a basic 5.0 for the engine experience
Discussion
I'm considering a GT for the joy of a nasp V8 with 3 pedals. I normally prefer a good chassis over the engine but with ICE fading away I have a resurgent interest in engines. I have other cars that do "proper sports car" tasks - lightweights with 4 cyl. my question to those of you with several cars or with wide/diverse ownership, would you justify more than a basic 5.0? If budget were unlimited of course I could go top of the range Shelby, Bullitt, Mach1 or DH, but the Mustang isn't my type of car to throw around anyway so why fight that? I want to enjoy the engine and embrace the beast for what it is. However, if the chassis could be transformed I might be convinced. The difference looks like £25k+ rather than 40k+. discuss...
yzr500 said:
Over rated car handles like a barge also the power seems tame guess its just a modern Capri ? BTW my Mach 1 is at the main agents having a warranty repair now driving a hire Fiesta eco boost which is a nice replacement.
Aren't mustangs rated for having a thumping great engine (check) looking good (subjective but to me: check) and make you smile when seeing/driving them (again subjective but for me: check). They've never been known for handling prowess but as a previous poster says the steering can be transformed.Edited by yzr500 on Wednesday 18th October 11:51
Capri's were the European mustangs weren't they?
Perhaps mustangs aren't for you, which is absolutely fine. Nothing wrong with fiesta's either so if you prefer that then sell up the mach 1 and get a fiesta.
To the OP, it sounds like you're looking at the right reasons for buying one. Big engine with a very nice sound and a decent but not top notch gearchange. You'll get lots of attention in one and you'll be amazed how easy it is to pull out of junctions and turnings, people generally happy to slow down/stop to let you out.
Don't buy one if you're concerned about going fast, plenty of appliances on the road can go much faster! My previous car was an M140i and it was faster than the mustang is in pretty much every way possible, but I 100% prefer driving the mustang!
With the S650 looking at £65k starting price second hand mustang S550's won't drop much more so you could own one for a couple of years depreciation free!
I have a 2020 Edition 55.
Have owned, in the past, Maserati QP, AM, few BMW, MB, MR2 and MX5 from a ‘driving perspective’.
The Mustang is a real surprise, it’s great for a long journey (change the suspension and exhaust noise), I regularly do my 300 mile commute in mine, it’s great fun when you want to put your foot down in a straight line, it isn’t as cumbersome as you’d expect in the corners (obviously it’s no Elise), even had 4 adults in mine.
If you want an all round, manual, 5.0 na V8, with all the bells and whistles of a genuinely useable everyday car I think it’s in a class of its own.
ETA: I have Magneride too.
Have owned, in the past, Maserati QP, AM, few BMW, MB, MR2 and MX5 from a ‘driving perspective’.
The Mustang is a real surprise, it’s great for a long journey (change the suspension and exhaust noise), I regularly do my 300 mile commute in mine, it’s great fun when you want to put your foot down in a straight line, it isn’t as cumbersome as you’d expect in the corners (obviously it’s no Elise), even had 4 adults in mine.
If you want an all round, manual, 5.0 na V8, with all the bells and whistles of a genuinely useable everyday car I think it’s in a class of its own.
ETA: I have Magneride too.
Edited by Han Solo on Wednesday 18th October 16:18
CABC said:
I'm considering a GT for the joy of a nasp V8 with 3 pedals. I normally prefer a good chassis over the engine but with ICE fading away I have a resurgent interest in engines. I have other cars that do "proper sports car" tasks - lightweights with 4 cyl. my question to those of you with several cars or with wide/diverse ownership, would you justify more than a basic 5.0? If budget were unlimited of course I could go top of the range Shelby, Bullitt, Mach1 or DH, but the Mustang isn't my type of car to throw around anyway so why fight that? I want to enjoy the engine and embrace the beast for what it is. However, if the chassis could be transformed I might be convinced. The difference looks like £25k+ rather than 40k+. discuss...
Personally I wouldn't bother with an S550 bullitt or mach 1. The bullitt is a marketing exercise with a 'no production limit' build volume and an increase in power you'll never notice above a standard GT. Mach 1 is much better, tremec gearbox being the best change but a lot of the track components fitted don't make it to RHD models so you're paying for the gearbox, decals and bumper changes!
Dark Horse is S650 2024 model only and likely £70k!
I have a full set of KW clubsport fully adjustable coilovers ready to go onto my S550 mustang GT once spring comes around and it's meant to properly transform the handing of the car.
Sound of the V8 with an H pipe makes me smile even 4 years into ownership!
I have to say that the first time I drove a 2005 Mustang, I was disappointed with how soggy it was but it's understandable when you're in America and want weight transfer onto the back tyres for the traction.
When I bought mine, in 2005, it was entirely with a view to getting rid of that sogginess and a sypercharger was needed (for the 4.6) to gee up those 300 horses.
So mine got various braces, lower control arms and a lowered suspension system with Roush springs and wider wheels and tyres to dial most of that out and there is no way I could go back to standard.
I haven't tried the S550 which is probably a bit sharper than Ford's US rice pudding settings, for Europe but any Mustang V8 is an event in itself. However, you don't want to be ducking and dipping in the corners as it takes the fun away.
Modifying the Mustang is very easy and requires a standard set of spanners and tools. Apart from the supercharger, I did all my mods myself. Really easy and mechanic-friendly, unlike many cars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOOS1Clt6KQ
When I bought mine, in 2005, it was entirely with a view to getting rid of that sogginess and a sypercharger was needed (for the 4.6) to gee up those 300 horses.
