Which to buy?
 

98 GT 5spd with about 30k on the odo or a 01 GT with about the same on the odo but an auto. I really want the 5spd but I don't know jack about stangs. Is there any pro or con to getting the newer one aside from one car being older? I'm gonna do this next week so if any of you guys wanna help me out. I really want reliable power with some potential for apowerful street car in a year or so when I graduate from watchmaking school. Then I will have the dough to max the car out, perfomance wise.

The 01, even being an auto, will murder the 98 in performance. The 96-98 heads/intake are way under par to say the least. In 99, the 4.6 got the PI (performance improved) heads and intake. They greatly improved the performance of the previously weak SOHC 4.6L
Slapping a set of PI heads/intake on the 98 would not be TOO difficult, nor would it be too expensive.
So its really up to you in what you want to do.

Are the two cars the same price? Do you prefer one of the body styles over the other?

If it were me, and depending on their price, I would either get the 01 and swap a 5spd into it, or get the 98 and put the PI heads/intake on it.

Shift kit
 

I would get the '01 and put a shift kit and possibly a higher stall converter. I also would put a lower gear rear axle in either one. Just my thoughts.

Rev

Or.......

You could hold out a little bit longer and find a Used 99+ GT with a 5spd and good mileage.

But if one is a must, it depends on what body style you like best....If you like the Pre 99 Stang, get it and do a PI head swap.... Thats easier than converting an auto to a 5spd.

Also, what is the cost...Probably...Just Probably..the 2001 is a decent amount more, so it might be econmically sound to get the 98 and put the PI heads on it.

Mercury has a very good point about waiting till you find a 99+ with a 5-speed.

Personally, I would prefer a 99+ GT over a 96-98 GT anyday.