Ford Mustang turns 40 next years. On April 17, 1964, the first Mustang rolled onto the streets. Performance and style were its hallmarks and folks loved its long hood, short rear deck, and low profile. It still represents affordable performance and style. A base coupe, for example, retails for just $17,720 and cash incentives can knock a big chunk off of that. Mustang convertibles are popular and attractively priced. Its GT models are a hoot to drive with their 260-horsepower V8 engines. It offers good grip when cornering hard, and you can really feel what the car is doing. Just don't expect sophisticated ride and handling.

2004 Ford Mustang model will wear special anniversary badges. With the base group of models, which consists of Standard, Deluxe and Premium trims, a 3.8-liter V6 engine is used. It produces 193 horsepower at 5500 rpm and 225 lb-ft of torque at 2800 rpm. 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission is available for most models. The rest of the pack employs a 4.6-liter V8, with varying levels of power. GT Deluxe and GT Premium models get 260 horsepower at 5250 rpm and 302 lb-ft of torque at 4000 rpm. Up next is the Mach 1 model, which squeezes out 310 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 335 lb-ft of torque at 4200 rpm. As usual, the Mustang comes as a fastback coupe or a convertible with power top and glass rear window. Seating is for four people.

Wind noise has been reduced on 2004 models through the use of improved sealing, and both the V6 and V8 engines benefit from some minor refinements.

Compare this Mustang with the new 2004 Corvette.

2004 Corvette

Style is a given on the outside, and comfort and a performance-based cockpit are similarly guaranteed on the inside. It has Style is a given on the outside, and comfort and a performance-based cockpit are similarly guaranteed on the inside. It has Comfortable, enveloping seats. Adequate head and legroom, plus a wider cockpit than in most sports cars. Entry/exit requires a drop in and a climb out, though unobtrusive doorsills help. Thick roof pillars hurt visibility to all corners, especially top-up in convertibles. All models have sufficient space for two golf bags, but liftover is achingly high and there's no partition between cargo hold and cabin. Cockpit storage minuscule. It has unique shale colored leather seating surfaces, leather-appointed door pull grips and armrest pads and exclusive high polished 5-spoke aluminum wheels with specific center cap will turn heads at whiplash speed.

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