2018 Ford Mustang GT vs 2012 FPV Pursuit Boss ute: New vs Used

Even though GM’s LS1 V8 was all a Camaro and HSV GTO have ever shared, that won’t stop some claiming a spiritual relation when the Chevrolet finds local residency under HSV’s roof.

So why can’t FPV’s 2012 Pursuit Boss Ute be the same to the new 2018 Ford Mustang? Sure, it has two doors for entirely different reasons, but with rear-drive, an LSD and a bellowing V8, it’s like the Mustang’s distant cousin rather than direct relative.

6

In fact, the blown 5.0-litre at the heart of the Pursuit used the short-block from the Mustang’s Coyote. That’s not the case now that the Yank uses a third-gen 5.0-litre, which easily trumps the Pursuit’s outputs and noise. However, the Pursuit’s fat bottom-end delivery married to a six-speed automatic could chase down a ham-fisted manual driver.

There’s little contest on handling, with the FPV’s leaf springs and live rear axle no match for the finely honed Mustang package. Looks, too, are easily in the Mustang’s favour according to our eyes.
Neither interior has ever been a cabin benchmark. Call it a draw. Practicality wise, it’s another tie, with the Ute’s load-lugging tray matched by the Mustang’s ability to carry another two humans.

Provenance is where things tip into the FPV’s favour. Pursuit Utes were literally the last of a kind. This means the Boss is more expensive than the sum of its parts, and commands from $40K to $60K based on condition – offering choice of a collector’s item, or a brand new bullet.

Classies Watch

Modern classic tempters we found on tradeuniquecars.com.au

6

2012 CHRYSLER 300 SRT - $35,000
6.4L V8, 351kW/637Nm, 104,723km, Sydney, NSW
Hemi V8 offers great sound and proper acceleration. Comfy cruiser, too.

6

2001 NISSAN SKYLINE GT-R - $85,000
2.6L I6TT, 375kW/662Nm, 125,000km, Grovedale, VIC
An imported Godzilla in R34 form with a slew of tasteful mods. Owned by one.

6

2010 AUDI RS6 - $73,000
5.2L V10TT, 426kW/650Nm, 43,191km, Melbourne, VIC
Massive power tamed by all-wheel drive grip. A true executive express.

6

2011 ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE S - $140,000
4.7L V8, 321kW/490Nm, 14,899km, Melbourne, VIC
Raucous V8 in a sexy shape. Sharp handling cancelled out by firm ride.