It depends on the mustang.

The V6 mustang, 1994 to 1998 models, had between 150 and 155 hp with a car that weigs in at minimum 3050 lbs for the manual tranny car. Those cars with the auto tranny are slow and can be easily beaten by us.

Now, the 1999 up to 2002 model V6 has 190 hp. That's a big jump in HP. Now, that one with an auto tranny would probably hang even with a stock manual tranny NT eclipse. The mustang might have the slight edge in a longer race, but I'd think the eclipse would have the greater advantage in the 1/8th mile due to better gearing and the potential for the better launch.

(Actually, on a side note, I'd say we should try to always race in the 1/8 mile. If I raced the 1/8th and not the 1/4, I'd win a hell of alot more races>)

The manual tranny 190 HP V6 can't be beat (all else being equal) by our cars stock. The power to weight ratio isn't in our favor. But with some bolt ons I think they are very beatable. I'm sure I could beat a stock manual tranny V6 mustang. I beat an SVT contour (they have more HP and weigh a bit less), I can beat a V6 mustang.

The F-bodies, they are VERY heavy. None of them are lighter than 3300 lbs, not even the manual tranny V6 models. They all have 200 hp (and a shit load of torque, thanks to that good 3800 series 2 V6 engine they have) but the weight hurts them. I'd say we'd have a better chance against them as we would the newer V6 mustangs, but a stock 5 speed V6 F-body vs. a stock 5 speed NT eclipse, I'd give the edge to the F-body, but I'd think the auto tranny version we could take stock (just barely, but we could)

The last V6 mustang I raced against was a 1995 or 96, he stood no chance and I just had a muffler. The last one I saw at the drag strip (it was a while ago, not many show up) ran low 16's. I've hit 15's every time I went racing last year :)