Is There Something Wrong With Me??

"K-Roll-PorscheTamer" (k-roll390)
04/16/2014 at 18:16 • Filed to: Focus ST or Mustang

I'm not sure this is titled correctly.. Anyway, as some may or may not know, I got a '14 Focus ST one month and a day ago. I love this car, it was my dream hot hatch. I adore everything about it; the precise driving inputs, the handling, the feel and the practicality, the fact that it only comes with a manual(it being my very first and loving it!), and of course, THE POWER!! It is simply fantastic. But I can't help but feel like something isn't right...

Everytime I see the new Mustang it just hits right in all the right spots. Everything about it screams "perfect", "fantastic", and of course "SO MUCH WANT". What most people don't know is that before the ST, I had considered, and you'll probably kill me for it, hang me by a transaxle or whatever, I wanted a V6 Mustang. I'll tell you why.

1. I don't buy the "It's not a proper muscle car if it isn't powered by a big block V8" mess. Or the always laughable "Your driving the same thing that a girl/secretary/insert other feminine job here drives" Bullshit; That's all rubbish to me. Mustangs and all muscle cars have had some form of 6-cylinder engine at some point, hell, the FIRST Mustang had an inline-6. Was that not a muscle car? If so, what do we call the first Stang then? just a Car? a Coupe?

2. Starting at around $22k, the V6s were the only Stangs that would fit in my budget(that is to say, anything below $25k).

Now you might be wondering, "well hell Karl, why didn't you go out and find a used '10-12 GT and call it a day?" well it never came across my mind and I didn't want another used car unless it was a Porsche or something really special to me.

Now, being the PorscheTamer I am, the proper thing to say right now would probably be "I want a 911 to call my own, and give me many pleasures for all of my future drives". But unfortunately, that dream won't come true for another who knows how many years and that makes me sad.. :(

And then you'll all say, "Karl for fucks sake, you've got a 911 in your garage!" And you know what? Your absolutely right! But is it my 911? Nope! Can I drive it whenever I want? Hell no! I see it every week just sitting there waiting for May when the insurance goes back on it and it can finally be driven; except for the fact that it'll still be in the garage as my Dad will inevitably choose to take the Harley out for the weekend drive instead and let that poor 911 sit there until another mechanical problem arises...Much sadness :(

If it isn't clear I'm very emotional about cars, to me they're not just like a work of art, but another sentient, living being.

Now we have the 2015 Mustang, which I honestly believe looks very much sexy, much European and very much like a proper modern Mustang. The pony up front, the sequential taillights that make any 5 year old kid stare in such awe and amazement, the engine choices, even the new Turbo I-4(remember the SVO?); every thing is Mustang!

And I can't help but think I made the right choice at the wrong time..I mean am I happy with me current car? Couldn't be happier! Is it more hoonable than any other car I've driven? Well seeing as I've only driven a Windstar, a base Magnum and a somewhat sporty Astra, of freaking course! But I feel as though I picked the ST now because of one reason: I was being smart.

I new from the start that my ideal cars have 6-cylinder engines, are 2-door coupes, with serious history behind them, and will always turn heads. Does the ST do the turning of the heads? Well it only does that now because of my new exhaust:

I knew thaht I'd be forced to carry things back in forth from work, college, dorm, and home and of course a hatch makes perfect sense. I wanted fast so the only hatches with that ability would have turbos. And it had to be "American", so no GTI for me and definitely not a MS3.

For reasons I cannot explain(at lest I think I can't), I can't go back on my decision now, I have an ST and I'm very happy with it, and that's how I hope it stays for the many winding, dipping and straight roads ahead; but I can't help but think there's something really missing right now. Now it may be the fact that I'm in college and doing engineering things that will one day get me that high-paying job that'll allow me to own all my dream cars, but that's a very long time away.

So tell me Oppo, why am I feeling so glum about this? Is it alright to wish I had waited for the '15? Was I being stupid by thinking practically? Does any of this actually make some sense? Anyone ever have this problem before?

DISCUSSION (77)

jkm7680 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 18:19

That's my Dilemma also. Both of them are so great, but I can't choose a favorite.

With the Mustang, It's the "American Muscle Car" It's iconic and all. But the Focus St quite the awesome car.

Saracen > jkm7680
04/16/2014 at 18:21

I kinda know the feeling. I've had the Golf R for two years and it's been great to me...but I want to replace it with a four year older car that gets worse mileage and is a sedan...just to hear the fury of eight german cylinders every day.

Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 18:22

The ST suits you more. Its more practical, more reasonable for you and what you want and need it to do.

