Base Verus Loaded: 2012 Mustang GT Coupe

If you’re anything like us, you likely spend at least some portion of your workweek configuring interesting cars on manufacturer websites. We’re consistently amazed at the huge price gap between the “base” version of a particular model, and its totally optioned-out counterpart. In this new series, we will plainly show the differences in price, and what the extra money really buys you. We thought the bread-and-butter Mustang GT would make a great first example. Here goes.

Base

Price: $29,145 (Mustang GT Coupe) + $850 (destination) + $0 (options) = $29,995

Loaded

Price: $34,340 (Mustang GT Premium Coupe) + $9540 (options) + $850 = $44,730

What Does $14,745 Buy?

6-Speed Automatic Transmission
SYNC
Shaker 500 Audi System
Sirius Satellite Radio
Yellow Blaze Metallic Tri-Coat – $495
HID & Security Package – $525
Reverse Sensing System & Security Package – $695
GT Coupe Accessory Package 5 – $1470
– hood scoop
– pedestal spoiler
– side scoops
– decklid face panel
– quarter window louvers
Glass Roof – $1995
19-inch bright machined aluminum wheels – $995
Comfort Package – $595
Electronics Package – $2340
– Voice Activated Navigation System with Sirius Traffic and Sirius Travel Link
– HD Radio
– Dual Zone electronic automatic temperature control
PowerCode Remote Start System – $345
All-Weather Floor Mats – $85
 

Base Model Features

Cloth front bucket seats
Manual air conditioning
Premium AM/FM stereo with single CD player
Auxiliary audio input jack
Map pockets
2 power points
Four-gauge cluster
2 covered cupholders
MyKey
Message Center
Black locking console with full armrest and storage
Black floor mats
Sun visors with multi-purpose storage system and illuminated vanity mirrors
Center high-mount dome interior lighting for coupe
Tilt steering wheel with speed controls
Door trim panel inserts
Black dash, pedals, scuff plate and shifter knob
Gloss paint center stack and console
50/50 split fold rear seat backs (coupe only)

Legendary 5.0L V8 Engine
6-speed manual transmission
Vented four-wheel disc brakes
3.31 limited slip rear axel ratio
Selectable electronic power assist steering
18-inch wide-spoke aluminum wheels
Mini spare tire

Solar tinted glass
Windows/locks—power 1-touch up/down driver and passenger windows
Dual stainless-steel exhaust with bright rolled tips
Complex reflector halogen headlamps
Autolamp headlamps
Headlamps with integrated park/turn lamps
Fog lamps
Rear quarter mounted AM/FM antenna
LED sequential tail lamps
Unique 5.0L engine cover
Deck spoiler
GT grille and fascia
Easy Fuel capless fuel filler
Dark Gray pony in grille
5.0L badge on front fender
Power dome hood

Dual front airbags
Driver and passenger side impact airbags
Illuminated entry
Tire-pressure monitoring system
Lower anchor and tether anchors for children
Personal safety system
AdvanceTrac with electronic stability control
SOS-post crash alert system
Remote keyless entry system
SecuriLock passive anti-theft system
Body-color dual power integrated spotter mirrors