Exploring the excitement of monster truck rallies and the retro appeal of the 2005 Mustang, this episode features a lively discussion on the evolving horsepower wars in the automotive world. Chris shares his experience taking his son to a monster truck event, highlighting the thrill and sensory overload of the show. The conversation also delves into Ford's ambitions with the Mustang and its competition against high-performance brands like Porsche, questioning whether pushing cars to 1,000 horsepower is necessary or just for bragging rights.
This episode of Cool Cars with Chris is all about the 2005 Ford Mustang, first cars, and the modern Mustang horsepower arms race. I talk about buying a 2005 Mustang V6 S197 as a first car for my teen driver, what it’s like putting a new driver into an older muscle car, and how that led me down a rabbit hole of Dark Horse Mustang, Mustang GTD, EcoBoost vs 5.0 GT, and even 1,000 hp Mustang builds. We also get into taking the kids to Monster Jam, loud monster trucks, car culture, and real-world driving with a V6 Mustang in 2025. If you’re searching for Mustang podcast, car podcast, first car advice, pony car comparison, or just love Ford Mustang S197 content, this episode is for you.
I just bought my 16-year-old a 2005 Ford Mustang V6 as his first car… and it accidentally sent me down a 1,000 horsepower Mustang rabbit hole.
In this episode of Cool Cars with Chris, I’m hanging out with my buddy Courage talking about first cars, retro Mustangs, Monster Jam, and how a simple V6 S197 turned into me obsessing over Dark Horse Mustangs, Mustang GTD, and 1,000 hp builds.
I break down why I think the 2005–2009 Mustang (S197) might be one of the best first cars for a teen driver today, what it’s like putting my kid in a 20-year-old Mustang, and how it actually feels on the freeway compared to modern cars. We also get into California teen driver rules, permits, and what it’s like getting real seat time in your “forever remembered” first car.
From there, we zoom out to the bigger Mustang world:
EcoBoost vs 5.0 GT vs Dark Horse – which one actually makes sense for real people?
Why the Mustang GTD exists, what it’s trying to be, and how it stacks up against Porsche money
A wild 985 whp supercharged Mustang build we saw online and whether 1,000 hp is just dyno/Instagram flex or something you can actually use on the street
We also talk about taking my kids to Monster Jam, how insanely loud modern monster trucks are even from the nosebleeds, the chaos of stadium parking, and realizing you’ve officially become the “leave early to beat traffic” adult.
If you’re into Mustangs, pony cars, first car nostalgia, or you’re a parent trying to pick a fun but reasonable first car for your kid, this episode is for you.
00:00 🚀 Teaser – Monster Jam, 2005 Mustang & 1,000 HP Mustang Problem 01:17 🤝 Meet Courage – Legendary YouTuber & Monster Truck Fan 02:33 🏟️ Taking the Kids to Monster Jam (Second Time, Better Weather) 04:29 🛻 New Monster Jam Trucks: Megalodon, Skateboard Truck & Circus Theme 05:18 🦻 How Loud Is Monster Jam? Ear Protection, Stadium Noise & City Vibes 07:27 🚦 Leaving Early to Beat Traffic & Realizing You’re “Old Now” 09:29 🐎 Main Topic Shift – Let’s Talk Mustangs 11:41 🎓 Teen Driver in California: Permit Rules, Online Course & First Car Plan 12:34 🐴 Buying a 2005 Mustang V6 Premium as a First Car 16:26 🧰 Ford “The Works” Inspection, CarFax Clues & Previous Owner Mystery 18:02 🏬 Browsing the Ford Lot: EcoBoost, GT & Dark Horse Pricing Talk 21:19 🐊 Fox-Body Stories, Slow 4-Cylinder Mustangs & Old-School 5.0 V8 23:36 ⚙️ 4.0L V6 Specs – Torque, Truck Roots & How the 2005 Mustang Pulls 26:23 🛣️ First Freeway Drives – 80 mph Hills, Ride Quality & Daily Feel 28:07 🏁 Motivating a Teen to Finish Their License & Actually Drive the Mustang 29:49 🐎 Mustang vs Camaro, Charger & Challenger – Who Won the Pony Car War? 36:50 🎨 Why the 2005 S197 “Retrofuturism” Mustang Design Still Slaps 39:10 🏎️ What Is the Mustang GTD? Porsche-Fighting Track Monster Explained 42:06 📈 Instagram Dyno Runs & a 985 WHP Supercharged Mustang Build 47:36 🌀 Turbo Torque vs N/A V8 – Elantra N, Boost & Real-World Driving 58:05 🎢 Passenger vs Driver – Experiencing High Horsepower from the Right Seat
"Plus, we're also discussing the retro future appeal of the 2005 Mustang. You know, I bought one for my son for his birthday recently..."
