Discussion
I thoroughly enjoy mine, my other car is an E46 M3 track special (used to own a CSL, got the bug so got another). People raved and still do rave about how great an E46 M3 handles, saying its a purist car with incredible balance. At the time they were also safe cars (still are) and the interior was well praised.
Well after doing a lot of modding to my car, power, styling, suspension, noise etc. Probably spent circa 10k, so car owes me 45k region but I now have this:
The interior is better than the E46 M3, the car is a safer place to be, as an E46 M3 would probably score ZERO on NCAP now, does that make it unsafe? NO as NCAP is total BS, because the scoring rules are changed every year so there is no basis for comparison.
Handling wise the front-end of the Mustang is superb, its incredibly pointy and in the dry the grip is very impressive, not only does it handle practically as well as my M3 in the dry, it is also HUGE amounts of fun and even better you do not need to break speed limits to extract the fun factor from the car, unfortunately something that is missing now from many modern cars.
Its only weakness is this car will bite you in the ass in the wet, but if your smooth, respect it then its not too bad, I've survived so far, I even did my first Winter of those excuses of tyres called Pzero they fit and SURVIVED.
Well after doing a lot of modding to my car, power, styling, suspension, noise etc. Probably spent circa 10k, so car owes me 45k region but I now have this:
The interior is better than the E46 M3, the car is a safer place to be, as an E46 M3 would probably score ZERO on NCAP now, does that make it unsafe? NO as NCAP is total BS, because the scoring rules are changed every year so there is no basis for comparison.
Handling wise the front-end of the Mustang is superb, its incredibly pointy and in the dry the grip is very impressive, not only does it handle practically as well as my M3 in the dry, it is also HUGE amounts of fun and even better you do not need to break speed limits to extract the fun factor from the car, unfortunately something that is missing now from many modern cars.
Its only weakness is this car will bite you in the ass in the wet, but if your smooth, respect it then its not too bad, I've survived so far, I even did my first Winter of those excuses of tyres called Pzero they fit and SURVIVED.
willisit said:
That's both your, and my, opinion. A new Insignia is an absolute tank - as is the Mondeo. These cars are now in 5/7 series territory - and the Mustang is a 2 door coupe. So, sure, it's manageable, but I've no intention of going anywhere near a multistory in it.
But that's my opinion, nothing more. I just prefer smaller cars as my daily.
Hmm well I'm certainly of the opinion that claiming it to be too wide is ridiculous since it would make a fair proportion of new cars on the roads also too wide. If that were the case everyone's near side alloys would be in tatters and the offside wing mirrors would be missing.But that's my opinion, nothing more. I just prefer smaller cars as my daily.
Having driven mine around a few multi-storey car parks including the short stay at Gatwick south terminal, which must have been built on the assumption that the Peel P50 was going to be a bit more successful that it was, I can categorically state it's width really isn't a problem. It's turning circle isn't great but width in itself isn't a concern.
More importantly why wouldn't you not take it to one? It's basically like being in a tunnel but with legitimate cause to accelerate and brake and generally make lots of noise in an enclosed space!
Another owner here, who would highly recommend taking the plunge.
Ultimatley these are cars you either you 'get' or you don't. If you don't that's fine, buy something else.
But for me it's a car that just gets under your skin. It makes absolutely no sense in all sorts of ways - it's too big, it's too thirsty, it's not safe enough etc. Plus it scares the bejesus out of me sometimes, it can be a real handful in the wet
Yet it really puts a smile of my face every time I jump in it, even it it's just to sit in slow traffic on my commute to work. I love the way it looks, I have it in black with silver wheels and it looks quite understated, which I really like. Saying that I get a lot of comments about it, all universally positive.
Go and test drive one, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Ultimatley these are cars you either you 'get' or you don't. If you don't that's fine, buy something else.
But for me it's a car that just gets under your skin. It makes absolutely no sense in all sorts of ways - it's too big, it's too thirsty, it's not safe enough etc. Plus it scares the bejesus out of me sometimes, it can be a real handful in the wet
Yet it really puts a smile of my face every time I jump in it, even it it's just to sit in slow traffic on my commute to work. I love the way it looks, I have it in black with silver wheels and it looks quite understated, which I really like. Saying that I get a lot of comments about it, all universally positive.
