The launch of the 2015 Mustang is rapidly approaching. While there are some fans that believe a V8 is the only engine that belongs in a Mustang, Ford will sell more V6 and EcoBoost Mustangs than they will GTs. On the 2014 Mustang, if a buyer didn’t want the V8 they only had the V6 and V6 Premium models to choose from. For 2015, Ford has dropped the V6 Premium and introduced the EcoBoost and EcoBoost Premium. The 2.3L 4-cylinder turbo makes more horsepower and torque than the V6.

READ: 2015 Mustang Options & Features

If you are looking for a less-expensive, non-V8 Mustang, which should you buy? We take a look at the pros and cons of both the V6 and EcoBoost to help you decide which one to get.

2015 Mustang V6

2015 Mustang

2015 Mustang V6 at the World’s Fair.

The 2015 Mustang V6 is the entry-level offering from Ford. Using the same engine that appears in the 2014 Mustang, Ford anticipates approximately 300 hp out of the 2015 Mustang

READ: Ford Unveils All-New 2015 Mustang (Photos)

On the 2014 Mustang, Ford charges $1,195 to upgrade from the standard 6-speed manual to the 6-speed automatic with paddle shifters. The automatic transmission also includes remote starting. A backup camera comes standard. Optional upgrades on the V6 Mustang include bigger wheels and tires, along with a powered driver’s seat. The buyer can also specify rear parking sensors to assist with the camera.

2015 Mustang

HID headlights and LED signature lighting on the 2015 Mustang.

Even though the Mustang V6 is the base model, buyer’s still get high intensity discharge (HID) headlights with the signature lighting. Also, the sequential tail lights come with all Mustangs. The V6 engine behaves differently than the 2.3L EcoBoost. A non-turbo engine feels very linear when accelerating. Acceleration is consistent and smooth all the way to redline. The V6 won’t make as much torque as the 2.3L EcoBoost. Around town at low RPMs, the V6 might not feel as fast as the EcoBoost. Torque is the low speed grunt that you feel when you first press the accelerator.

The V6 engine getsĀ 31 mpg on the 2014 Mustang, and we expect that number to be even better on the 2015 Mustang. Ford went through great efforts to reduce the weight of the car. A car that weighs less will get better fuel economy. Since the V6 has been around for awhile, expect the engine to be reliable. Ford has had a lot of time to tweak and modify the engine to last a long time. If you are looking for the 2015 Mustang experience without spending a lot of money, the Mustang V6 will be the car to look at. The 2014 starts at $22,510 and don’t expect the price to go up much from that number.

2015 Mustang EcoBoost

2015 Mustang

The engine, not the exterior separates V6 and EcoBoost 2015 Mustangs.

The 2015 Mustang EcoBoost is a paid upgrade over the Mustang V6. To upgrade from the base engine in a F-150 to the EcoBoost, buyers pay $2,395. On a Fusion, the upgrade cost is less at $795. The 2015 Mustang EcoBoost adds the motor along with LED fog lights and a power driver and passenger seat. Combined with the engine, we’d expect the upgrade cost to be around $1,200 over the V6. Geared towards performance-oriented drivers, the EcoBoost Mustang will make 305+ hp and over 300 lbs/ft of torque. Turbo engines make torque early, giving the car grunt around town. The Mustang EcoBoost has a performance package available. This tightens the car up and adds on features to make the car perform well at the race track or drag strip. For those that drive their cars hard, they’ll want this additional package.

2015 mustang

2015 Mustang EcoBoost on the track. (Photo: MotorTrend)

The Mustang EcoBoost makes sense for people who want a high-performance car but wants to skip the poor fuel economy and cost of a V8. The Mustang EcoBoost also has a premium trim level that lets the driver add even more technology and comfort. All the high-end options that are available on the Mustang GT will be available on the Mustang EcoBoost or EcoBoost Premium.

The 2.3L EcoBoost is a new engine for Ford. It also makes an appearance in the new Lincoln MKC, but the engine hasn’t been in a production car before. Ford tested the engine internally, but there have been teething issues with EcoBoost engines in the past. The 1.6L EcoBoost in the Ford Escape needed recalled on more than one occasion for fire risk.

If you’re thinking about the Mustang EcoBoost and don’t mind waiting, we’d recommend holding out for a few months after the car arrives at dealerships to see if there are any big issues.

READ: 2015 Mustang Information

Regardless of which Mustang you choose, you will be getting a good amount of performance and options for your dollar. The 300 or more horsepower that will come with either the Mustang V6 or Mustang EcoBoost is a lot of power for a daily-driven car. For many, the ample power and lower price point will drive them to either one of these vehicles.

While we have reservations about the first year EcoBoost engine, we see that Ford wants that to be the performance non-V8 option. Either way, we expect buyers to be quite happy with the new car.