Mustang V6 - talk to me....
Discussion
I own both a V8 and a V6 S197. Have also owned a 1000hp very heavily tuned V8.
The Manual box is great, I have no experience with the auto. the V6 feels much nimbler but the engine can be a touch asthmatic by european standards, they are fantastic value though. The V8 feels a bit more intimidating on twisties, understeers quite a bit more, but the engine is quite a bit better by objective standards.
ABS and Traction control are optional extras, check the car you are looking at has those if they are important to you.
Some of the alloy components such as door kick plates can corrode somewhat, cosmetic only.
Only problem I have had with ownership of 3 S197s is a single failed O2 sensor in an exhaust, which meant a replacement exhaust. Otherwise entirely reliable in -20C and +40C in Ohio winters and summers.
The Manual box is great, I have no experience with the auto. the V6 feels much nimbler but the engine can be a touch asthmatic by european standards, they are fantastic value though. The V8 feels a bit more intimidating on twisties, understeers quite a bit more, but the engine is quite a bit better by objective standards.
ABS and Traction control are optional extras, check the car you are looking at has those if they are important to you.
Some of the alloy components such as door kick plates can corrode somewhat, cosmetic only.
Only problem I have had with ownership of 3 S197s is a single failed O2 sensor in an exhaust, which meant a replacement exhaust. Otherwise entirely reliable in -20C and +40C in Ohio winters and summers.
Bob_Defly said:
Don't. You'll always wonder why you didn't wait for a V8...
what he said. The V8 sound track is way nicer and there's very little difference in mpgs (although it isn't an issue). Performance-wise you'll regret a V6, I know I did when I swapped from a 1987 V8 Camaro to a 1995 V6 Firebird 
peterbredde said:
Thanks FisiP1. I must admit I am not put off by the lower power of the V6. A couple of people have told me that the V6 handles better and is easier to live with in everyday use.
It's worth noting the V6 in the s197 puts out almost the same power as pre PI V8's in the SN95's. The V8 s197 is still a lot quicker though. Best bet is drive it and see if you like it.You can always tweak the 4.0 V6 to get a bit more poke if you want.
Whereabouts in the Middle East are you?
S197's were never imported into the UAE officially so if that is the case in the rest of the region it will be a grey import, not GCC spec and almost impossible to find the full history on.
Petrol is so damn cheap over here I would go for the V8, ok I am a little biased but to me it is not a Mustang without a V8.
Mine averages around 14-15l/100km which is comparable with my mates Prado if economy is a consideration, which it shouldn't be.
Plus the front grill looks crap without the fogs.
Edit - 210 bhp according to wiki, that's 2/3 of the GT (stock) and I think will feel pretty anemic.
S197's were never imported into the UAE officially so if that is the case in the rest of the region it will be a grey import, not GCC spec and almost impossible to find the full history on.
Petrol is so damn cheap over here I would go for the V8, ok I am a little biased but to me it is not a Mustang without a V8.
Mine averages around 14-15l/100km which is comparable with my mates Prado if economy is a consideration, which it shouldn't be.
Plus the front grill looks crap without the fogs.
Edit - 210 bhp according to wiki, that's 2/3 of the GT (stock) and I think will feel pretty anemic.
peterbredde said:
So I am thinking about buying a 2005 V6 Mustang. Low mileage (26k) and looks pretty well cared for - 6 grand. I live in the middle east, so petrol prices not an issue. Should I wait until the right V8 comes along?
What issues should I be looking out for?
Any help appreciated. Thanks
The V8 is hardly a rocket (in standard form), so I would say yes, dont go for the V6 esp. given fuel isnt an issue!What issues should I be looking out for?
Any help appreciated. Thanks
Hudson said:
No chance of saving and waiting a bit and getting a mustang Cobra? With a few tweaks some people have squeezed north of 500bhp out of them. Plus they sound the tits 
Do you mean the GT500 or the 'Terminator'?If the former then a pulley change and a tune gets you well into the 500's
dxbtiger said:
Do you mean the GT500 or the 'Terminator'?
If the former then a pulley change and a tune gets you well into the 500's
The terminator, the 2003~ model. This is all going by what i've seen on youtube however but people only really mentioned a smaller S/C pulley, headers and a tune?If the former then a pulley change and a tune gets you well into the 500's
I appreciate they're probably talking out of their s
tter but it seems quite a common theme.You might get a better informed opinion either on the dedicated PH Mustang forum (scroll down a bit) or from here
http://www.s197.co.uk/s197/forum/phpBB3/
http://www.s197.co.uk/s197/forum/phpBB3/
the 4 litre engine in the old model Mustang is a boat anchor - its extraordinarily lazy and slow when mated to the dimiwitted autobox (floor it on a highway...nothing...nothing...nothing...SECOND GEAR AAAAAND upshift to fourth).
Driving at the time, I honestly think my old Saab Turbo would have shown it a clean pair of heels, despite the 4000cc displacement and apparent 200hp.
get a V8 with a manual if you can.
Driving at the time, I honestly think my old Saab Turbo would have shown it a clean pair of heels, despite the 4000cc displacement and apparent 200hp.
get a V8 with a manual if you can.
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