will take a steep rear gear, and that will kill your gas mileage if you do a lot of highway driving. If you go for the f body get an 01-02, they are worth the extra coin.

ls1charged

iTrader: (8)

basically if u want to go faster for less money go with the TA, but if your not planning on modding alot pic your fav. i like both so im not gonna get biased. if it was a GT it would be alot different but a MACH 1 is way better.

firefighter1

Yeah, it won't be modded. All i want is a nice American muscle car as a daily driver for those nice spring/summer days. I will do exhaust, no matter what. I want that V8 rumble!! Also, how do the 4.6L's sound? i've never really heard a Mustang.