So mine got various braces, lower control arms and a lowered suspension system with Roush springs and wider wheels and tyres to dial most of that out and there is no way I could go back to standard.
I haven't tried the S550 which is probably a bit sharper than Ford's US rice pudding settings, for Europe but any Mustang V8 is an event in itself. However, you don't want to be ducking and dipping in the corners as it takes the fun away.
Modifying the Mustang is very easy and requires a standard set of spanners and tools. Apart from the supercharger, I did all my mods myself. Really easy and mechanic-friendly, unlike many cars.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOOS1Clt6KQ
I had the same quandary and bought a "standard" GT. I don't regret it.
Fitted the Steeda Progressive springs and subframe locking kit, changed the clutch assist spring, and it's a far tighter car.
I'd advise going magneride (I didn't) as apparently it takes another level of ambiguity out of the chassis. Still not a car to throw around, but it's genuinely lovely to drive and gets a lot of positive attention.
Just done a 200+ mile journey to south Wales in pure comfort with the wife and two dogs in the back, averaging 31mpg.
Fitted the Steeda Progressive springs and subframe locking kit, changed the clutch assist spring, and it's a far tighter car.
I'd advise going magneride (I didn't) as apparently it takes another level of ambiguity out of the chassis. Still not a car to throw around, but it's genuinely lovely to drive and gets a lot of positive attention.
Just done a 200+ mile journey to south Wales in pure comfort with the wife and two dogs in the back, averaging 31mpg.
[quote=QuattroDave]
Capri's were the European mustangs weren't they?
Perhaps mustangs aren't for you, which is absolutely fine. Nothing wrong with fiesta's either so if you prefer that then sell up the mach 1 and get a fiesta.
Hi just kicking the can down the road to get some replies on the thread ,yes the mustang is a nice looking car but its never a sports car BTW just referring that the main dealer considers a eco boost fiesta to replace a mach 1 during the warranty work.
Capri's were the European mustangs weren't they?
Perhaps mustangs aren't for you, which is absolutely fine. Nothing wrong with fiesta's either so if you prefer that then sell up the mach 1 and get a fiesta.
Hi just kicking the can down the road to get some replies on the thread ,yes the mustang is a nice looking car but its never a sports car BTW just referring that the main dealer considers a eco boost fiesta to replace a mach 1 during the warranty work.
yzr500]uattroDave said:
Capri's were the European mustangs weren't they?
Perhaps mustangs aren't for you, which is absolutely fine. Nothing wrong with fiesta's either so if you prefer that then sell up the mach 1 and get a fiesta.
Hi just kicking the can down the road to get some replies on the thread ,yes the mustang is a nice looking car but its never a sports car BTW just referring that the main dealer considers a eco boost fiesta to replace a mach 1 during the warranty work.
Hi YZ, I had the service pack with my car from new. First service I had I was given a fiesta ST as a courtesy car. However it was Handy's tuner ST that had 300bhp and went like a stabbed rat. Pops on overrun were even more embarrassing than the bright vinyls they had all over the car! Fun for a day but not sure it's the best choice as a warranty work replacement car. Focus st would be the best choice if it has to be a Ford!Perhaps mustangs aren't for you, which is absolutely fine. Nothing wrong with fiesta's either so if you prefer that then sell up the mach 1 and get a fiesta.
Hi just kicking the can down the road to get some replies on the thread ,yes the mustang is a nice looking car but its never a sports car BTW just referring that the main dealer considers a eco boost fiesta to replace a mach 1 during the warranty work.
What is yours in for?
thanks for the feedback. I suspected a standard GT with some suspension mods would be the way to go.
I'm also going to drive a convertible. not my normal choice for this size of car, but it does make the noise clearer and is great for touring too.
it might be too wobbly or too heavy though, but I'll try it.
I'm also going to drive a convertible. not my normal choice for this size of car, but it does make the noise clearer and is great for touring too.
it might be too wobbly or too heavy though, but I'll try it.
CABC said:
thanks for the feedback. I suspected a standard GT with some suspension mods would be the way to go.
I'm also going to drive a convertible. not my normal choice for this size of car, but it does make the noise clearer and is great for touring too.
it might be too wobbly or too heavy though, but I'll try it.
I had an ecoboost.convertible for two weeks in the states and did c2,000 miles in it. I was suprised at how well noise insulated it was with the roof up and also body didn't seem too 'wobbly' but then I really wasn't pushing the car - mostly did straight lines!I'm also going to drive a convertible. not my normal choice for this size of car, but it does make the noise clearer and is great for touring too.
it might be too wobbly or too heavy though, but I'll try it.
Also, GT coupe with some sort of exhust - H-pipe or cat back and you'll hear everything you need to from inside the cabin!
Last convertible point, boot space is much smaller and roof line is lower inside so a couple of points to consider.
Personally I'd go for facelift as much better tech and active exhaust is really useful and sounds much nicer.
QuattroDave said:
Capri's were the European mustangs weren't they?
The Ford Capri you know was a Ford Europe design and doesn't have anything to do with the Ford Mustang (except maybe the concept of a pony car). It was brought over and sold in the US, as well. In the US, the second gen Mercury Capri ('79-'86) was a Fox body Mustang with some cosmetic tweaks.Gassing Station | Mustangs | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff