Oh, the Mustang haters are out in full force this Thursday morning, which, coincidentally, happens to be trash day around my neighborhood.
In best mockery of little whiny girl voice:
"Oh no, not another Mustang variant!"
"Mustangs are so underpowered"
"live axles suck"
Well kids, it's a little bit like this:
Most of the Mustang variants you have seen have been aftermarket variants, not factory editions. And while I'll grant that there were quite a few during the 2005-2009 model years, they have all been well thought out in terms of package, pricing, and target demographic and have all sold well.
Next up, there are presently only three model variation: Base, GT, and GT500. There are (and always have been) more variations on the BMW 3-series than the Mustang, and yet, I don't here any bitching about that?
Mustangs have always been adequately powered, and now adequate gets a healthy bump to slightly overkill with the 2011 Mustangs, considering that they are getting a 400hp V8 and a 315hp V6, all now backed by six-speed transmissions, manual or automatic.
Obviously, live axles don't suck, considering that the Mustang offers better handling than the Camaro or the Challenger, and their club racing version has been proven to have the ability to stomp on its BMW competitors in every racing series that they have come head-to-head in.
Having addressed your concerns, next time try coming up with something more interesting and creative to say. Memes are only funny for so long.
@pauljones: Well firstly, most people bitch about Mustang variants because the factory offers the most absurd and tacky garbage sometimes, aftermarket can be blamed for this too if you want.
You seem to like comparing BMW's to the Mustang, not only are BMW's better than a Mustang but BMW's are overpriced junk for the most part. I guarantee that a 3 series has a far superior suspension to that of the Mustang.
People think Mustangs are fast and they aren't. They have adequate power yes but I'm sick of people seeing a Mustang and going oohh crap check that beast out, I just shrug my shoulders and ask what, that dime-a-dozen POS right there?
Obviously they are doing something right because I see literally at least 30 every single day on the road and I don't even drive that much, but I would prefer to own another car instead of a Mustang for the money.
I'd be interested in an SVT Mustang or an Ecoboost or better yet make a Mustang Raptor, that'd be insanity.
@Everything I love is 2nd best: Yep. The clearly superior suspension of the 3-series is what has been allowing it get stomped all over in Koni Sports Car Challenge and the Speed World Challenge.
And yes, Mustangs are damned fast for what they are and how they are priced, considering that you need to spend at least another ten grand to get anything that can match it's performance. I'll also point out that all the factory special editions have sold well, and the aftermarket editions are not, in fact, the same as the factory editions.
I think someone has a case of the Thursday night blues.
@eggwich del fiero: Define faster, faster around a track? Corvette C6
Faster in a straight line? thats tougher, for the price the GT500 goes in a straight line pretty well, the closest thing I can think of off the top of my head, straight from the factory no mods would be the Camaro SS which will do it in 4.6 which is pretty brisk for a mere $32k I find that to be much more of a value as far as straight line is concerned.
@pauljones: The bigger, notably rowdier V8 hauling out of those corners is what beats the BMW, not a better suspension.
I would be much happier with the Mustang if the interior didn't look like it came from a $25,000 car and they would give it some darn weight reduction for god sakes. It is NOT difficult to make a V8 2 door under 4,000 lbs, they barely, barely did that which is pitiful. I would expect that car to be closer to 3,000 lbs then I could be happy with spending $50,000 on a $30,000 car.
And for anyone out there who thinks I'm a Ford hater, the Ford GT is seriously the stuff of my wet dreams, and I am definitely a Viper man.
Good question, I spaced on the details there. Actually, I spaced on the whole fact that this article is about the GT500. I too prefer the C6 to the GT500; no car with a nose that blunt can compete at top-end power/speed with something that's actually aerodynamic.
What grinds my gears and resulted in my question was the dismissal of the Mustang GT as a slow POS. So, a new GT is priced at 28K, sells in the real world for 25K or less if you can negotiate your way out of a paper bag...what at that price point can compare 0-60, 0-100, 1/4 mile, or HP-wise?