Also, the thought of you owning a Mustang makes me laugh a little, its not really a car that screams Karl to me.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 18:23

Well hell Karl why not sell your ST and save up for a 2015 mustang with the inline-4?

DailyTurismo > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 18:26

There was a lot of crazy in this post - but a lot of good stuff too. First off, I think if you don't have a family and don't need the back seats you should have gotten the V6 Mustang ('14 or '15 whatever) - however if you needed something with useable rear seats the ST makes much more sense and has a cool powertrain...but...the ST is front wheel drive, knocking it considerably down the "if I would buy a new car" list.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 18:28

Aren't you the young-ling with whom I had extensive conversations about your Dad not wanting you to own anything that wasn't American?

And he has a product of Ze Germans sitting in the garage!?

Blasphemy.

CRider > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 18:36

The Mustang 6 cylinder is not and never has been a muscle car. It's a pony car, and the only Mustang I'd call a muscle car is the GT500.

If you honestly want the 4 or 6 cylinder version more than the V8 then there's something wrong with you. The 6 might not be a total boat anchor any more but the Mustang to get has a v8 and a manual. And that's just a simple fact.

CRider > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
04/16/2014 at 18:38

And he rides a Harley. He must be.... interesting.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
04/16/2014 at 18:38

I am...And we know what car I ended up with as a result. Which I'm completely happy with.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Dwhite - Powered by Caffeine, Daft Punk, and Corgis
04/16/2014 at 18:40

you think so? I actually agree with you. It's definitely not a car that I could be seen driving, rather it is something I'd love to have. It is kinda funny picturing myself hooning about in a GT500

Manuél Ferrari > CRider
04/16/2014 at 18:41

The new Mustang GT with the manual is such a compelling buy. It looks great, is priced well, is lighter, has IRS, and N/A poooooowerrrrrr

Jake Malette > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
04/16/2014 at 18:41

Exactly what I was thinking.

Jake Malette > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
04/16/2014 at 18:41

Exactly what I was thinking.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
04/16/2014 at 18:42

Because I just got it a month ago, haven't made a payment on it yet(1st is due next week), and I suspect life would be hell to say hey I want a Mustang now, to the mom and pop that just got me this car. Also insurance would be much more than the ST which is surprisingly low for me..

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > CRider
04/16/2014 at 18:43

I'm not sure there's anything wrong with wanting a v6 more than a v8? Is there?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > CRider
04/16/2014 at 18:45

He is quite the character. Much different than I am when it comes to choice of things in life and cars. We're similar but complete total opposites if that makes any sense.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 18:45

what the hell Karl you should have wanted a mustang a moth ago

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
04/16/2014 at 18:46

I did. But I wanted an ST too. And I couldn't have both...

CRider > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 18:47

Yes, there is. There are plenty of reasons to buy the V6 over the V8, and I can't say anything negative about doing so. It's cheaper, the insurance is cheaper, it's better on gas. But it's no V8, and the Mustang has always been about low priced, rwd V8 fun. Drive a V8 Mustang and tell me the noise and torque aren't intoxicating. And a V6 can't replace that.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Manuél Ferrari
04/16/2014 at 18:48

Now the new GT would be worth considering compared to the last ones IMO. Especially because of the IRS.

Luken10 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 18:48

I think it really depends on how much your inner hoon is dying to get out. Don't get me wrong, I am sure the ST handles amazingly. It is just missing that one special thing that makes driving even more fun...RWD. I am in a similar situation, albeit in a much lower price bracket. Bought myself a hatchback that serves every one of my needs, and can handle itself just fine with much more expensive cars in the twisties. However, every time I get in a RWD car and have some fun I can't help but be incredibly jealous. I have a friend who owns a Miata. We are always constantly comparing our cars for fun. On paper I can list a thousand reasons why my car is better. His reply? "I have RWD."

Definitely something to think about. Some people people really don't mind having FWD.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Saracen
04/16/2014 at 18:49

What if I told you I almost got a pristine 1985.5 944 before the ST.

Saracen > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 18:50

That would have been an interesting move, but would not get you the power you want.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > CRider
04/16/2014 at 18:51

Well I've never driven a V8 anything so I can't say, I'm not denying it's fun. I just don't know if it's for me.

Sadly I never got the chance to test drive any mustangs before or after the ST.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 18:51

Well hell Karl make up your mind

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Luken10
04/16/2014 at 18:52

the only RWD car I've driven is that magnum I mentioned.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
04/16/2014 at 18:54

I want a 911! :(

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 18:54

There's not, but some people think anything with the words "Mustang" "Camaro" or "Challenger" should only come in gas-guzzling V8 form.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 18:55

what the Hell Karl you have one

Nibbles > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 18:55

Once you've gone V8, it is hard to repudiate

Look it up

My love for small displacement, forced induction engines is well documented. That being said, after driving Project Thanks Obama for a good while now, there is nothing - nothing - that comes close to eight screaming cylinders of row-your-own awesomeness.

