the 2018 ford mustang gt is available with two different performance-focused packages: the original performance package (pp1) and the performance package level 2 (pp2). the unironically named packages provide no alterations to the mustang gt's 460-horsepower, 5.0-liter v-8; instead, they make changes to the wheels, tires and suspension setups of the pony car. it's also worth noting that the pp2 is only available with a six-speed manual transmission; the pp1 can be had with either the manual or a 10-speed automatic.
the performance package offers more aggressive michelin pilot sport 4s summer tires mounted on 19-inch wheels. it also adds brembo-brand brakes and suspension tweaks to help the car brake and handle better than a regular gt. adding the magneride suspension is an additional separate option. our tester came equipped with the fancier suspension and the 10-speed automatic.
performance package level 2 turns the dial closer to 10 and makes the mustang gt a much more hardcore, dedicated track car. it's still street-legal, but it's not ideal for street driving. the tires are 1.5 inches wider than on the pp1 — 305/30r19 michelin pilot sport cup 2 tires on all four corners. the magneride suspension is also included, but it's tuned for even more track competence at the expense of everyday comfort. as mentioned before, the pp2 only comes with a six-speed manual.
we took these two mustangs to great lakes dragaway in union grove, wis., and gingerman raceway in south haven, mich., to compare the two. check out the video above to see how they compared.
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