Go and test drive one, I don't think you'll be disappointed.
djc206 said:
willisit said:
That's both your, and my, opinion. A new Insignia is an absolute tank - as is the Mondeo. These cars are now in 5/7 series territory - and the Mustang is a 2 door coupe. So, sure, it's manageable, but I've no intention of going anywhere near a multistory in it.
But that's my opinion, nothing more. I just prefer smaller cars as my daily.
Hmm well I'm certainly of the opinion that claiming it to be too wide is ridiculous since it would make a fair proportion of new cars on the roads also too wide. If that were the case everyone's near side alloys would be in tatters and the offside wing mirrors would be missing.But that's my opinion, nothing more. I just prefer smaller cars as my daily.
Having driven mine around a few multi-storey car parks including the short stay at Gatwick south terminal, which must have been built on the assumption that the Peel P50 was going to be a bit more successful that it was, I can categorically state it's width really isn't a problem. It's turning circle isn't great but width in itself isn't a concern.
More importantly why wouldn't you not take it to one? It's basically like being in a tunnel but with legitimate cause to accelerate and brake and generally make lots of noise in an enclosed space!
Ford Mustang:
Length: 188.3 in
Width: 75.4 in
Jaguar F-type:
Length: 176 in
Width: 75.7 in
Audi RS7:
Length: 195.8 in
Width: 75.2 in
Nissan GTR:
Length: 183.9 in
Width: 74.9 in
BMW M6:
Length: 192.8 in
Width: 75.56 in
skyrover said:
Indeed... lets put this fallacy to rest.
Ford Mustang:
Length: 188.3 in
Width: 75.4 in
Jaguar F-type:
Length: 176 in
Width: 75.7 in
Audi RS7:
Length: 195.8 in
Width: 75.2 in
Nissan GTR:
Length: 183.9 in
Width: 74.9 in
BMW M6:
Length: 192.8 in
Width: 75.56 in
Precisely. That one always gets trotted out. Widths are all about the same. Why doesn't anyone say "it's too wide" about a GTR? Mainly because the GTR fanboys are mostly about 13.Ford Mustang:
Length: 188.3 in
Width: 75.4 in
Jaguar F-type:
Length: 176 in
Width: 75.7 in
Audi RS7:
Length: 195.8 in
Width: 75.2 in
Nissan GTR:
Length: 183.9 in
Width: 74.9 in
BMW M6:
Length: 192.8 in
Width: 75.56 in
Back to mine. The comparrison I make is to my GMC van with a Big Block Chevy. Lovely old thing and faster off the line than the Mustang. also my Lotus Excel with the Lexus V8 feels faster. The Mustand always felt it needed to wind itself up a bit before really shifting. But that steering. The awafullness hit me as soon as I drove off the forecourt. Tried to like it, but no.
kambites said:
I think the fact that the euro-spec airbags didn't work properly is rather more than "unnecessary electronic b
ks" in the minds of most people - if you only look at the actual crash test results (ie not the electronic box-ticking bit), the car did very poorly in its original test. That one has apparently been fixed on the later cars but I don't know if Ford did a recall for earlier ones?
The rear-seat safety is pretty awful by modern standards too, but I suspect that's an inevitable consequence of them being so small (not many 2+2s get tested); there's simply not space to keep rear-seat passengers' heads and legs away from hard-points.
It wouldn't put me off buying one if I was in that market (it's certainly vastly safer than my current car), but saying "it's a very safe car" is pushing it.
No rear seatbelt pre-tensioners so I heard. If you have a crash with your kids in the back, the results may not be good.ks" in the minds of most people - if you only look at the actual crash test results (ie not the electronic box-ticking bit), the car did very poorly in its original test. That one has apparently been fixed on the later cars but I don't know if Ford did a recall for earlier ones? The rear-seat safety is pretty awful by modern standards too, but I suspect that's an inevitable consequence of them being so small (not many 2+2s get tested); there's simply not space to keep rear-seat passengers' heads and legs away from hard-points.
It wouldn't put me off buying one if I was in that market (it's certainly vastly safer than my current car), but saying "it's a very safe car" is pushing it.
Edited by kambites on Monday 24th July 08:48
I test drove a 5.0 just over a year ago when I was looking to get out of my old 645Ci. Actually very similar cars; big, heavy, nice engine, decent interior; I was already used to the size/dimensions of my old car so getting used to the new one wouldn't have been an issue (and I live in central London). I had previously driven one in Hawaii a few month earlier (the 2.3) and loved it, although you can't go any faster than 50mph on the islands.