I know the WRX can, and the 370Z, but those cars are harder to get at a cheap price (the Z is more around 30K I think but I'm not looking it up), as they don't produced a zillion of them a year. And if the Mustang competes with them, can you still call it a POS? I feel the base model GT is a performance bargain against anything in its class. Others in its class are good cars as well, I'm not dismissing the other options.
@eggwich del fiero: Well the 'POS' comment was directed towards the Mustang as a symbol, not a specific model. Just the fact that people see it and think speed kinda pisses me off, it could be a v6 and they'd still say that, and nobody can deny that Mustang v6 isnt the most well thought out car in Ford's lineup.
While I agree that the WRX can out-bargain a Mustang, I'd much prefer the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart which is fairly difficult to come across but I generally see them below sticker pricer, a Dodge dealer we went to tried to sell me the Evo for $4k off the sticker and when it was apparent that I was in no financial position to talk about a $30k car they started talking about a Ralliart for $22k which I thought was a steal but like I said, no financial position to talk about new cars really.
You said it yourself, the 370Z is the best performing competitor but good luck getting one under sticker. I would say the Solstice GXP would be a good grab as far as performance all around but once again, straight 0-60 its tough to beat V8 power for $26k
My personal preference would be the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 T mainly for the handling, its got a mid 5 second 0-60 time but the chassis is one of the best out there. Even I will admit the Ford Mustang GT is the lowest cost (including maintenance because of the sheer overstock in parts) and fastest car for the money, but I would never own one for multiple reasons.
I can see what you're saying, and yeah, I like the Genesis too. (Though even with a V6 it weighs the same as the Mustang, but yeah, it's a solid car and a fun drive.) And we both agree the 370 is the most competent all around car, but in real world pricing, it's closer to competing with BMWs than with the Mustang. Don't like the headlight assemblies, but man it runs. The whole rear is beautiful too.
The Mustang's low cost of parts translates into cheaper insurance than comparable vehicles too. As you may have guessed, I'm a Mustang guy. I was looking to buy an 09 Mazdaspeed3 earlier this year, but after shopping around and getting real world prices, I bought an 09 Mustang GT for 20.5. Now, I don't have a spare 5k to put into it, and I won't for a year or ten, but I do feel a few suspension mods, fatter tires, and the typical SCT/air intake upgrade and I could run with all of the cars we're talking about. I still can now, but I do lose my share ;)
Heart-click for playing the debate game. Though I have to say, being dismissive of all Mustangs is just as myopic as seeing all Mustangs as fast, though I can see where the contrarian view comes from when surrounded by people celebrating the 4.0 V6.
See you on the interwebs! And oh, I like the Ralliart too.
Nice pick on the Mustang GT, I could go on for a while as to why I like the Genesis Coupe more but suppose it all comes down to preference and to another day that awaits right? Factory is nice and all but it really comes down to work you put into it, I've seen my current car, the Scion tC take down several muscle heads who think speed is from the factory so the best of luck to you out there.
So all in all I suppose there is no arguing that the Mustang IS in fact a good value however much I may dislike some of them. I always enjoy a good debate with someone who actually knows a thing or two about cars (yes I realize my current car does not exactly speak to my experience) and nice that someone around here doesn't let fanboy-ism take over in a debate. Heart click for you as well
(I'd literally murder for an Ecoboost Mustang by the way)
@Everything I love is 2nd best:
Internet friends forever! And there's nothing wrong with the tC, don't listen to the haters. I had a country club beige Civic before this and I had fun in that car, though it was about as anti-sporty as could be. And I've been smoked in autocross by cars a lot more affordable and with less horsepower than mine, so I have respect for all types of cars. I was almost scared to admit I was a Mustang owner and be called out as a fanboy, but honesty's the best policy, and I think we've both shown we respect a range of cars, not just the ones we are financially (and emotionally lolzers) invested in.
I'm pretty psyched to see what they do with these 2011 Mustangs. I don't plan on buying any drivetrain in its first year of production, but I am jealous of the horsepower bump, not gonna lie.
