[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.