289 vs 318 ..... Ford vs Mopar

Yikes! I'd never want to stack a 273 2bbl in a '66 cuda against a 289 2bbl in a 'stang. Personally, I think the 289 is a much poppier engine than the 302's. Of the older carb engines, 289 is favorite. And yes, I've owned a Cleveland.
The Cleveland family has got to be some of the best engines Ford ever produced.