Anyone else a little disappointed by the new 'Stang?

"Milky" (jordanmielke)
09/17/2014 at 15:41 • Filed to: Mustang, Camaro, GT, SS, Motor Trend, 5.0

These reviews of it don't seem all that positive. Has me thinking is this the new '10 Camaro SS?

Just for the sake of argument below are Motor Trend's numbers of the '15 Mustang GT with the Track Pack & the '13 Camaro SS with the 1LE package.

Motor trend went on to !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! its definitely a better Mustang to live with and drive. But IMO weight, power and acceleration are all too similar considering we're getting a new (supposedly) lighter Camaro in a year or so. Just my 0.02 cents.

DISCUSSION (63)

sm70- why not Duesenberg? > Milky
09/17/2014 at 15:42

I can think of one person who definitely isn't ...

StoneCold > Milky
09/17/2014 at 15:44

I am disappointed also. I will be getting one from the last generation.

GhostZ > Milky
09/17/2014 at 15:45

I was disappointed by the weight increase. Ford really needed to make it lighter. I'd still buy it for the sheer size decrease though.

Supposedly it's merits are in the interior quality (which HAS to be better than the Camaro, ugh) and the handling (NOT the peak cornering G, but how easy it is to handle at speed).

If it weighed 200-300lbs less like the rumors said it would, it would kick serious ass.

If chevy puts out a 3500lb Camaro SS, things could change very quickly.

DoYouEvenShift > Milky
09/17/2014 at 15:46

Totally with you. Its ugly( my opinion, doesnt matter) and the performance is meh. The new Camaro, whatever it looks like, like it or not, well find out soon. Will definitely take every opportunity to show the Mustang its taillights. It should be lighter, more powerful, and more nimble.

Viggen > Milky
09/17/2014 at 15:47

Over hype anything and you'll be disappointed with the end result.

KirkyV > Milky
09/17/2014 at 15:47

I'm wondering how it'll be received by my local - European - review outlets. Whatever they end up concluding, it'll be interesting to hear their thoughts on the first Mustang ever officially - no real import restrictions, so people do occasionally import them - sold here.

Milky > StoneCold
09/17/2014 at 15:49

Thats a strong decision. But I guess it all depends on how you plan to use it imo.

Milky > sm70- why not Duesenberg?
09/17/2014 at 15:49

I know, I goofed.

http://oppositelock.jalopnik.com/damnit-i-just-…

T5Killer > Milky
09/17/2014 at 15:50

I wished for less weight and more radical modern styling but I like it not in love with it. But its growing on my. I would love to daily drive a Ecoboost Manual '15.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Milky
09/17/2014 at 15:51

Nothing anyone says will sway me out of owning one when I graduate. I want my sexy Euro V8 'MuricanMuscle car and nothing anyone says can change that! I love the body, the taillights, the interior. I haven't driven one yet but I still want one.

Milky > GhostZ
09/17/2014 at 15:51

I'm not in love with the interior, but I agree on all counts. They gave Chevy a BIG opportunity to make the Camaro class leading.

Tim > GhostZ
09/17/2014 at 15:52

I would have been more excited to see the weight decrease.

Milky > KirkyV
09/17/2014 at 15:52

I'm looking forward to those reviews ….. I hope it stays cheap for all the overseas markets.

Saracen > Milky
09/17/2014 at 15:53

Are you talking about subjective reviews of how well it drives, or just performance figures?

Because, Car and Driver really liked the new GT.

Ignore the performance stats, and just go drive the damn thing.

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Milky
09/17/2014 at 15:54

I don't know how anyone can claim to be disappointed before they've even driven it. The reviews I've read so far have been overwhelmingly positive. Go test drive one when they hit dealer lots, numbers only tell you so much.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Milky
09/17/2014 at 15:55

I think it's going to depend on how you want to use it.

On the track I think it'll probably be a better car. We'll have to see once lap times are out though. I agree it's a bit underwhelming. I guess they are throwing their eggs in the GT350 basket

KirkyV > Milky
09/17/2014 at 15:55

Price is going to be key, I think. If it's priced anywhere near the M4 - which sounds crazy, I know, but it could happen - it's going absolutely nowhere.