Big Bubba Ray > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 18:55

What's wrong with picking up a used car? I know you don't want to, but why?

Brian Silvestro > CRider
04/16/2014 at 18:55

For me it's V8>I4>V6

For some reason a V6 engine in any car just seems unappealing and very empty and boring. Like a bad V8 with no sound or power.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
04/16/2014 at 18:56

I can't drive it :(

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 18:57

does it run and drive?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Big Bubba Ray
04/16/2014 at 18:59

Any used car I wanted would've been hell on maintenance, insurance would be too damn high, and my dad and I couldn't agree on one.

And he believed that a used car wouldn't have a warranty. Just a few reasons. I wanted a used 996 that was and still is going for $19k with 50k miles on it.

CRider > Brian Silvestro
04/16/2014 at 18:59

For me it's Supercharged/TT V8>V8>TT V6>Turbo i4

I left a lot of configs out, such as 2 strokes and flat/boxer engines, but most v6 engines are nothing special. The cars they go in are nothing special most of the time though, maybe that's why.

B_dol > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 19:00

Grass is always greener and you have a heavy case of buyers remorse. I'd much rather have a Focus ST than the base Mustang. Who wants a base mustang anyways, your current car would be more fun. Wait until the mustang comes out and schedule a test drive, if its still #1 on the list, then worry about it.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
04/16/2014 at 19:00

it does everything. It's my dad's and he won't let me drive it. :(

Brian Silvestro > CRider
04/16/2014 at 19:01

Oh I was just talking about the new Mustang.

CRider > Brian Silvestro
04/16/2014 at 19:02

Oh. Then yes, I agree the EB 4 should be exciting.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 19:02

steal it Karl

Big Bubba Ray > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 19:03

What about a used Mustang GT?

Luken10 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 19:04

What you need to be driving is that Porsche ;)

CRider > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/16/2014 at 19:05

Fun Fact! Not even the GT500, with a 5.8L Supercharged V8 and over 660 hp, is a gas guzzler!

alexotics > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 19:05

I got so excited about the 300 bhp Mustang V6 a few years back that I immediately went to my local dealer and test drove a six-speed. It was so underwhelming it nearly made me cry. V8 or no deal.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
04/16/2014 at 19:05

ummm....no? Unless I've got a death sentence or some life threatening disease that warrants me to go AWOL then no.

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 19:06

You must not want a 911 that bad then,

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > CRider
04/16/2014 at 19:08

Just because the EPA doesn't stamp it as gas guzzling, doesn't mean it won't go though a tank slower than a lovely V6 that has plenty of get-up-and-go.

Justin is driven > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 19:29

Keep the Focus nice, then trade it in on an I-4turbo 2015 mustang when they come out in a year or two. Or better yet, just go test drive a mustang after you've used your car for a year or two and either fallen for it, or fallen out of love with it. Then you can really tell what the right decision is for you.

PushToStart > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/16/2014 at 19:30

Gas guzzling? Really? Yeah it's not the best on fuel, but do we hate on everything else we like here because it's "gas guzzling"?

A V8 isn't for people who want good fuel consumption, it's for people who want the power (and the sound isn't half bad either, lol) of that engine. I think you're kind of missing the point. I'm not super opposed to V6 "muscle" cars or whatever, (meaning I won't bash people who buy them, thats their own choice) but I will say that probably the only reason they really make them anymore is because they're more attainable to most and that = money for the companies. They know damn well it's not a real "muscle car" by definition, but who gives a shit, they've got a hefty check to cash at the end of the day.

Basically, I think that if you want a muscle car, it's V8 or bust. That's just how it should be, but thats just my opinion.

Logansteno: Bought a VW? > PushToStart
04/16/2014 at 19:36

Tell me that V6's can't be Muscle cars when they make over 300 horsepower, almost 100 more than some muscle cars with V8s were making not too long ago. V6s can sound just as mean as a V8 with the correct exhaust work. Sometimes they're better because they're lighter in the front end so the car might actually handle better. They can do all that while getting decent MPGs.

Basically, a muscle car can have a V6 if it wants to, because they're just as good, if not better on some fronts as a V8. And this is coming from someone who swears by LS motors.