@eggwich del fiero: If I had just tons of cash to blow I'd keep my tC but believe it or not the insurance is insanity, I could own a Mustang GT for less insurance than my tC ... that makes no sense at ALL. I've seen a couple tC's that hit the 400hp mark which is insane, thats when you start replacing engine parts with better ones and slapping on a large turbo, not to mention the rather pricey ECU flash (which I've seen but never seen a shop that does it).
I'm looking forward to the Genesis Coupe because I fully plan on owning one (preferably v6 until the 4 cylinder model gets a dedicated tranny) But I have to say 315hp from a Mustang v6 would be very nice to see, but once again I have to say, I'd MURDER for an ecoboost v6 mustang.
Country club beige lol... I do have to say Honda makes some odd colors, or used to at least, Hyundai used to have the most hideous nastiness of a yellow in like 2003 or so, the new yellow looks like they put effort into it lol. You know all this talk about cheap Mustangs makes me realize how overpriced the Civic Si REALLY is. I'd like an S2000 though, man I'm getting off topic, I think I could talk for hours about every brand haha.
If FromaBuick6 has to watch one more Chevy commercial, he's going to punch Howie Long in the face was starred
If FromaBuick6 has to watch one more Chevy commercial, he's going to punch Howie Long in the face was unstarred
Why am I now picturing The Auto Insider huddled in some basement, clad in black t-shirt and sweat pants, and clasping a bottle of Mountain Dew? Is the sun really that evil?
@Formerlythegreatestdriver: I keep going back and forth between the two. For the price, I love the V6 Camaro, as it gives 85% of the GT's performance for thousands less, look great, handles great, and has a nice interior.
The 2010 Mustang, though, is a sharp looking car, that, according to Wes (whose opinions I trust), the Mustang also handles great and has a nice interior.
My order of desire is as follows: Camaro SS > Ford Mustang GT > Camaro V6
@Mad_Science: You know what they say about finally meeting your heroes. I;ve never driven the SS but atleast on "paper" it seems like a much better bang for your buck.
Most hairdressers around SoCal are in their late 30s/early 40s with orange, crinkled skin from spending too much time in the tanning booth and a beer but that would put most middle-aged alcoholic men to shame.
@Ben Wojdyla: The difference being that the boosted I6 and the MR layout are justifiable in an on-road performance vehicle. A better comparison might be "Did Porsche ever start using fuel injection?" or "Has BMW quit making body-on-frame cars?"
I mean, I get that live-axles are classic muscle-car tech, but the state of the art has moved on. There aren't Holley carbs under the hood anymore, why can't we put a real IRS under the body too?
@Adamskiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiy: I love that every Mustang post becomes a referendum on the solid axle.
I've yet to hear of someone who'd want a Mustang, but didn't buy it because of the solid rear. Everyone who mocks it for the solid axle would never buy one anyways.
Besides, for the vast majority of driving that the vast majority of us do, the solid rearend is just fine.
@Thrashy, Slayer Of Cones: I think Ben was talking about the RR layout in the 911. You know, ass-engined Nazi slotcar? The reason Porsche holds back the Cayman? The car that was air-cooled until 1998?
And, for what it's worth, solid axle or not, I can't imagine a Mustang is any more skittish than the BMW Z4 I drove once.
@Ben Wojdyla: Yes, because twin turbos are totally tantamount to a stupid and dangerous solid rear axle. You can buy an ATV with independent rear suspension, now. There is NO REASON a Mustang shouldn't have it. I have a 1996 Thunderbird, and the girlfriend has a 2000 Mustang. Her car is actually quite frightening to drive at any real speed on the 405 due to all the elevation changes and bumps, it's hard to keep the car in my lane at 80-85. In my thunderbird, I can cruise through the same series of bends on the 405 well into the triple digits. And her car has wide, sticky 245/50ZR16 FIERCE UHP tires, whereas I'm on a set of hardass 225/60ZR16 Fuzion ZRi tires and my car weighs 900lbs more.