Milky > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
09/17/2014 at 15:55

I dont understand where "Euro" came from, but do you boo-boo.

Kinja'd!!!

Milky > DoYouEvenShift
09/17/2014 at 15:57

I'm sure some people at GM are quite happy today.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > Milky
09/17/2014 at 15:59

I'm not disappointed at all. First, I did feel the MT review was... Off. Weight increased due to the IRS and safety regulations, with a little bit of extra power it balances out and makes similar times as the 11-14 5.0. The handling, braking and ride are supposed to be so much better now. The car inspires confidence. Read the R&T, C&D and Top Gear reviews. They were much better.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Milky
09/17/2014 at 16:00

Well it looks less 'Murican than the previous generation, and slightly more European IMO. And I have no idea what boo boo is.

Milky > Viggen
09/17/2014 at 16:01

Counterpoint

Kinja'd!!!

Milky > T5Killer
09/17/2014 at 16:02

Seeing how the new GT isn't amaze balls …. that might be the one to get.

Milky > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/17/2014 at 16:03

But aren't muscle cars kinda about numbers? Its all about that cheap speed.

Milky > Saracen
09/17/2014 at 16:04

Well seeing how I'm not a member of the press, I can't.

But I didn't read the C&D one …. maybe I'll do that now.

Milky > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner
09/17/2014 at 16:06

I would say just the opposite. At least what I gathered from the MT review is it seems good day to day, but not so much on the limit or at making numbers.

Viggen > Milky
09/17/2014 at 16:06

Admittedly yes there are counterpoints, this one did actually come to mind when I commented.

qbeezy > Milky
09/17/2014 at 16:07

lol this feels like the iPhone Android comparison.

OkCars- 22k Crossroads > Milky
09/17/2014 at 16:08

I was, mostly, because of the new design. Then because its more expensive, and the gauges ground speed look stupid now. I wanted the 2013 model to last more time so i could get one in a few years still brand new.

Axial > Milky
09/17/2014 at 16:08

I was disappointed with the looks, but the performance was pretty spot-on.

Saracen > Milky
09/17/2014 at 16:08

I just think that deciding what car to buy based on performance differences of a few tenths of a second is absurd. When you can finally get behind the wheel of a car, you'll know if it's for you or not.

The Mustang has a slight power bump, but is also slightly heavier. The real difference will be in how it behaves with an independent rear suspension, and so far the press is very positive on it.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > Milky
09/17/2014 at 16:09

Yeah, we're going to just have to see the track times. I think I'm just trying to remain optimistic.

DoYouEvenShift > Milky
09/17/2014 at 16:12

Maybe they spent all their RD money on aluminum trucks?

IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK > Milky
09/17/2014 at 16:13

Muscle cars are changing, if they weren't they wouldn't care about handling. It's fun rushing to judgment "HAHA look at the stupid mustang, the Camaro is better because it gets to 60 0.1sec faster!" but not really useful. How a car feels is much more important than it's numbers, otherwise the BRZ would have no sales.

Milky > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST
09/17/2014 at 16:13

Damn that Top Gear review ….

" That's fun for a muscle car, not fun compared with Europe or Japan's finest?

No, that's fun without any qualification. "

That is definitely a different take then compared to MT.

Milky > qbeezy
09/17/2014 at 16:14

Ha, good call actually ….. so there will biased fans and butthurt people in the comments then, gotcha.

Milky > OkCars- 22k Crossroads
09/17/2014 at 16:18

The struggle, its real.

Stephen Krogmeier > Milky
09/17/2014 at 16:18

I'm a bit disappointed. Born and bred Ford fan. I try really hard not to let the bias show but when a new mustang or variant is around the corner I do get very, very excited. I've been watching this one with special interest because It will be the Mustang I'll be considering buying once I get out of law school. I've been on the configurator more times than I can count.

The reviews today left me a bit disappointed. It really needed to be lighter, or more power. I'm also disappointed that it wasn't a bit faster around skidpads and figure-8s. I'm disappointed in the apparent dip in torque at the high end revs on the ecoboost.

