One Week Drive: A Tale of Two Mustangs

"Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom" (will-alib) 11/06/2015 at 17:10 • Filed to: Mustang GT, Mustang Ecoboost, reviews, WillAlibrandi

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All photos: Will Alibrandi

Every so often inspiration strikes, and a cool idea for a car review pops into my head. This latest Great Idea involved two 2015 Mustangs back-to-back; the GT and Ecoboost. I was curious to see how much the engine changed the character of the car, and while the result was little surprise it was sure fun to wring ‘em both out. .

Ruby Red. A nice color that really pops in sunlight. But red is still red, so driver beware.

Much has been written about the 2015 Mustang; so much that it seems redundant to jump in after the umpteenth review has been put out there. So here’s a different take on the subject; a comparison of the mighty GT and Ecoboost models. For most that read this blog, the GT is the only one to have - it’s hard to argue with the grin-inducing power of a 435hp V8 and sporty exhaust note. But Ford realizes that not all potential Mustang buyers give a rat’s ass about this and the ability to leave twin patches at a stop light, so they offer the car in three distinct flavors: V8, V6 and now I4.

If you go back to 2005, the base motor was the 4.0 V6 sourced from the Ranger pickup. At 210hp, it was hardly autobahn material and populated the fleets of Rentstangs. Hell, yours truly had an ‘06 V6 convert a few years back with the 5M trans; its only saving grace. In 2011 the 3.7 replaced the 4.0 as the base mill, and power jumped up to 305. (Hooray!) Ford’s strategy with the introduction of the 310hp 2.3 Ecoboost, and the resultant derating of the V6 to 300hp has been to keep the V6 as the base engine while making the Ecoboost an option. What’s curious here is that the Ecoboost is Ford’s strategy to boost its CAFE numbers; you’d assume then it would be the standard engine on the volume model. Instead it’s a $1500 option.

“A Five Point Oh? That thing must haul ass, huh?” - heard at show & shines everywhere.

Yeah... Nobody’s going to leave this hood open at car shows.

The GT press car came fully optioned with the GT Performance Package, including 19” rims, 40-series tires and 6-piston Brembos up front.

The Boostang press car had the optional 20” rims with 35-series Pirellis.

So how’d they drive? You’d assume the difference would be night and day, and you’d be essentially correct. I say essentially because there didn’t seem to be a huge difference in the handling feel (or I’m just completely oblivious to these things). Ride quality was very good for both cars. The Ecoboost car came equipped with 35-series rubber which took aggressive cornering without so much as a squeal of protest. Ditto for the GT; the difference is the V8 made breaking the back end loose relatively simple - that and the nearly bald tires that were on the car when it arrived. Yep, wet roads were a hoot . Both cars had the same electronic adjustments to play around with (Drive Mode and Steering Feel). Both cars had the same Track mode setting, although on the Ecoboost car this seems of dubious purpose.

The speedo reads in groundspeed just like an airplane. I guess the marketing folks won out over the engineers..

The GT had a manifold vacuum gauge, also just like an airplane. I see a trend here.

While the I4 does have a slight power advantage over the V6, naturally you have to wind the bejeezus out of it to get the car to move with any kind of gusto. The benefit over the V6, besides a few mpg is the Ecoboost’s tunability and wider torque band. Ford has an ECU reflash available for it with an unknown bump in power that won’t torch your warranty. Eventually the aftermarket will catch up, if it hasn’t happened already. Suffice to say the turbo 4 changes the character of the car through the lack of appreciable low-end grunt compared to the V8. This is a car you have to work at to go fast. Hey, did anyone mention regular pump gas nets you only 270hp? To get the full-boogie 310hp requires premium.

Meh, it’s probably in the fine print somewhere...

The GT had the $1600 Recaro seats. Not a fan, even though they did manage to hold my considerable bulk in place.

While a comparison between the I4 and V8 is intended as tongue-in-cheek, the real sizing up is between the Ecoboost and V6. Ever since the 3.7 became the base engine, the V6 Mustang has been a car worth owning. At 300hp it has enough power to make the car fun without the V8 premium, and is completely adequate for the majority of Mustang buyers. What remains to be seen is how many will pay the premium for the Ecoboost over the V6.

Some impressions were reinforced during the week with the Ecoboost car. While the Boostang tops the V6 car’s performance in some metrics, there’s something about it that just doesn’t hold one’s attention for long, even with the 6M trans. The available thrust just isn’t befitting of a car called Mustang, and the exhaust note sounds like any other four-cylinder car. Sure, a tune and exhaust would wake things up a bit, but the factory car just doesn’t feel rewarding enough for anyone who drives with any kind of gusto. Bottom line? If I can’t afford the GT, make mine a V6.