Ended up being put off by the adjustments needed to make it to the UK market; seems daft but so many cosmetic changes needed to be made to get it to comply with UK law (DRLs removed and replaced, rear lights, bonnet profile etc) that it took the shine off. I ended up with a 3yo 640i instead which cost me just over 50% of the mustang sticker price. But if I ever live in North America, one would be on the list (but behind a Hellcat).
Ended up being put off by the adjustments needed to make it to the UK market; seems daft but so many cosmetic changes needed to be made to get it to comply with UK law (DRLs removed and replaced, rear lights, bonnet profile etc) that it took the shine off. I ended up with a 3yo 640i instead which cost me just over 50% of the mustang sticker price. But if I ever live in North America, one would be on the list (but behind a Hellcat).
Username... said:
If it were me I'd definitely take a closer look at crash data from NCAP and the like. I'm not familiar with why it only scores 2* but it makes me think that corner cutting is the very reason why this car is such a bargain.
Having seen a number of videos on YouTube featuring Mustangs, it seems that if you use the accelerator pedal your car will crash spectacularly into a crowd of people. Why is this? Too much power with a chassis that is just unable to cope? I suppose that's always been the way with American muscle cars.
Not a great combination and is why I'd be looking elsewhere!
Have driven a Mustang GT Cab in the US and I don't think there is anything wrong with the chassis/handling. Modern tyres and ESP/traction control means that it can put down its power in the dry with no issues (my 170hp 1990 BMW 325i was far lairier) but I didn't drive it in the wet. I'm guessing that these accidents have happened because people have turned off the electronic safety nets for showboating and exceeded their limited driving talents? It was surprisingly soft though. More body roll and pitch and squat under acceleration and braking than I expected but a very good ride on bumpy roads. Steering was OK, not amazing but OK. Nice positive, short throw gearshift, overlight clutch (lighter than my MINI!) and a little tricky to drive smoothly at low speed. Yeah, it's fast but not that fast but you can rev it up and it sounds good. Standard set-up isn't optimum for B-roads/track then but this could be fixed and as standard it would make a nice and characterful GT car. Overall, I liked it but it is very heavy (nearly 2 tonnes for the GT cab) and feels it. I also drove the latest Camaro SS and it's significantly lighter, faster, better on fuel, a little smaller and has more confidence-inspiring handling but the trade-off is interior and boot space and ride. Having seen a number of videos on YouTube featuring Mustangs, it seems that if you use the accelerator pedal your car will crash spectacularly into a crowd of people. Why is this? Too much power with a chassis that is just unable to cope? I suppose that's always been the way with American muscle cars.
Not a great combination and is why I'd be looking elsewhere!
Edited by Username... on Monday 24th July 18:02
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MellowshipSlinky said:
Integroo said:
MellowshipSlinky said:
They'd appear to have a very poor Ncap rating.
Do most of us give a toss though?the OP's question was 'what's not to like'?
For all I knew, perhaps the Ncap would've been a concern to him.
kapiteinlangzaam said:
The std. Mustang is a blank canvas, and always has been sold as thus. Ford even have their own (rather expansive) in-house tuning company 'Ford Racing'.
The concept of buying a 38k car and immediately removing/adding parts is somewhat less well received in the EU/UK, but non-the-less, thats the idea of the 'stang. Thats not to say its not a great car in std. form, but you have to appreciate that its very much a base to build on. Ford have also not done enough in the UK /EU market to promote and sell the modifying theme either, although I understand some dealers in the UK are now getting onboard and will become Roush stockists.
They can be made to handle, they can be made to cruise, they can be made to go very, very quick. Or you can just concentrate on the visuals. The costs arent outrageous either. The aftermarket is almost mind-bogglingly large.
The sound can be fixed rather easily, which im sure anyone with a half a PH brain already realises.
Mine has a large intake, engine tuning, custom valved exhaust, is lowered with wheels pushed out, several trick bits to firm up the chassis, and then lots of visual mods. Installing a short-throw shifter with some additional PU gearbox mounts tightened up the shift to the point of it being like a rifle-bolt.
