RE: V8s for the win: PH Blog
Saturday 2nd April 2016
My visit to the New York show last week was a nice way to get in the mood for yesterday's first go with the new Ford Mustang. Plenty of others have driven it already but this was my first chance to try it, and on UK roads too.
Wouldn't be a new car launch without some old carsThe day started well with a dawn chorus of spluttering V8s outside my bedroom window at the hotel Ford u for the event. The new one sounds proper, the two carb-fed 289s brought along to complete the display out front even angrier in the cold morning air. If PH did alarm clocks and all that...
See you at the strip!That aside in this day and age it seems a little rebellious to be sitting behind a 5.0-litre normally aspirated V8 and slotting a stubby little manual shifter into gear. But that's exactly the kind of currency the Mustang has always traded on, seemingly brilliantly rebooted for the modern age. After my drive I did some price swotting to see how it compares with the competition too. The car you see here - as specced - costs £37,375. Its £34,995 asking price would, from the German rivals, score you a BMW 420i xDrive with a four-cylinder turbo, a Mercedes C220d Coupe with a four-cylinder diesel or an Audi A5 with the choice of 2.0-litre petrol or diesel power. The most powerful of that lot packs 230hp against the Mustang's 421hp. The V8 equivalents from these ranges - the C63 Coupe and RS5 - would cost you nearly double the price of the Mustang 5.0 GT. Yee, and indeed, haw.
V8s for the win: PH Blog
Mustang lands in the UK and we're nicking it to bring to Santa Pod
Wouldn't be a new car launch without some old cars
A full review to follow in due course but it's hugely heartening to see cars like the Mustang hitting the market. From hot hatches to supercars it feels like the industry is waking up to the fact enthusiasts have been left a little cold by the latest generation of tech-heavy performance cars. Sure, Porsche has seemingly responded in its own way but the Mustang does so rather more dramatically. Even if it seems a close run thing as to which is harder to secure at your local dealer.
See you at the strip!
I had to leave for home before getting to try the line lock function that gives you 15 seconds of wheel spinnin', rubber burnin' fun in the name of getting your rear tyres sticky for the quarter mile. If only we were holding a Sunday Service at a drag strip this weekend and were to bring this bright yellow Mustang along ... oh, hang on, we are! Yes, the car you see here will be at Santa Pod this weekend so if you fancy your chances against it make sure you're signed up to our Run What Ya Brung and we'll see you on the strip! We've already got a date with a PHer with a manual BMW M4. Anyone else up for it?
Dan
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Discussion
Test drove a V8 manual the other week, and I came away very impressed. Ford have an excellent product here. It feels like just a normal car with a big stonking engine, and I mean that as the highest of praise. Was expecting it to feel a bit too big for UK roads, the engine to be fun but a little disappointing, the handling to be OK but a bit wallowy, and the interior to be alright but a bit rubbishy.
What I actually got was a car that felt very special but everyday suitable. Bags of character from the looks and the engine, perfectly at home threading down a UK country lane, interior was interestingly laid out and felt completely acceptable quality, I didn't get the chance to really spank it through any corners but the ride felt firm yet comfortable and still controlled, exactly as I'd expect a modern performance car to.
Honestly the closest thing to the overall experience was last time I had a go in an Aston. Obviously, the Mustang doesn't really compare in any particular metric you care to mention, but the overall FEEL was certainly more that way inclined than a BMW for example.
If I had the money I'd be on the waiting list yesterday.
What I actually got was a car that felt very special but everyday suitable. Bags of character from the looks and the engine, perfectly at home threading down a UK country lane, interior was interestingly laid out and felt completely acceptable quality, I didn't get the chance to really spank it through any corners but the ride felt firm yet comfortable and still controlled, exactly as I'd expect a modern performance car to.
Honestly the closest thing to the overall experience was last time I had a go in an Aston. Obviously, the Mustang doesn't really compare in any particular metric you care to mention, but the overall FEEL was certainly more that way inclined than a BMW for example.
If I had the money I'd be on the waiting list yesterday.
Darren390 said:
Looking forward to seeing the Mustang at Santa Pod on Sunday. I've still not seen one on the road yet. It will be interesting to compare it to my 2008 Bullitt which I will be in on Sunday.
Bugger 
I'm not back in the UK till mid-May but I'll race any Mustang old or new at Shakespeare County's Garys Picnic on the late bank holiday weekend.