Chariotoflove > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/06/2015 at 17:21

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The V6 is the engine I’d get, except that Ford limited the options on it to try and dissuade people from choosing it. Don’t know why exactly.

Spasoje > Chariotoflove 11/06/2015 at 17:42

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They wanna sway V6 buyers to get the four – it’s a classic marketing tactic.

Sam > Spasoje 11/06/2015 at 17:54

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My dream engine is the 3.5 EB V6, if they dropped the 6 in favor of that, I’d be a happy camper.

Gripevo1 > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/06/2015 at 17:57

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Drove an EB. Bought the GT (PP non-premium). YOLO :)

Spasoje > Sam 11/06/2015 at 18:06

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Watch the lineup be limited in the near future to the 2.3 EB and 3.5 EB, with the V8 only being reserved for Shelbys. I’d be bummed (my fav is the 5.0), but it really seems plausable...

Sam > Spasoje 11/06/2015 at 18:11

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It sucks, but it wouldn’t be that bad. The 3.5 pulls like mad under load, and the turbo sound is fantastic. Plus, it does get really good fuel economy if you stay out of boost.

Chariotoflove > Spasoje 11/06/2015 at 18:21

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Oh, that’s obvious. But the EB four is not that much better right now. I think general consensus is that Ford is going all in with EcoBoost for the future, and they expect it to outpace the NA 6 eventually, but from what I can see now, the one they have in the Mustang is not enough of an improvement over the V6 to warrant the extra cost (hp, lb-ft and mpg). They should make it better so they don’t have to manipulate the buyers’ behavior artificially, or else just let us option what we want the way it is now.

Spasoje > Sam 11/06/2015 at 18:30

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For me, the V8 is the whole point... If I had to get a four or a six, I’d rather buy something else entirely (i.e. A/S5, etc.).

Spasoje > Chariotoflove 11/06/2015 at 18:59

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Agreed.

It’s the same w/ the F-150. Ignore the sales tactics, and the 5.0 actually makes much more sense: the real-world mileage is the same, the useable power is pretty much identical (though I’d definitely verify in person), and it’s four figures cheaper to buy!

Add that V8 sound into the equation, and the EB is really hard to justify...

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Gripevo1 11/06/2015 at 19:05

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LOL. Exactly.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Chariotoflove 11/07/2015 at 09:22

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That sucks. I was poking around the configurator, and it looks like the extent of performance options is the 3.55 axle. No track pack or any suspensions options. So, buy the $23k starter car and roll yer own. (yay, aftermarket!)

DonVanSin > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 13:26

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I have read that the availability of the V6 will be restricted in Europe. Ford expects the EB version to be more desirable there. Grab your US V6’s while you can.

Junker_CM > Chariotoflove 11/09/2015 at 13:28

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I have the V6 model and I think its the perfect car.

945T > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 13:32

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Good article, but why would you compare the V8 coupe to the I4 convertible with heavier wheels and tires? Really not a comparison when the smaller motor also had to lug an extra 400 lbs or so.

Sgm182 > Gripevo1 11/09/2015 at 13:33

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That is exactly my plan as well. Do you love it?

Dave > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 13:35

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I’ll admit first that I don’t care for the looks of this Mustang at all. Having said that, isn’t it absolutely silly to buy any version of this car that isn’t the GT? This is a deeply impractical car. No room for passengers, limited cargo capacity, average to very bad mpg, lots of obvious interior cost cutting, etc. At plus/minus 32k for the turbo with any equipment, it’s competing against the WRX, the GTI, the Golf R (drool...) and if the driver doesn’t get claustrophobia, the new Camaro. The WRX has room, similar speed, and should last 10-15 years. The GTI has more room, a hatch, a nicer interior, better mileage, though it’s FWD. The Golf R is much faster, more useful, more luxurious, more economical, and all weather capable. The Camaro is a lot nicer looking, though no one will be able to see you since it has no windows. But you’ll look good on Instagram at least. So why buy anything but the GT, which is a beast, unless you’re posing and want the least useful car you can buy?

BmacIL > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 13:37

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The ‘15 V6 with the 3.55 axle and 6 MT is actually a lot of fun. I had one on order before the wife persuaded me to get the GT (no regrets). V6 with 051A package and 3.55 axle sets you back about $25.5k MSRP, and is still A LOT of car compared to most things out there at that price point.

BmacIL > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 13:39

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I agree with your assessment. If you can’t make the money work for the GT, get the V6. I own a ‘15 GT but nearly bought a V6. I test drove the EB multiple times as well (with and w/o Perf Pack), and it just didn’t do it for me. My eyes and my ears didn’t compute together. You can’t have a car that looks that good sound like that.

jimz > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 13:41

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I think they actually expect the EcoBoost to be the volume model. You can’t get any premium trim on the V6 coupe, and the available options are sparse. No leather, no audio upgrade, black interior only, etc. I don’t think they expect to sell too many of them to people not named “Hertz” or “Enterprise.”

