The 2011+ Mustang Thread

[snakekiller]

Originally Posted by fielderLS3

To start, I just want everyone to know that I'm not a fanboy of either the Mustang or Camaro, and am currently going through the hard process of deciding whether to order a 2011 Camaro SS or a 2011 Mustang 5.0 (I've been leaning toward the Camaro for quite some time, but don't want to make the final decision until I've driven a 5.0).

Anyway, over the weekend, my local Ford dealer got in his first 2011 Mustang (a V-6 model), and let me take it out for a drive. This is a bit long, but I figured I'd post my first impressions of the car from my drive for anyone who might be interested in hearing about the car from someone who isn't a car magazine editor, and someone who isn't biased toward one brand or another. Again, this is the V6 model, not the 5.0.

Driving:

The first thing you notice in the Mustang compared to the Camaro is size. The Mustang feels much smaller than the Camaro, and feels much more nimble when driving in traffic around town, and when pushing the car through tight corners on narrow back roads. Both Mustang and Camaro stick like glue in the turns, but the Mustang feels a little bit more sporty (at least in terms of grip, more on that coming further down).

Engine:

The car only had 10 miles on it, so I didn't want to push it too hard. However, at half throttle, and about 3000-4000 RPM the 3.7L feels strong, and the car is noticeably quick. 80mph came quickly and easily. The engine is much smoother than the outgoing 4.0L (my brother owns a 4L mustang, and I actually mistook the sound for the diesel engine of a garbage truck one day when he pulled into the driveway). The exhaust note is interesting, almost like two exhaust systems in one. At low RPMs, it has the typical drole sound of a traditional American V6. Above 3000 rpm or so, it takes on more of a tuner car sound similar to the V6 Camaro.

Styling:

I wasn't much of a fan of the 2010 Mustang redesign. It is very slowly growing on me, but only a little. I like the looks/profile of it from the front. While the sequntial taillights are cool, overall, the back just doesn't look quite right. The 2011 still has the ring of plastic body cladding running all the way around the bottom. It blends into the Kona blue color I drove, but but in other colors, it is very noticeable, particularly from the back (it almost looks like the designer of the original Avalanche had a hand in the design). So, I'd have to say the styling of the Camaro is much better, particularly from behind. At least to me, the Camaro has better lines, a cleaner, more muscular look (particularly from the back), and looks good in almost any color, while the Mustang does not.

Gripes:

Overall, the Mustang seems to be a decent car, but there are two major gripes. First, the automatic transmission attached to the V6 is garbage. Painfully obvious how they got 31 mpg from the EPA (and 29 out of the manual). No one would shift their own car where this transmission shifts. Even when trying to accelerate, the tranny dives into the next gear very early, leaving the engine at about 1100 rpm after the shift. With the standard rear axle ratio, top gear is about as tall if not taller than 6th in the Camaro SS manual, but without the LS3 torque, the V6 Mustang is constantly bogged down. The transmission is reluctant to downshift. When you step into it, the transmission is slow to react, and when it finally does downshift, it doesn't quite seem to know which gear to go to. There is limited manual selectablity (Just a P-R-N-D-3-2-1 gate, no manual mode). I know I sound like I'm rambling, but this tranny is just that bad to the point that it was the most memorable part of the drive. If I had to sum up the whole car/drive with just one sentence, it would be "I would never buy that automatic."

The other grip is the steering. Despite what every car mag has said, Ford has not fully worked out the "feel" issue with the electric power steering. It really isn't that bad (the feel is actually close to the Camaro's), but it is nowhere near as good as the old Mustang (steering has traditionally been a Ford strong point, an advantage they have lost with the 2011). So, like the auto transmission, you can include steering feel on the list of driving fun sacrifices Ford has made at the alter of EPA ratings.

Overall, it was a pretty good sports car. It would have been much more fun to drive with a manual. I'm still leaning toward the Camaro since the Ford felt like it made more engineering compromises, but hope to drive a 5.0 before making the final decision. Interestingly, Ford must not be as backed up on orders as they are claiming, because the dealer offered almost $3000 off sticker on an order out after the test drive, bringing the final price in much lower than the Camaro.