It's not like mustang owners are throwing a hissy fit for a live rear axle-- the last gen Cobra had one. The IRS does quite well with a lot of power. People are driving around with 600hp, and with bigger halfshafts high-hp breakage is not a problem.
They don't do an independent rear because they are CHEAP. When my grandfather worked at Ford on Terminal Island (before they closed shop in SoCal), he complained to my dad about all the cheap stuff Ford would do to save a few pennies on production costs.
Seriously. One fucking trick pony.
GET AN INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION, YOU CHEAP BASTARDS.
11/19/09
11/19/09
In best mockery of little whiny girl voice:
"Oh no, not another Mustang variant!"
"Mustangs are so underpowered"
"live axles suck"
Well kids, it's a little bit like this:
Most of the Mustang variants you have seen have been aftermarket variants, not factory editions. And while I'll grant that there were quite a few during the 2005-2009 model years, they have all been well thought out in terms of package, pricing, and target demographic and have all sold well.
Next up, there are presently only three model variation: Base, GT, and GT500. There are (and always have been) more variations on the BMW 3-series than the Mustang, and yet, I don't here any bitching about that?
Mustangs have always been adequately powered, and now adequate gets a healthy bump to slightly overkill with the 2011 Mustangs, considering that they are getting a 400hp V8 and a 315hp V6, all now backed by six-speed transmissions, manual or automatic.
Obviously, live axles don't suck, considering that the Mustang offers better handling than the Camaro or the Challenger, and their club racing version has been proven to have the ability to stomp on its BMW competitors in every racing series that they have come head-to-head in.
Having addressed your concerns, next time try coming up with something more interesting and creative to say. Memes are only funny for so long.
11/19/09
In the same way Porsche has finally sorted the handling out with all their rear assed widow makers.
Nothing wrong with it, just saying.
11/19/09
You seem to like comparing BMW's to the Mustang, not only are BMW's better than a Mustang but BMW's are overpriced junk for the most part. I guarantee that a 3 series has a far superior suspension to that of the Mustang.
People think Mustangs are fast and they aren't. They have adequate power yes but I'm sick of people seeing a Mustang and going oohh crap check that beast out, I just shrug my shoulders and ask what, that dime-a-dozen POS right there?
Obviously they are doing something right because I see literally at least 30 every single day on the road and I don't even drive that much, but I would prefer to own another car instead of a Mustang for the money.
I'd be interested in an SVT Mustang or an Ecoboost or better yet make a Mustang Raptor, that'd be insanity.
11/20/09
11/20/09
And yes, Mustangs are damned fast for what they are and how they are priced, considering that you need to spend at least another ten grand to get anything that can match it's performance. I'll also point out that all the factory special editions have sold well, and the aftermarket editions are not, in fact, the same as the factory editions.
I think someone has a case of the Thursday night blues.
#tips
11/20/09
Faster in a straight line? thats tougher, for the price the GT500 goes in a straight line pretty well, the closest thing I can think of off the top of my head, straight from the factory no mods would be the Camaro SS which will do it in 4.6 which is pretty brisk for a mere $32k I find that to be much more of a value as far as straight line is concerned.
11/20/09
I would be much happier with the Mustang if the interior didn't look like it came from a $25,000 car and they would give it some darn weight reduction for god sakes. It is NOT difficult to make a V8 2 door under 4,000 lbs, they barely, barely did that which is pitiful. I would expect that car to be closer to 3,000 lbs then I could be happy with spending $50,000 on a $30,000 car.
And for anyone out there who thinks I'm a Ford hater, the Ford GT is seriously the stuff of my wet dreams, and I am definitely a Viper man.
11/22/09
Good question, I spaced on the details there. Actually, I spaced on the whole fact that this article is about the GT500. I too prefer the C6 to the GT500; no car with a nose that blunt can compete at top-end power/speed with something that's actually aerodynamic.
What grinds my gears and resulted in my question was the dismissal of the Mustang GT as a slow POS. So, a new GT is priced at 28K, sells in the real world for 25K or less if you can negotiate your way out of a paper bag...what at that price point can compare 0-60, 0-100, 1/4 mile, or HP-wise?
