What's the Difference Between the 2018 Ford Mustang GT's PP1 and PP2 Performance Packages?

If you're choosing a 2018 Ford Mustang GT and want maximum performance, the decision often comes down to the two factory performance packages: PP1 and PP2. While both packages share the same 460-horsepower 5.0-liter V-8 engine, they are engineered for distinctly different driving experiences. Based on our assessment experience, the Performance Package 1 (PP1) is the ideal balanced upgrade for spirited street driving and occasional track days, whereas the Performance Package Level 2 (PP2) is a more hardcore, track-focused option that sacrifices daily comfort for ultimate lap times.

What Does the Mustang GT Performance Package 1 (PP1) Include?

The PP1 is designed to significantly enhance the Mustang GT's handling and braking without compromising its usability as a daily driver. It focuses on high-quality, performance-oriented components that work well on public roads.

• Wheels and Tires: The package equips the car with 19-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in aggressive Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer tires. These tires offer exceptional grip in dry and wet conditions, providing a significant upgrade over the standard all-season tires.
• Brakes: To improve stopping power, Brembo-branded brakes are included, which are a well-known benchmark for high-performance braking systems.
• Suspension: The PP1 features specific suspension tweaks for sharper handling. A key optional upgrade is the MagneRide dampening system. This is an adaptive suspension that uses magnetorheological fluid to instantly adjust shock stiffness, offering a more comfortable ride in normal mode and a firmer setup when sport mode is selected.
• Transmission: The PP1 offers flexibility, available with either a six-speed manual transmission or a 10-speed automatic transmission.

How Does the Performance Package Level 2 (PP2) Differ?

The PP2 turns the Mustang GT into a dedicated track weapon that is still technically street-legal. It builds upon the PP1's foundation with even more extreme components, prioritizing track performance above all else.

• Wheels and Tires: The most significant difference is the tires. The PP2 uses massive 305/30R19 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires on all four corners. These are semi-slick tires that offer near-race-car levels of grip in dry conditions but are less effective in the rain and wear out much faster on the street.
• Suspension: The MagneRide suspension is standard on the PP2, but it is uniquely tuned for maximum track competence, resulting in a very firm ride that can be harsh on uneven public roads.
• Transmission: Emphasizing driver engagement, the PP2 is exclusively available with the six-speed manual transmission.
• Additional Changes: The package also includes further aerodynamic and cooling enhancements to support sustained track use.

PP1 vs. PP2: Which Performance Package Should You Choose?

The right choice depends entirely on how you plan to use your Mustang GT. The core differences can be summarized as follows:

For over 90% of buyers, the PP1 is the more sensible and enjoyable choice. It provides a massive performance uplift for canyon runs and track days while remaining comfortable and practical for everyday commutes. The PP2, while incredibly capable on a circuit, demands compromises in comfort, tire life, and wet-weather driving that make it a difficult car to live with daily.

Ultimately, your driving needs and tolerance for compromise will dictate the best package. If your Mustang will be a daily driver that sees occasional track use, the PP1 is the clear winner. If you plan to trailer your car to the track or prioritize lap times above all else, the PP2 offers factory-engineered extreme performance.