Don’t Buy The Wrong Mustang Dark Horse

You can spec a 2025 Ford Mustang Dark Horse wrong. This is what it looks like. This 2025 Mustang Dark Horse costs $80,000. It has the Molten Magenta paint and the $5,995 Matte Clear Film. But it is missing the two components that justify the Dark Horse nameplate: The Tremec TR-3160 manual transmission and the Handling Package. Without the Handling Package, you are stuck with 275-section rear tires trying to manage 500 horsepower. Without the manual, you get the standard 10-speed automatic found in the GT. Today, we test if this middle ground spec is a hidden gem for the street, or just an expensive identity crisis. Key Specs: - Engine: 5.0L Gen-4 Coyote V8 - Power: 500 hp @ 7,250 rpm / 418 lb-ft torque - Transmission: 10-Speed Automatic (Standard) - Tires: Pirelli P Zero 255/40R19 (F) / 275/40R19 (R) - MSRP as Tested: ~$80,000 USD Chapters: 0:00 - The $80,000 Problem 1:30 - The "Poseur" Spec (Matte Film vs. Handling Pack) 3:00 - 10-Speed Auto vs. Tremec Manual 5:00 - The Traction Light Test (500hp on 275s) 6:15 - Ride Quality: The "Goldilocks" Suspension? 7:50 - Owner Intel: SYNC 4 & Heat Issues 8:45 - Verdict: Buy The Manual or Buy a GT Is the $385,000 Mustang GTD Better Than Ford's Own Race Car? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xi3NZkhq7_Q ——————————————————————— // MY AMAZON STORE with my favorite things for drivers https://www.amazon.com/shop/influencer-4cc174af (this is an affiliate link) /// MERCH Pick up some sweet merch in our store! https://brian-makse-shop.fourthwall.com/ /// SUBSCRIBE Subscribe NOW to Brian Makse's Channel: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=brianmakse /// SOCIAL Instagram: http://Instagram.com/BrianMakse Twitter: http://Twitter.com/BrianMakse Facebook: http://Facebook.com/MakseAttack Spotify: https://sptfy.com/brianmakse Link In My Bio: https://makse.com/linkinbio/ /// MORE About Brian: http://makse.com/about /// WHAT I'M LISTENING TO Real AF With Andy Frisella https://andyfrisella.com/blogs/realaf-podcast Be sure to let us know what you think about this video and smash the subscribe button if you haven’t already! Test vehicles are provided by the respective manufacturers for review purposes, unless otherwise noted, and all opinions are our own. Music © 2026 Russell Soares (russellsoares.com), used with permission, all rights reserved. #FordMustang #DarkHorse #MustangDarkHorse #S650 #SaveTheManuals #BrianMakse