I know the WRX can, and the 370Z, but those cars are harder to get at a cheap price (the Z is more around 30K I think but I'm not looking it up), as they don't produced a zillion of them a year. And if the Mustang competes with them, can you still call it a POS? I feel the base model GT is a performance bargain against anything in its class. Others in its class are good cars as well, I'm not dismissing the other options.
11/22/09
While I agree that the WRX can out-bargain a Mustang, I'd much prefer the Mitsubishi Lancer Ralliart which is fairly difficult to come across but I generally see them below sticker pricer, a Dodge dealer we went to tried to sell me the Evo for $4k off the sticker and when it was apparent that I was in no financial position to talk about a $30k car they started talking about a Ralliart for $22k which I thought was a steal but like I said, no financial position to talk about new cars really.
You said it yourself, the 370Z is the best performing competitor but good luck getting one under sticker. I would say the Solstice GXP would be a good grab as far as performance all around but once again, straight 0-60 its tough to beat V8 power for $26k
My personal preference would be the Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8 T mainly for the handling, its got a mid 5 second 0-60 time but the chassis is one of the best out there. Even I will admit the Ford Mustang GT is the lowest cost (including maintenance because of the sheer overstock in parts) and fastest car for the money, but I would never own one for multiple reasons.
11/23/09
I can see what you're saying, and yeah, I like the Genesis too. (Though even with a V6 it weighs the same as the Mustang, but yeah, it's a solid car and a fun drive.) And we both agree the 370 is the most competent all around car, but in real world pricing, it's closer to competing with BMWs than with the Mustang. Don't like the headlight assemblies, but man it runs. The whole rear is beautiful too.
The Mustang's low cost of parts translates into cheaper insurance than comparable vehicles too. As you may have guessed, I'm a Mustang guy. I was looking to buy an 09 Mazdaspeed3 earlier this year, but after shopping around and getting real world prices, I bought an 09 Mustang GT for 20.5. Now, I don't have a spare 5k to put into it, and I won't for a year or ten, but I do feel a few suspension mods, fatter tires, and the typical SCT/air intake upgrade and I could run with all of the cars we're talking about. I still can now, but I do lose my share ;)
Heart-click for playing the debate game. Though I have to say, being dismissive of all Mustangs is just as myopic as seeing all Mustangs as fast, though I can see where the contrarian view comes from when surrounded by people celebrating the 4.0 V6.
See you on the interwebs! And oh, I like the Ralliart too.
11/23/09
Nice pick on the Mustang GT, I could go on for a while as to why I like the Genesis Coupe more but suppose it all comes down to preference and to another day that awaits right? Factory is nice and all but it really comes down to work you put into it, I've seen my current car, the Scion tC take down several muscle heads who think speed is from the factory so the best of luck to you out there.
So all in all I suppose there is no arguing that the Mustang IS in fact a good value however much I may dislike some of them. I always enjoy a good debate with someone who actually knows a thing or two about cars (yes I realize my current car does not exactly speak to my experience) and nice that someone around here doesn't let fanboy-ism take over in a debate. Heart click for you as well
(I'd literally murder for an Ecoboost Mustang by the way)
11/23/09
Internet friends forever! And there's nothing wrong with the tC, don't listen to the haters. I had a country club beige Civic before this and I had fun in that car, though it was about as anti-sporty as could be. And I've been smoked in autocross by cars a lot more affordable and with less horsepower than mine, so I have respect for all types of cars. I was almost scared to admit I was a Mustang owner and be called out as a fanboy, but honesty's the best policy, and I think we've both shown we respect a range of cars, not just the ones we are financially (and emotionally lolzers) invested in.
I'm pretty psyched to see what they do with these 2011 Mustangs. I don't plan on buying any drivetrain in its first year of production, but I am jealous of the horsepower bump, not gonna lie.
11/24/09
I'm looking forward to the Genesis Coupe because I fully plan on owning one (preferably v6 until the 4 cylinder model gets a dedicated tranny) But I have to say 315hp from a Mustang v6 would be very nice to see, but once again I have to say, I'd MURDER for an ecoboost v6 mustang.