It's only an old pick up truck
OwenK said:
Test drove a V8 manual the other week, and I came away very impressed. Ford have an excellent product here. It feels like just a normal car with a big stonking engine, and I mean that as the highest of praise. Was expecting it to feel a bit too big for UK roads, the engine to be fun but a little disappointing, the handling to be OK but a bit wallowy, and the interior to be alright but a bit rubbishy.
What I actually got was a car that felt very special but everyday suitable. Bags of character from the looks and the engine, perfectly at home threading down a UK country lane, interior was interestingly laid out and felt completely acceptable quality, I didn't get the chance to really spank it through any corners but the ride felt firm yet comfortable and still controlled, exactly as I'd expect a modern performance car to.
Honestly the closest thing to the overall experience was last time I had a go in an Aston. Obviously, the Mustang doesn't really compare in any particular metric you care to mention, but the overall FEEL was certainly more that way inclined than a BMW for example.
If I had the money I'd be on the waiting list yesterday.
A very fair sounding review there Owen. I think you need to get one!What I actually got was a car that felt very special but everyday suitable. Bags of character from the looks and the engine, perfectly at home threading down a UK country lane, interior was interestingly laid out and felt completely acceptable quality, I didn't get the chance to really spank it through any corners but the ride felt firm yet comfortable and still controlled, exactly as I'd expect a modern performance car to.
Honestly the closest thing to the overall experience was last time I had a go in an Aston. Obviously, the Mustang doesn't really compare in any particular metric you care to mention, but the overall FEEL was certainly more that way inclined than a BMW for example.
If I had the money I'd be on the waiting list yesterday.
z06tim said:
OwenK said:
Test drove a V8 manual the other week, and I came away very impressed. Ford have an excellent product here. It feels like just a normal car with a big stonking engine, and I mean that as the highest of praise. Was expecting it to feel a bit too big for UK roads, the engine to be fun but a little disappointing, the handling to be OK but a bit wallowy, and the interior to be alright but a bit rubbishy.
What I actually got was a car that felt very special but everyday suitable. Bags of character from the looks and the engine, perfectly at home threading down a UK country lane, interior was interestingly laid out and felt completely acceptable quality, I didn't get the chance to really spank it through any corners but the ride felt firm yet comfortable and still controlled, exactly as I'd expect a modern performance car to.
Honestly the closest thing to the overall experience was last time I had a go in an Aston. Obviously, the Mustang doesn't really compare in any particular metric you care to mention, but the overall FEEL was certainly more that way inclined than a BMW for example.
If I had the money I'd be on the waiting list yesterday.
A very fair sounding review there Owen. I think you need to get one!What I actually got was a car that felt very special but everyday suitable. Bags of character from the looks and the engine, perfectly at home threading down a UK country lane, interior was interestingly laid out and felt completely acceptable quality, I didn't get the chance to really spank it through any corners but the ride felt firm yet comfortable and still controlled, exactly as I'd expect a modern performance car to.
Honestly the closest thing to the overall experience was last time I had a go in an Aston. Obviously, the Mustang doesn't really compare in any particular metric you care to mention, but the overall FEEL was certainly more that way inclined than a BMW for example.
If I had the money I'd be on the waiting list yesterday.
Conversely, I had to chuckle when I saw the Mustang GT reviewed by Honest John. He gave it three of five stars. And there was a notable list of negatives. I had the impression I was reading a review by somebody's auntie, who drives a tiny hatchback for going round the shops. "Oooh, blimey. What's this line lock thing?"
Coincidentally, I've been telling friends that the sixth-generation Mustang GT is the Aston Martin for the rest of us. Order it in a dark or silver colour... with the traditional silver wheels... and it's a rather regal look.
It bears repeating that the current Mustang is not just "nice for the price;" it's nice, full stop. And it is unique in how it combines affordability with more upmarket features and benefits. Not least of all, design.
In many countries, there is truly no other car like it. If you force a comparison, you'll be traipsing across rows of other car categories to get there.
Doubt the Mustang will beat the M4 at the dragstrip. The new Camaro SS, which we'll see in the UK in June, will though:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D87tO7VUs2I
See race at 2 mins 31 seconds
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D87tO7VUs2I
See race at 2 mins 31 seconds
Edited by Chafford1 on Sunday 3rd April 14:47
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