I'd say that a '99+ base 3.8L 5 speed could almost hang with an automatic convertible 5.0L....but not really. This guy is probably trying to justify the fact he doesn't have a 5.0L rather than accepting it's a 3.8L. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with owning a 3.8L but maybe he feels "insecure" or whatever. At least you understand it's limitations.
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'84 Mustang 5.0 LX
My car