The 2005 Mustang is a car made by Ford that has a classic look but includes modern features. It's popular among car enthusiasts for its style and performance.
The 2005 Ford Mustang is part of the fifth generation of the Mustang, which was known for its retro styling and performance enhancements. It was well-received for its blend of classic design and modern technology.
"We are going to be talking about the escalating horsepower wars that are going on right now is too much, just too much."
Horsepower wars are when car companies try to make their cars more powerful than their competitors' cars. This means they focus on making engines that can produce more horsepower.
The term 'horsepower wars' refers to the competitive race among automakers to produce vehicles with increasingly higher horsepower ratings. This trend often leads to innovations in engine technology and performance enhancements.
"But I know that right now Ford speaking of Mustangs just built their Ford GTT supercar."
The Ford GTT is a new supercar from Ford that aims to compete with other high-end sports cars like those made by Porsche. It's designed to be very fast and powerful.
The Ford GTT is a supercar being developed by Ford, aimed at competing with high-performance brands like Porsche. It represents Ford's ambition to enter the supercar market with a vehicle that combines advanced technology and performance.
"Really what it is. It's competing with Porsche. It wants to be better than Porsche."
Porsche is a famous car brand from Germany that makes very fast and luxurious sports cars. They are known for their quality and performance.
Porsche is a renowned German automotive manufacturer known for producing high-performance sports cars and luxury vehicles. The brand is synonymous with engineering excellence and has a strong motorsport heritage.
"if you can push your car to 1000 horsepower? Well, find out all that and more on this episode."
Horsepower is how we measure how powerful an engine is. When someone talks about 1000 horsepower, they mean the engine can do a lot of work, making the car very fast.
Horsepower is a unit of measurement for power, commonly used to describe the output of engines. Achieving 1000 horsepower is a significant milestone in automotive performance, often associated with high-performance vehicles and modifications.
"I was driving way back with that Silverado EV, but that's just from coming from somebody that's not used to trucks like that."
The Silverado EV is a new electric truck from Chevrolet. It's designed to be powerful and efficient, using electricity instead of gasoline.
The Chevrolet Silverado EV is an all-electric version of the popular Silverado pickup truck, offering modern technology and performance features while being environmentally friendly.
"the V sixes had a lot of torque and a lot of power. Like more than I was kind of blew me, blew me away."
Torque is how strong an engine is at moving the car. More torque means the car can pull heavier things or go faster from a stop.
Torque is a measure of rotational force in an engine, which directly affects a vehicle's ability to accelerate and carry loads. Higher torque usually means better performance in terms of towing and climbing hills.
"... snail turtle, the vehicle I had was a 1993 Ford Ranger with the 2.3 liter four cylinder that pushed mayb..."
The Ford Ranger is a small truck that people use for work or everyday driving. The 1993 version is known for being tough and reliable, which is why many people still like it today.
The Ford Ranger is a compact pickup truck that has been popular for its durability and versatility since its introduction in the early 1980s. The 1993 model, in particular, is known for its reliable four-cylinder engine and practical design, making it a favorite among truck enthusiasts and those needing a dependable work vehicle.
A V6 engine is a type of car engine that has six cylinders arranged in a V shape. It offers a good mix of power and fuel efficiency, making it popular in many cars.
A V6 engine is a six-cylinder engine configuration where the cylinders are arranged in a V shape. This design allows for a compact engine size while providing a balance of power and efficiency.
"...learning a stick shift, trying to figure out how to drive a stick shift. I mean, stall that or who knows what? I mean, to be honest, that's like throwing them into the gauntlet..."
A stick shift is a type of car that you have to change gears yourself using a lever. It's different from an automatic car, where the car does this for you.
A stick shift refers to a manual transmission vehicle where the driver must manually shift gears using a gear stick. This type of transmission requires more skill and coordination compared to automatic transmissions.
"...looked like the shifter in the H2 Hummer back in the day. I love never driven an H2..."
The H2 Hummer is a big, tough SUV that was popular in the early 2000s. It's known for being able to go off-road and has a very bold look.