Country club beige lol... I do have to say Honda makes some odd colors, or used to at least, Hyundai used to have the most hideous nastiness of a yellow in like 2003 or so, the new yellow looks like they put effort into it lol. You know all this talk about cheap Mustangs makes me realize how overpriced the Civic Si REALLY is. I'd like an S2000 though, man I'm getting off topic, I think I could talk for hours about every brand haha.
11/19/09
11/19/09
06/18/09
If this was an option on a f**king Audi wagon, you guys would be creaming your $200 jeans.
06/18/09
06/18/09
06/18/09
I'll take a Mustang GT sans glass roof, please.
06/18/09
06/18/09
06/18/09
This little mullet of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
This little mullet of mine,
I'm gonna let it shine,
Let it shine, let it shine, let is shine!
06/18/09
Mustang Mullet Clan ain't nothing to fuck wit....
06/18/09
They'd better watch how they label it. The FDA's been on a tear lately.
06/18/09
06/18/09
06/18/09
06/18/09
[lifehacker.com]
06/18/09
06/18/09
06/18/09
06/18/09
06/18/09
06/18/09
The 2010 Mustang, though, is a sharp looking car, that, according to Wes (whose opinions I trust), the Mustang also handles great and has a nice interior.
My order of desire is as follows: Camaro SS > Ford Mustang GT > Camaro V6
06/18/09
The thing has the sight lines of a blast shelter. The door came up to my neck.
I've reverted to GT fandom...although I'd more likely pick up a used Bullitt or GTO.
...and in reality, I'd more likely just keep driving my WRX and just drop about $1500 on a few mods.
06/18/09
06/18/09
06/18/09
06/18/09
06/18/09
Most hairdressers around SoCal are in their late 30s/early 40s with orange, crinkled skin from spending too much time in the tanning booth and a beer but that would put most middle-aged alcoholic men to shame.
Kindly don't offer them the glass roof option.
12/11/08
12/11/08
That's like saying did Toyota finally toss the twin turbo inline six out of the supra? Did porsche finally build a 911 with a front/rear layout?
12/11/08
12/11/08
I mean, I get that live-axles are classic muscle-car tech, but the state of the art has moved on. There aren't Holley carbs under the hood anymore, why can't we put a real IRS under the body too?
12/12/08
What's the difference between a 600hp Supra and one with 1200hp?
Nothing, they both run 12.6s in the 1320.
12/12/08
I've yet to hear of someone who'd want a Mustang, but didn't buy it because of the solid rear. Everyone who mocks it for the solid axle would never buy one anyways.
Besides, for the vast majority of driving that the vast majority of us do, the solid rearend is just fine.
12/12/08
12/12/08
12/12/08
And, for what it's worth, solid axle or not, I can't imagine a Mustang is any more skittish than the BMW Z4 I drove once.
12/12/08
It's not like mustang owners are throwing a hissy fit for a live rear axle-- the last gen Cobra had one. The IRS does quite well with a lot of power. People are driving around with 600hp, and with bigger halfshafts high-hp breakage is not a problem.
They don't do an independent rear because they are CHEAP. When my grandfather worked at Ford on Terminal Island (before they closed shop in SoCal), he complained to my dad about all the cheap stuff Ford would do to save a few pennies on production costs.
Seriously. One fucking trick pony.
GET AN INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION, YOU CHEAP BASTARDS.
12/12/08
The real world has TURNS and the cars need to be capable outside of an effing 1/4 mile.
How about a car that can oh, go around a corner without 3-wheeling (without needing to retool your suspension!?)
Some of our MN12 Thunderbirds are well below 12.6 in the 1320.
Check out the stats on [url][www.sccoa.com{]] We have people in the 11s on FORD Independent rears.
You're absolutely ridiculous. Yes, let's just keep using tech that turns like crap, so we can get off the line just a little quicker.
That's like a screen door on a submarine. Brilliant.
12/12/08
12/11/08