However, from day 1 Ford has talked about this car really being about the total package, how the car is more stable coming out of corners, etc. Lets see what kind of times it can turn in on a track against the 1LE, give them a chance. In addition, the review from TopGear does look surprisingly positive. Its just the numbers that seem to be disappointing people. Unfortunately, the numbers matter a lot in the pony wars.

ly2v8-Brian > Milky
09/17/2014 at 16:18

Well this confirms what I thought about it when I first saw one. The design just looks like a refresh with fusion cues. They added IRS which was good. But they just didn't do enough.

I really don't like Mustangs after 70 AT ALL, but it is important that they, ya know, put in an effort. That way the next Camaro will be an amazing piece of greatness. The good news here is GM just needs to focus on the design, execution, and adding lightness. They will easily trounce this with the next Camaro SS.

qbeezy > Milky
09/17/2014 at 16:18

This is a more practical comparison however. This is a huge purchase! But honestly with the recent performance improvements in the past few years it is a little disappointing. Given the price increase you'd expect more performance. Greater performance. The savings here will be large IMO.

Milky > KirkyV
09/17/2014 at 16:19

Yea, they'll be close power wise. But thats it. I think Ford is smarter than that though.

Milky > Saracen
09/17/2014 at 16:23

Just felt like for a new model it didn't really change the game much and therefor gives the new Camaro a lot of room.

But you're right, probably smarter to just refine a good selling car anyways.

Milky > Axial
09/17/2014 at 16:25

My problem with it is the performance. Its spot on the current Camaro and old Mustang. Doesn't move the peg up a notch.

Saracen > Milky
09/17/2014 at 16:25

The update to the rear suspension is a massive game changer.

Milky > DoYouEvenShift
09/17/2014 at 16:25

That and real world MPG testing.

Axial > Milky
09/17/2014 at 16:28

I meant for the C7: looks were kind of boring but the performance is great.

The Mustang, I am totally indifferent to. I haven't liked the styling since it was revealed and I still don't like it. The performance stats stagnating also does it no favors. It's just a very blasé car in every way.

Milky > IDROVEAPICKUPTRUCK
09/17/2014 at 16:28

IMO thats arguable …. but I clearly haven't driven it so I'll shut up now.

Cé hé sin > KirkyV
09/17/2014 at 16:30

It's expected to be around £30,000 to £35,000. Anyways, if it's priced right it'll sell in fairly small numbers for a couple of years and then fade away. That's the usual with coupés.

Milky > Stephen Krogmeier
09/17/2014 at 16:30

Yea, I rad the TG review after posting this. They had a very different opinion.

That drop in power on the EB is really strange though. I wonder whats going on with that.

Milky > ly2v8-Brian
09/17/2014 at 16:31

It seems like Ford really left the door wide open for chevy to come in and beat up the Mustang.

Milky > qbeezy
09/17/2014 at 16:33

"But honestly with the recent performance improvements in the past few years it is a little disappointing"

Thats what I've been trying to say, just not as well. Thanks for wording that.

Milky > Axial
09/17/2014 at 16:36

Ooops, now I understand. But yea, agreed on all counts.

V8Demon - Prefers Autos for drag racing. Fite me! > Milky
09/17/2014 at 16:41

My 2005 was TWENTY THOUSAND DOLLARS LESS than the one tested. I spent a lot less than 20 grand in modifications and am faster in a straight line, a lot lighter, and pretty damn close in cornering depending on which tires she's wearing ( my drag radials are meant for straight line).

Figure I've spent about 8 grand in mods......12 k in refinement and inflation over a decade?

Better be nicer than a 4 series on the inside.....

Also, initial rumors of 400 pounds less turn into 200 pounds more?

I was considering selling my 2005 for a new one. The more I read the higher the chance of me keeping my current one is.

Save your money kiddies and buy an 11-14 5.0 if you want a V-8 Mustang. It's 1994 all over again.

Saracen > V8Demon - Prefers Autos for drag racing. Fite me!
09/17/2014 at 17:05

They got a fully loaded premium GT.

Also, adjusted for inflation, you're at $30k in today's money.

Crest > Saracen
09/17/2014 at 17:06

It's funny that you think updating a car's ancient suspension is what makes it a massive game changer when other manufacturers already changed their games 10 to 20 years ago. If i wanted a handling muscle car, the camaro has me covered on all fronts but a brand new mustang which is supposed to be the most powerful of the lot is now trailing behind, i don't see how that is game changing in any way

V8Demon - Prefers Autos for drag racing. Fite me! > Saracen
09/17/2014 at 17:19

A fully loaded premium in 2005 would have been right at 30 in 2005. Figure 35 today with inflation.