Buy one for 38k and budget another 5k to make it in to precisely what you want and I cant see anybody being disappointed. All of its competition is either 10-20k more expensive, or if looking at the same price-point, a good 100-200bhp behind the GT.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Eub3WlRx0
Quality is also fine IMO, its just the dealers still arent really up to speed on what to do with them.... therefore even minor problems can become a bit of a drama. The only real issue ive had with mine over 13m and 20k+ miles is the aircon, which seems to have been fixed quite easily, but it took the dealer 3 attempts to get there.
Your car is stunning and that video has me grinning like a village idiot.The concept of buying a 38k car and immediately removing/adding parts is somewhat less well received in the EU/UK, but non-the-less, thats the idea of the 'stang. Thats not to say its not a great car in std. form, but you have to appreciate that its very much a base to build on. Ford have also not done enough in the UK /EU market to promote and sell the modifying theme either, although I understand some dealers in the UK are now getting onboard and will become Roush stockists.
They can be made to handle, they can be made to cruise, they can be made to go very, very quick. Or you can just concentrate on the visuals. The costs arent outrageous either. The aftermarket is almost mind-bogglingly large.
The sound can be fixed rather easily, which im sure anyone with a half a PH brain already realises.
Mine has a large intake, engine tuning, custom valved exhaust, is lowered with wheels pushed out, several trick bits to firm up the chassis, and then lots of visual mods. Installing a short-throw shifter with some additional PU gearbox mounts tightened up the shift to the point of it being like a rifle-bolt.
Buy one for 38k and budget another 5k to make it in to precisely what you want and I cant see anybody being disappointed. All of its competition is either 10-20k more expensive, or if looking at the same price-point, a good 100-200bhp behind the GT.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1Eub3WlRx0
Quality is also fine IMO, its just the dealers still arent really up to speed on what to do with them.... therefore even minor problems can become a bit of a drama. The only real issue ive had with mine over 13m and 20k+ miles is the aircon, which seems to have been fixed quite easily, but it took the dealer 3 attempts to get there.
To those who have driven the car in the US, the UK version has the performance package as standard, so bigger brakes, wheels and stiffer suspension.
As to too wide. My previous Yank was a Mercury Grand Marquee which was no problem on my central London commute
I live in the countryside now and the Mustang is fine on the narrow lanes. If a delivery Transit can get down it, then so can the Mustang.
As to too wide. My previous Yank was a Mercury Grand Marquee which was no problem on my central London commute
I live in the countryside now and the Mustang is fine on the narrow lanes. If a delivery Transit can get down it, then so can the Mustang.
skyrover said:
Indeed... lets put this fallacy to rest.
Ford Mustang:
Length: 188.3 in
Width: 75.4 in
Jaguar F-type:
Length: 176 in
Width: 75.7 in
Audi RS7:
Length: 195.8 in
Width: 75.2 in
Nissan GTR:
Length: 183.9 in
Width: 74.9 in
BMW M6:
Length: 192.8 in
Width: 75.56 in
No no no no no. You're misunderstanding me. I couldn't give a rats about that nonsense. It's my opinion - I stated that quite clearly. I'm looking at my Mustang right now. An M6 is a big car. An RS7 is a house on wheels. A Mustang is big, simple as that. I'm quite understanding of the facts that a bus can run on our roads, so a Mustang can too. I'm also well aware that a new Range Rover is exactly the same dimensions as a UK parking space - but people still park them. For day to day, for me - not you - not the other chap - for ME - it's too big. That's all I was getting at. For me. Ford Mustang:
Length: 188.3 in
Width: 75.4 in
Jaguar F-type:
Length: 176 in
Width: 75.7 in
Audi RS7:
Length: 195.8 in
Width: 75.2 in
Nissan GTR:
Length: 183.9 in
Width: 74.9 in
BMW M6:
Length: 192.8 in
Width: 75.56 in
Carry on
Here is mine on track:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuwlzhpWjSI
Did not push the car due to the nature of the circuit and no room for error so playing it safe, BUT TURN IT UP AND JUST LISTEN TO IT!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UuwlzhpWjSI
Did not push the car due to the nature of the circuit and no room for error so playing it safe, BUT TURN IT UP AND JUST LISTEN TO IT!
bridgdav said:
Gibbo205 said:
Thanks buddy.
Sorry Gibbo.... apart from the painted calipers.Everything else is subtle and unassuming.
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