02 mustang v6 questions

[rob_damage]

i know nothing about mustangs, or cars in general for that matter. i basically like the way my mustang looked, and when i test drove it, i was pretty much sold.
i know my car is a v.6 because it doesn't say GT. it is stick, and is @ about fifty-thousand miles. its a 2002, and is completely stock.
here are my questions:

1. how do i find out about how much horsepower i have?
2. why does Ford bother making v.6's if everyone say's "gt's are better?" and "aww you should of gotten a gt!"
3. couldn't a v.6 stock smoke most automatic v.8's anyway's?
4. this probably sounds stupid, but how would i make my car sound louder? i love loud sounding cars.
thanx in advance to anyone who bothers to answer my questions. i'm only asking because i really love my car, and the power it has.

[Fat0eknee]

1. i think the hp rating is like 190 or 200 ..im not sure
2. you should have gotten a gt
3. v6 smokin a v8 is a no go
4. exhaust will make the car louder

[84LX89GT]

1. i believe it has 190 horsepower
2. the GT's have a tighter suspension (has a rear sway bar, stiffer springs, different strut/shock valving) more engine torque and horsepower.
3. Even with an automatic a V8 car will probably smoke you depending on what axle gear ratio it has, how much power the engine makes and how many gears the transmission has, new automatic Ford Explorers with the 4.6L V8's have the 5r55s transmission which has 5 forward gears as well as the lincoln LS 3.9L V8 and thunderbird 3.9L V8 (LS and thunderbird have 5r55n transmissions).
-so basically unless it's a poor running V8 you'll get your butt handed to you.
4. Getting a custom exhaust system installed with make it louder. There's a ton of companies that make exhaust systems you can just bolt in.

Who cares what other people say about your car, as long as you like it that's all that matters. Also, the newer LX mustangs (3.8's) have plenty of power and handle fairly well stock, plus there's still alot of aftermarket performance parts available for them as well.

[Orange97GTVert]

The reason they make a V6 Mustang is a lot of people like the Mustang but are not into performance at all. It makes for a dependable, comfortable, economical car with all the style you could want. My wife prefers her V6 stang over the GT. It is also a good car for younger drivers because the insurance rates are much lower than for a V8. Don't try to pick off any automatic GT's, though.

[mjphummel]

What's the in-town gas mileage on a V6 compared to a V8. My V8 GT approaches 18 mpg, but with gas prices the way they're going, I'm thinking about trading for a V6.