The H2 Hummer is a large SUV that was produced by Hummer from 2002 to 2009. Known for its rugged design and off-road capabilities, the H2 became a symbol of luxury and excess in the early 2000s.
"those things get like eight miles. These things get like eight miles a gallon. I mean, you know, they're just like a flex move really."
Miles per gallon (MPG) tells you how far a car can go on one gallon of gas. The higher the number, the better the car is at saving fuel.
Miles per gallon (MPG) is a measure of fuel efficiency that indicates how many miles a vehicle can travel on one gallon of fuel. Higher MPG values indicate better fuel efficiency.
"...s a gallon. I mean, you know, they're just like a flex move really. But anyways, besides the point, the..."
The Ford Flex is a big SUV that has a square shape, which makes it stand out. It's great for families because it has lots of room for people and their stuff.
The Ford Flex is a full-size crossover SUV known for its boxy shape and spacious interior. It offers a comfortable ride and is often discussed for its family-friendly features and unique styling.
"...I did want to take it over to the Ford dealer and have them do a full inspection on the car. So I took it to the Ford dealer and I did their standard full service oil change package..."
A full inspection is when a mechanic checks everything in your car to make sure it's working well. They look at things like the brakes and engine to catch any problems early.
A full inspection typically includes a comprehensive check of the vehicle's systems, such as brakes, tires, fluids, and engine performance. This helps identify any potential issues before they become serious problems.
"...I did their standard full service oil change package. They call it the works package. And basically what they do is..."
An oil change is when you replace the old oil in your car's engine with new oil. This helps keep the engine running well and prevents damage.
An oil change involves replacing the old oil in a vehicle's engine with new oil, which is essential for keeping the engine lubricated and running smoothly. Regular oil changes help prevent engine wear and maintain performance.
"...first thing I see is the Roush F-150. Cause I have a Roush F-150. So I look at it and I'm like, damn, these are expensive..."
The Roush F-150 is a special version of the Ford F-150 truck that has been made faster and more stylish by a company called Roush. It's popular among truck enthusiasts who want something unique and powerful.
The Roush F-150 is a modified version of the Ford F-150 pickup truck, enhanced by Roush Performance with upgraded performance features and styling. It's known for its powerful engine options and sporty appearance.
"And they had the base model, which is now just the EcoBoost, the 2.3 liter EcoBoost is the base model."
EcoBoost is a type of engine made by Ford that uses a turbocharger to make the car more powerful while using less fuel. It's used in the basic version of the Mustang.
EcoBoost is Ford's line of turbocharged engines designed to provide better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. The 2.3-liter EcoBoost engine is commonly found in the base model of the Mustang.
"...oBoosts are sort of priced similarly to like the Elantra in and like, and so like the, weirdly enough, li..."
The Hyundai Elantra is a small car that is easy to drive and good on gas. It's a popular choice for people looking for a reliable and affordable vehicle.
The Hyundai Elantra is a compact sedan that has gained popularity for its value, reliability, and modern features. It offers a comfortable ride and is often praised for its fuel efficiency and advanced technology options.
"...weirdly enough, like the BRZ or like whatever the GT86, I guess it is now like that. They keep changing..."
The Toyota GT 86 is a small sports car that is designed to be fun to drive. It has a special setup that makes it handle really well on the road, which many drivers enjoy.
The Toyota GT 86 is a compact sports coupe known for its balanced handling and rear-wheel-drive layout. Developed in collaboration with Subaru, it offers an engaging driving experience and has gained a loyal following among car enthusiasts.
"weirdly enough, like the BRZ or like whatever the GT86, I guess it is now like they keep changing over here."
The Subaru BRZ is a small sports car that is fun to drive. It has a design that makes it easy to handle and is known for being light and quick.
The Subaru BRZ is a lightweight sports coupe known for its agile handling and rear-wheel-drive layout. It shares its platform with the Toyota 86 (formerly GT86), offering a fun driving experience.
"only the only ones I think about are like, you know, charger challenger of like last generation..."
The Dodge Charger is a big car that can be very fast. It comes with different engine choices, including a smaller one that still has a lot of power.
The Dodge Charger is a full-size sedan that offers a range of powerful engine options, including V6 and V8 variants. It is known for its performance and aggressive styling, appealing to muscle car enthusiasts.
"only the only ones I think about are like, you know, charger challenger of like last generation..."