An 11 K difference still.

Saracen > Crest
09/17/2014 at 17:26

It's a game changer because that's really what's been holding the Mustang back for so long.

I also don't see how it's trailing behind. It is slightly lighter and slightly more powerful than the Camaro. This update to the Mustang seems to focus on extreme improvements in refinement, and that's only a good thing. As usual it will have better visibility, and a much nicer interior.

Saracen > V8Demon - Prefers Autos for drag racing. Fite me!
09/17/2014 at 17:28

A better idea would be to compare equipment levels. It's not like anyone is making it mandatory to buy a $46k Mustang. They start at just above $32k, which is only a little more than a 2005 Mustang starts at with inflation, and it has %40 more power and a proper rear suspension.

Crest > Saracen
09/17/2014 at 17:39

I just looked up the weight and they're basically identical in weight. Also it's not news that the camaro's interior is far better than the hard plastics and tacked on chrome in the mustang. Although i know that's changed with the new one and yes it has much better visibility. But i'd hardly call any of that game changing. If a mustang gets IRS but cannot perform any better better than the previous model and is priced oh so close to an M then its definitely not a game changer but a car destined to disappoint

Jayhawk Jake > Milky
09/17/2014 at 18:24

I didn't think of the SS 1LE comparison...I'd 100% take one for the money.

Saracen > Crest
09/17/2014 at 18:26

the Camaro's interior is still crap. It's better crap, but still crap.

And like I said, read the C&D review. With IRS the chassis works much better, and performance is mostly definitely improved.

And I'm not sure what M you think it approaches in price.

I think I'm done wasting time on this. If you want to go buy a Camaro because it does 0-60 0.05 seconds better and pulls only 0.01 gees less on a skidpad, go right ahead. I don't really care.

Pessimippopotamus > Milky
09/17/2014 at 19:40

Most of the reviews sound really positive. I think it's the matter of your expectations not matching up with Ford's goals with this generation of Mustang. But you're not alone in thinking that, because I've seen mentions of the Mustang being worse on the track, but being better on the road, which will probably make my Mustang owning friend less enthusiastic about the new car. I'm all for a more accessible Mustang, though.

V8Demon - Prefers Autos for drag racing. Fite me! > Saracen
09/17/2014 at 20:02

I did that in the previous post for fully loaded versions, did I not?

More power from a motor that has been out for a few years now and used in other platforms.

One could make up that difference and then some easily enough. If you're a stickler for keeping the car stock then I could point to the chart for the Camaro (and I HATE those cars). Ultimately one has to actually ENJOY the car and not just the numbers, but as touted as this car was, I feel more should have been brought to the table.

proper rear suspension.

Yes, the solid rear axle as we all know as the bane of Oppo. Solid rear axles, automatic transmissions, and NOT liking Miatas. I've said it (typed it?) numerous times on here. The issue with the S197 rear suspension has more to do with the panhard rod setup than the fact that it's a solid axle. At approximately 12,000 miles I removed the panhard setup and replaced it with a Watts link (the upper & lower control arms have been replaced along the way as well). When the stock panhard rod was removed I took note that it was BENT. On a car that had seen some quarter mile passes at the dragstrip along with mostly highway cruising. No SCCA events, no twistie courses, no accidents.

Will I test drive a new one? Yes. Will I buy one? Doubtful. If I buy one will I modify it? Hell yes! I have to make it mine and THAT has been a HUGE point of the Mustang since the mid-late '80's. The aftermarket support is there and the price point was low enough to where many people didn't really give a thought to an exhaust swap along with a rear gear ratio change. Some go further and put a supercharger on the damn thing. Warranty be damned (guilty!). It was always the value leader in that respect with regards to the competition. Now, not so much. Many here compare it to the BMW, but to be honest there will be the comparison to the Challenger and Camaro for many who are in the potential market for this car. Sat in one of the new Challengers? Interior is actually pretty nice..... Ford is treading a very thin line with this car. I think if the weight were 300 pounds less it would be a plus. That's the big one for me.