Did you switch the steering feel settings? theres 3 settings

[a_Username]

Originally Posted by THE EVIL TW1N

http://www.leftlanenews.com/porsche-boxster-s.html

310hp over 3000lbs
best edmunds got was 13.4
http://www.edmunds.com/porsche/boxster/2008/review.html


this mag got 13.7@102 with the 280 hp version
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/reviews/rt2427.shtml


and SportAuto mag. reported the 8:17 on their 12/2009 issue

Mine says this: http://www.fastestlaps.com/track2.html
http://www.fastestlaps.com/car49246feb57de5.html

Porsche Boxster S- 8:18

Quarter Mile- 12.6

[5thGenOwner]

Originally Posted by lil_chef

yeah i was very aware of the 5.0, but i was in the market for the v6 models (college student). the 2010 GT just so happened to be the same price out the door as a 1LT RS would be out the door.

what has caught me off guard is that the dealers around me are discounting the 5.0 in a similar manner as well. it would cost me about 13k to get a 5.0 out the door ( because resale value on my 2010 sucks, go figure) so i have decided to take the mod route.

It's a NEW engine... the 5.0 might explode and kill you! (I'm tryin to look in the bright side)



Actually, I totally hear you! The Z is commin' out in '12 (or so) and will probably blow my SS away. My warranty will still have a few years on it, but by then I'll know how solid my Camaro is, and maybe start with the mods then. Until then... I love my ride as is!

[THE EVIL TW1N]

Originally Posted by a_Username

Mine says this: http://www.fastestlaps.com/track2.html
http://www.fastestlaps.com/car49246feb57de5.html

12.6 would be some kind of hero run but not sure if i really believe it since those crazy europeans race in the metric system.

[SSRS Steve]

on the 2011 GT the track pack is standard and 3.73 gear set is optional.

[MADBOWTIE]

Originally Posted by fazm

real macho guy because you drive a v8 your penis must be bigger huh?

i love people that think this way, id line up against yours too if youd like, what kind of skirt do you want me to wear since you are into that kind of thing.

oh and i hope you like 6'4" 220 lb cheerleaders

Nah, you can keep the skirt I just thought it went with the V6 mustang . I would be more than happy to line my modded camaro up with your modded uhhh Mustang. Heck I would even give you an eighth mile head start. 6'4" 220 lb Dam you are a big girl!!

[Viral]

Originally Posted by THE EVIL TW1N

http://www.leftlanenews.com/porsche-boxster-s.html

310hp over 3000lbs
best edmunds got was 13.4
http://www.edmunds.com/porsche/boxster/2008/review.html


this mag got 13.7@102 with the 280 hp version
http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/reviews/rt2427.shtml


and SportAuto mag. reported the 8:17 on their 12/2009 issue

You've got models from all over the place in this quote. LOL. There were quite a few changes to the Boxster from MY 2008 to 2009, including entirely new engines and transmissions. Why would you quote times from a 2005 and 2008 model alongside the most recent version?

[06blownSS]

So about 20 minutes ago I had my first experience in the Mustang 5.0, it was a dark blue, automatic transmission no track pack Mustang. I will start off by saying it is a HUGE improvement over last years model inside and out. The sound that mustang makes is music to my ears! It is a MUCH nicer sound then my stock LS3 (but with my borla exhaust I do prefer mine). I must say tho a mustang with that much power NEEDS the track pack, the little brakes and skinny tires just dont cut it. If your going to go big do it right and get the GT500's setup. I must say tho, in the automatic anyways, power and torque delivery was dissapointing. Maybe because it only had 500kms on it and wasnt fully broken in, but the LS3 would tear it a new one. Overall a very appealing car but if it was me it would definately need a standard transmission and the track pack.

[Tee304]

All in all, nothing compares to a Camaro.......NOTHING!!

[Maa107]

man can't wait to do my camparison of the 3 (camaro, mustang, challenger) to decide which one to get, although i know which one im most likely gonna get (Camaro )....all i can say is that its gonna be super fun!

[Tee304]

Originally Posted by Maa107

man can't wait to do my camparison of the 3 (camaro, mustang, challenger) to decide which one to get, although i know which one im most likely gonna get (Camaro )....all i can say is that its gonna be super fun!

GET THE CAMARO - YOU'LL NEVER REGRET IT!

[ron10]

get a camaro and you won't be sorry tomorrow.

[zq8colorado04]

There is no track pack for 2011 Mustang GT's...everything that was on the 2010 TrackPack is now standard on 2011 GT's

...only the 2011 V6's have a Track Pack available now.

[06blownSS]

Originally Posted by zq8colorado04

There is no track pack for 2011 Mustang GT's...everything that was on the 2010 TrackPack is now standard on 2011 GT's

...only the 2011 V6's have a Track Pack available now.

Sorry, its not called Track pack anymore but you can get the GT500's brake and tires setup and an added LSD, which both are a must