The bottom line is this: Ford is done messing around. With the release of the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 there are no more "Yeah, but..." reasons to buy any other pony car. Only serious Mopar-philes would choose the drastically more expensive and substantially worse Dodge Challenger SRT-8 over the Mustang GT. Aside from looks, we can't think of a single area where the similarly priced but slightly more expensive Chevy Camaro SS beats the Mustang. Speed, handling, soundtrack, brakes, interior (the GT is actually creeping into Audi levels of interior sophistication – look at those seats!), fit and finish – you name it, the Mustang's the superior sports car.
Speaking of Audi, the 5.0 makes the 354-hp S5 look like an overpriced slowpoke. We've driven both cars in anger and the 2011 Mustang GT is not only faster, but is actually rear-wheel drive, not a FWD platform fitted with Quattro all-wheel drive. Want us to go even further? We'd prefer the Mustang GT to a BMW 650i. Sure, the BMW has dash leather and... iDrive. But (again), the GT makes more power (the 650i manages 360 hp), handles better and is quieter unless you're really belting the throttle. Also, Sync's a whole lot better than iDrive, even the much improved new iDrive. Not only that, but the GT's new 5.0-liter V8 engine is in another league than (previous) competitors like the Nissan 370Z and Hyundai Genesis Coupe 3.8. Getting the point? In 2011, the Mustang GT is the car to beat. Welcome back, 5.0.
'Bout time. They've been outta the tussle for me since the Camaro died. Every year you had to look forward to a Steeda, Roush, Saleen, Shelby, Blah,blah,Blech. Ford had the hardest time just putting their best foot forward with an initial offering.
Bring on the competition.
Wow, great to hear! This almost sounds like a Mustang I would want to own. Very disappointed by the S5 however...
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
The 2011 Ford Mustang GT sports the very best solid rear axle in the world.
And there's where I stopped reading. I know it's a big weenie issue on my part. I'm sure it performs really well. I'm still a weenie and can't get behind the technology of a solid rear axle.
The 2011 Ford Mustang GT sports the very best solid rear axle in the world.
And there's where I stopped reading. I know it's a big weenie issue on my part. I'm sure it performs really well. I'm still a weenie and can't get behind the technology of a solid rear axle.
normally I'd agree completely, but the entire suspension review has me thinking I should drive it myself before condemning the [lack of] technology used.
Also improved for 2011 is the GT's handling. 2010 was something of a breakout year for the Mustang, as Ford finally committed itself to building a Mustang that goes left and right as well as it goes straight. Not only is the 2011 Mustang GT happy to turn into a corner, once you're flirting around with the apex you won't find yourself making loads of corrections. Put another way, the suspension is able to handle whatever you throw at it, and the steering feel is good enough that you only have to measure and cut once. As far as the never ending live rear end vs. independent suspension argument goes, we're saying the following: The 2011 Ford Mustang GT sports the very best solid rear axle in the world. We'd rather have the best solid axle than a mediocre multi-point rear. Hint, hint, Chevy. 'Nuff said.
complacent wrote:you may very well be right. i'm aware that i'm being at least semi-irrational.
I know, I've ranted about that solid axle more than a few times myself. but then again, Ford is saving me a bunch of cash. if it had an IRS I'd have to buy one.
I dunno. I tend to take everything AutoBlog says about Mustangs with a grain of salt. Whoever runs that site is seriously in love with the line. I've rarely seen any negative press from them WRT Mustangs. It may very well be that the new model is excellent. But skeptical Alan is still Skeptical.
WRXWagon2112 wrote:I dunno. I tend to take everything AutoBlog says about Mustangs with a grain of salt. Whoever runs that site is seriously in love with the line. I've rarely seen any negative press from them WRT Mustangs. It may very well be that the new model is excellent. But skeptical Alan is still Skeptical.
--Alan
I'm with Skeptical Alan. Astounding that someone can get away with the "think Audi" comment on the Mustang interior. Ford must use an extra-strong 'new car smell' that acts like catnip on AutoBlog drivers.
Genesis coupe interior kicks the crap out of all 3 pony cars. Shocked I was at how nice. There's an interior that deserves recognition next to the likes of Infiniti or BMW.
I think (hope) at least one American car company is "getting it." the interior might not be Audi but it is moving in the right direction.
now about that EcoBoost 6 and IRS...
i've given up on an IRS for that thing. just use softer interior plastics and put the car on a diet and i'd be hard pressed not to walk into a ford dealership next time around.
complacent wrote:Autoblog has pointed out that stat-for-stat, the 2011 GT is every bit as good as a new M3.
Wow! I might try to get Suzie to go for one of these... last time I mentioned it though, she was less that enthusiastic...
Sabre (Julian) 92.5% Stock 04 STI
Good choice putting $4,000 rims on your 1990 Honda Civic. That's like Betty White going out and getting her tits done.
Unfortunately, as good as these specs are for the price, it is still cursed by one thing: being American. I am still not swayed on my views on American cars in general as far as quality of parts and reliability is concerned. I will still respect the car for what it can do, though.
2004 SG Model A PearlBlackObsidian (RIP) 2008 SG Model D BlueRallyWorld
"When I get sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead. True story." -Barney Stinson
"Nothing shuts my pie-hole but pie." -Shawn Spencer
sirwilliam wrote:Unfortunately, as good as these specs are for the price, it is still cursed by one thing: being American. I am still not swayed on my views on American cars in general as far as quality of parts and reliability is concerned. I will still respect the car for what it can do, though.
you might want to look into some of the stats for Ford... a quick search turned up evidence that FordIS building reliable cars.
Ford must use an extra-strong 'new car smell' that acts like catnip on AutoBlog drivers. 
