I can't remember whether it was C&D or MT but one of the two of them found 467 for the 6.1L and I believe that was a test between the Magnum SRT-8 and a MB AMG wagon of some sort. It's been a couple years, so my memory might be mistaken on a few facts, but 467hp I remember for certain.

I actually anticipate there to be a significant difference between the auto and manual. That MB automatic does not optimize the power of the engines its in for one thing. If you look at the LX cars where Chrysler keeps going back and forth between the MB transmission and the 42RLE, there is no difference between either transmission and the only thing that the 42RLE has that the MB doesn't as far as I'm aware is VLP. Even then, we all know Chrysler's 4-speed automatics are hardly the most efficient automatics on the market even for 4-speeds. If they were using a GM unit, I would say you would have a point as the difference between their 4-speed and the manual on the GTO was very small, but that's because GM's automatics are extremely efficient. Also take into account that was with the old T-56 Tremec, and this is using the newer TR-6060 which is supposed to be more efficient and easier to use. We have a top of the line manual that has just been redone vs. auto whose design is over ten years old that barely matches a 4-speed that was originally designed for FWD use back in 93 on the LH platform. I expect there to be a noteworthy improvement.

$175 per day for a Mustang anything is insane. Maybe not on a true classic, but a dressed up GT with Shelby's signature on it, forget it. I can drive a GT for free anytime I want to if I am willing to ignore the salesman trying to get me interested in the car.