The Dodge Challenger is a sporty car that looks like classic muscle cars. It has different engine options, including very powerful ones.
The Dodge Challenger is a muscle car that competes with the Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. It offers a variety of engines, including high-performance V8 options, making it a popular choice for performance enthusiasts.
"Well, Camaro did that too. Camaro, you know, they had those. They had those."
The Chevrolet Camaro is a popular sports car that has been around for a long time. It comes in different versions with various engine sizes, making it fun to drive.
The Chevrolet Camaro is a classic American muscle car known for its sporty design and performance capabilities. It offers a range of engines, including V6 and V8 options, appealing to a wide audience of car enthusiasts.
"...And he had the 5.0 and it was fast, really torquey..."
The 5.0 is a type of engine with a size of 5.0 liters, often used in Ford Mustangs. It's known for being powerful and giving the car a lot of speed.
The 5.0 refers to a 5.0-liter V8 engine commonly found in the Ford Mustang, particularly in the Fox body generation. This engine is known for its performance and torque, making it a favorite among muscle car enthusiasts.
"body Mustang of that era came with a base model with a four cylinder engine. Yep. Oh, so that's the SVO, I think when they had a turbo version you could get"
A four-cylinder engine is a type of engine that has four small cylinders. It's usually more fuel-efficient but not as powerful as bigger engines.
A four-cylinder engine is an internal combustion engine with four cylinders, which typically offers better fuel efficiency but less power compared to larger engines.
"Yep. Oh, so that's the SVO, I think when they had a turbo version you could get of that. But there was also like a wrap talking like there was a regular like base model version"
SVO is a special performance version of some Ford cars, like the Mustang, that has upgraded features and a turbocharged engine for better speed and handling.
SVO stands for Special Vehicle Operations, a performance division of Ford that produced high-performance versions of their vehicles, including the Mustang SVO, which featured a turbocharged engine.
"ironically though, when I looked at this Mustang back in 2005, I wanted to buy one and I was looking at trucks and I was tossed up between going between the new Nissan Frontier..."
The Nissan Frontier is a type of truck that is good for carrying things and can handle rough roads. It's a popular choice for people who need a reliable vehicle.
The Nissan Frontier is a midsize pickup truck known for its durability and off-road capabilities. It has been a popular choice for those needing a versatile vehicle for both work and leisure.
"...make it like a three liter turbo or something like that..."
A turbo is a part of some car engines that helps them go faster by pushing in more air. This makes the engine stronger and can help save gas.
A turbo, or turbocharger, is a device that forces more air into the engine's combustion chamber, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. This results in increased engine efficiency and performance.
"except for that handbrake. I say, yeah, because the handbrake for some reason doesn't work in the car."
The handbrake is a lever in your car that you pull to keep it from rolling when parked. It helps keep the car still, especially on hills.
The handbrake, also known as the parking brake, is a mechanism that keeps the vehicle stationary when parked. It is typically engaged by pulling a lever and is crucial for safety, especially on inclines.
"... truck or SUV, you know, I guess if you drove an Explorer, maybe like that, without, of course, the roll ov..."
The Ford Explorer is a larger vehicle that can carry more people and stuff, making it great for families. It's designed to be comfortable and can handle rough roads if needed.
The Ford Explorer is a mid-size SUV that has been a staple in the American automotive market since its debut in 1990. Known for its spacious interior and versatility, the Explorer is often discussed for its family-friendly features and off-road capabilities.
"...I feel like this still loves the, the fourth gen, you know, F body style Camaro. Is that the one that looks like a witch nose in..."
The fourth gen Camaro is a version of the Camaro that was made from 1993 to 2002. It has a different look and feel compared to older models, making it unique among Camaros.
The fourth generation Camaro refers to the model produced from 1993 to 2002. It features a more modern design compared to earlier models and includes various performance options.
"..., you know, stood as strong as Mustang. You know, Corvette is probably really the only other one like in th..."
The Chevrolet Corvette is a fast and stylish sports car that many people dream of owning. It's known for being powerful and is often seen as a symbol of American automotive engineering.
The Chevrolet Corvette is an iconic American sports car known for its performance, sleek design, and affordability compared to other supercars. It has a rich history dating back to 1953 and is often celebrated for its powerful engines and advanced technology.
"...ies came out that Ford had a car called the Ford probe? Now that was supposed to replace the Mustang. Ye..."