PushToStart > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 19:37

Have you seen Ferris Bueller's Day Off? :P

(JK don't steal your dad's car... And if you do, it wasn't my idea, lol)

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Big Bubba Ray
04/16/2014 at 19:38

A used GT didn't fit the description at the time. I don't even know why I didn't consider it.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
04/16/2014 at 19:38

you don't even know a quarter of it... :_(

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 19:42

if I win the lotto you can have a 911 so wipe that tear away and buy a mustang, 911, or keep your ST

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
04/16/2014 at 19:43

I wish I could win the lotto..

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 19:44

I am not going to that is why I make empty promises

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Vince-The Roadside Mechanic
04/16/2014 at 19:46

aww. :-|

Vince-The Roadside Mechanic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 19:47

if I do I will remember you

Garrett Davis > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 19:55

Just curious, how old are you?

Manuél Ferrari > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 20:04

I have a hunch the new GT will be better than cars that cost twice as much.

The Mustang and Camaro are kicking serious ass right now. Each model out performs cars that cost way more money.

PushToStart > Logansteno: Bought a VW?
04/16/2014 at 20:14

Like I said, I'm not saying that the V6's are bad cars, I'm just saying that they aren't truly muscle cars IMO . And yeah, 300 hp isn't a small number, but in the context of muscle cars of today (which is what was being considered as an option) that's not very impressive when the base V8's are all close to 100 hp more than that. Cars now are becoming more powerful, whether its super cars, muscle cars, or family cars, so of course it seems impressive at first that they've got a higher HP figure than its predecessors, but so does just about everything else. I mean, 300 hp (or close to it) isn't uncommon for any V6 sedan these days, and I wouldn't call those muscle cars...

There's just nothing special about the V6 "muscle", and that's what their problem with me is- muscle cars are supposed to be a bit obnoxious, not conservative and close-to-average...

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Saracen
04/16/2014 at 21:53

Do it.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Garrett Davis
04/16/2014 at 23:26

18. Why?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Garrett Davis
04/16/2014 at 23:39

Now I'm a bit curious..

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Manuél Ferrari
04/16/2014 at 23:56

It won't be better than a 911, because I'm biased regardless of the info.. ;)

Garrett Davis > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/16/2014 at 23:58

Just curious. I remembered that post before about your dad and the American only thing, and just wanted to know.

You made a good choice with the ST, man. If you would have gotten a Mustang now, you'd regret jumping the gun on them once you saw the 2015's rolling around in a few months. The ST is way more practical, gets better mileage, and is (IMO) more fun to drive because you can actually wring this car out on the street, and toss it into ridiculous corners like it's nothing.

Wait a few years and trade in your ST at the end of the warranty. That's what I'll probably be doing with mine:

Kinja'd!!!

Manuél Ferrari > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/17/2014 at 00:07

Haha yeah it's hard to feel that it will be better. I love the 911 too.

I do think the C7 Z06 seems better than the C2S on paper. About the same price but way moar power. We need to see the first video reviews to know

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Manuél Ferrari
04/17/2014 at 00:36

I want a car v car challenge with Chris Harris and top gear!

Manuél Ferrari > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/17/2014 at 00:39

That would be awesome!

The Monkey vs The Stig!!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Garrett Davis
04/17/2014 at 00:39

I wish everything I wanted wasn't years away. :(

I mean yeah the ST was a definite want. I'm not sure I'll ever part with it. It was hard parting with the Astra, thinking that I'd keep it forever. I'm not sure I could handle losing the ST.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Manuél Ferrari
04/17/2014 at 00:48

but who gets which car?

Manuél Ferrari > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/17/2014 at 00:56

Hmm.

They would need to flip a coin. That way it's not based off preferences

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Manuél Ferrari
04/17/2014 at 01:05

Then they'd do a drag race, 11s challenge, track day and all that good sturf.

Manuél Ferrari > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/17/2014 at 01:09

they have the best jobs!!!

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Manuél Ferrari
04/17/2014 at 01:14

Their jobs are soo much fun. If only all jobs were that hoontastic.

jdrgoat - Ponticrack? > K-Roll-PorscheTamer
04/17/2014 at 03:44

Why feel glum? Take it to a twisty road and enjoy it, I hear the ST cars love them. I know my fwd economy car SS/SC enjoyed them. Don't feel bad about getting over 30mpg on occasion, either. Don't feel bad about being able to stuff a dorm room inside that hatch. Don't feel bad about your fun-to-drive car. It does a safely large percentage of "it all."

To the best of my knowledge, the last big block V8 in a new vehicle was the Mark V available in Silverados, Avalanches, and Suburbans in the form of the Vortec 8100. Displacement =/= big block. Even a 428ci LS7 is a small block. A Ford mod motor with those huge DOHC heads is a small block. Don't worry about anyone who calls a Mustang with a Coyote a "big block V8".

Enjoy your sporty car, and just drive it.