The Ford Probe was a sporty car that Ford made in the 1990s, and it was meant to be a replacement for the Mustang. It looked cool and was fun to drive, but it didn't become as famous as the Mustang.
The Ford Probe was a sporty coupe produced in the 1990s, originally intended to replace the Mustang. It featured a sleek design and was known for its performance, but ultimately did not achieve the same iconic status as its predecessor.
"...hat stupid like wagon thing? I know the HHR from PT Cruiser, PT Cruiser. And then of course the SSR. Yeah. Ye..."
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a small car that looks a bit old-fashioned but is very roomy inside. People liked it for its quirky style and how much space it has for passengers and cargo.
The Chrysler PT Cruiser is a retro-styled compact car that gained popularity in the early 2000s for its unique design and versatility. It offers a spacious interior and has been used for various purposes, from family transport to custom modifications.
"...who had that stupid like wagon thing? I know the HHR from PT Cruiser, PT Cruiser. And then of course t..."
The Chevrolet HHR is a small car that looks a bit like an old-fashioned delivery van. It has a lot of space inside, making it good for carrying things or passengers.
The Chevrolet HHR is a retro-styled compact car that was produced from 2005 to 2011, known for its unique design reminiscent of classic panel vans. It offers a spacious interior and has been appreciated for its practicality and versatility.
"But the G T D is literally a Porsche competitor basically. And, but it utilizes kind of the typical, you know, recipe that we, you know, know about Mustangs like 5.2 liter supercharged V eight with insane power out front engine rear drive, front, front engine rear drive, you know, crazy arrow and all of that."
A supercharged V8 is a type of engine that has a device called a supercharger, which helps it produce more power by pushing in extra air. This makes the car faster and more powerful.
A supercharged V8 engine uses a supercharger to force more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power. This results in significantly increased horsepower and torque compared to a naturally aspirated engine.
"just absolutely insane. What's the range on that? You know, I don't actually, I'll probably try to see if I can view because I think some of those like could rev out like, I remember the 3 GT 350 Rs. Yeah. I don't think that it has as much of a rev range as that. That is a good point for sure."
"... a regular, take, take, take just a regular, like Mustang GT, like a brand new Mustang GT today, nothing fanc..."
The Ford Mustang GTD is a super-fast version of the regular Mustang, made for people who love speed and performance. It's built to be even more exciting to drive than the standard Mustang.
The Ford Mustang GTD is a high-performance variant of the iconic Mustang, designed to deliver enhanced power and handling. It represents Ford's commitment to performance and innovation within the Mustang lineup.
"... EVs, you've driven the Teslas, you've driven the Cybertruck, the Cybertruck, the Silverado thing. So you kno..."
The Tesla Cybertruck is a new electric truck that looks very different from regular trucks. It's designed to be strong and has cool technology that helps it drive itself in some situations.
The Tesla Cybertruck is an all-electric pickup truck that features a unique angular design and advanced technology, including Autopilot capabilities. Its introduction has sparked significant interest and debate regarding its aesthetics and functionality in the electric vehicle market.
"... real fast. I give you, it could be like a Mazda Miata base model. That's like super fast. Holy crap. I..."
The Mazda MX-5, or Miata, is a small sports car that is really fun to drive. It's light and quick, making it a favorite for people who love driving on winding roads.
The Mazda MX-5, also known as the Miata, is a lightweight two-seat sports car celebrated for its excellent handling and driving enjoyment. Since its launch in 1989, it has become a favorite among driving enthusiasts for its fun-to-drive nature and affordability.
🚀 Teaser – Monster Jam, 2005 Mustang & 1,000 HP Mustang Problem
🤝 Meet Courage – Legendary YouTuber & Monster Truck Fan
🏟️ Taking the Kids to Monster Jam (Second Time, Better Weather)
🛻 New Monster Jam Trucks: Megalodon, Skateboard Truck & Circus Theme
🦻 How Loud Is Monster Jam? Ear Protection, Stadium Noise & City Vibes
🚦 Leaving Early to Beat Traffic & Realizing You’re “Old Now”
🐎 Main Topic Shift – Let’s Talk Mustangs
🎓 Teen Driver in California: Permit Rules, Online Course & First Car Plan
🐴 Buying a 2005 Mustang V6 Premium as a First Car
🧰 Ford “The Works” Inspection, CarFax Clues & Previous Owner Mystery
🏬 Browsing the Ford Lot: EcoBoost, GT & Dark Horse Pricing Talk
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