Alex C > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 13:43

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I’ve driven the EcoBoost and the exhaust note reminds me of my Focus ST. It makes good power and is easily tune-able, but the sound doesn’t really inspire.

Justin C > Chariotoflove 11/09/2015 at 13:48

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As an owner of a EB S550 (and one who tested them all before buying); the improvement is in the aftermarket for the EB. The aftermarket for the V6 is mostly nonexistent (even though the engine has been around for years) as where the EB stang aftermarket has exploded in only one year.

Adding to that, a lot of the tunes (yes, tune only) out there can and will bring the EB within the realm of GT performance on the street. $600 for 350 HP/400 lb/ft (at the wheels) is not to be ignored.

The Intelligent Jalop > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 13:51

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That performance pack also gets you bigger wheels, P Zeros, bigger brakes, stiffer suspension, and those sweet boost and oil pressure gauges.

Schnabeltier > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 13:53

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This is the first Mustang I’ve really liked. That said, I’d still buy a FiST if I were going to get a Ford.

Justin Hughes > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 13:55

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I rather liked the EcoBoost I drove as the course opening car at Black River Stages . I haven’t yet driven a GT (I want to), but I can see the EcoBoost model as a competitor to the FR-S/BRZ rather than the Camaro. It’s a lot heavier, but also a lot more powerful, and handles quite well too. They also start at exactly the same base price. I doubt that’s an accident.

The Intelligent Jalop > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 13:57

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You mention the tunes for the Ecoboost. I don’t believe the official Ford tune is out yet. The aftermarket started offering tunes within a few weeks of the first cars being delivered. These tunes can get the car up to ~330 horsepower and ~400 lb-ft of torque on 100% stock parts. Really wakes the car up in the lower revs and sets it apart from the v6.

Also it’s a little tough to compare a hard top GT with performance pack to an ecoboost convertible. You’re missing out on the good tires, firmer suspension, shorter final drive, and upgraded brakes you can get with the EB performance pack. I realize you didn’t have a choice of all the options on the cars but something worth mentioning when you compare.

VoltRon > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 13:58

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I still don’t see any point in owning a Mustang that ISN’T a V8. Sorry, I like turbo 4s and everything...but when you can have a screaming V8???

Tim > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 14:00

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Stock turbo + bolt ons and a tune = +80 WHP and +140 WTQ. Fairly certain bolts on for the V6 won’t get you close to those gains.

glrobichaud > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 14:11

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In my book, for a car to be a “Muscle Car”, it had to have a raw, untouched, naturally aspirated V8 engine with torque or hp to back it up. I could tolerate a well balance V6, with a more than reasonable amount of hp and torque, but a FI I4, well, I’m sorry but that ain’t any Muscle Car, it’s a Tuner Car and as far as I’m concern, it’s doesn’t belong in any american Muscle Car, period!

SolarSRT4 > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 14:15

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My buddy has the EB with the performance package. It’s a great car but the exhaust note blows, and let him know it sucks. I think it should sound more like my SRT4, pissed off and angry. He then proceeds to feed me the bs line of how it’s tuned for efficiency not sound. Blah,it’s a sports car make it sound like a sports car. The 2012 v6 I test drove sounded way better.

Chariotoflove > Justin C 11/09/2015 at 14:18

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That sounds really compelling, and would make it worth the premium. I’m one of the vast hordes who will never go aftermarket. I want my car to come stock from the factory with all the things I need to make it a comfortable all-arounder that I can still play with on weekends. So for me the EB upgrade is just a tax I have to pay to get the options I want on the convertible that will be my next car (looking seriously at the Stang as a choice).

Hey, congrats on your new car! I bet it’s a sweet ride. I’ve sat in them but haven’t had a chance to test drive yet.

T5Killer > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 14:38

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I want an ecoboost bad. I love turbo cars and after driving a V8 mustang for the last 17 years I need something a little different

Gripevo1 > Sgm182 11/09/2015 at 14:51

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Yes. Its a really phenomenal car for the money(i paid 32k + ttl- about 4k under sticker). Ive never owned an American car before, but the quality, design and reliability has surpassed most Euro/Japanese stuff that it was a no-brainer.

William Byrd > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 14:55

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Good stuff!

We did the same, drove an EcoBoost on a rally stage and then a GT around the streets of DC . Just got some more time with the EB out in Seattle in bright-ass yellow like your GT. I’m a V8 guy, but starting to come around.

McTurtle > Spasoje 11/09/2015 at 14:56

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Plus one billion percent. The V8 is the main character of the car. When you think muscle car you think V8. We all know this yet for some reason man still object to that idea. Like you said, if I want a 4 or 6 cyl I’ll just get some other car that works well with that character like a Honda screaming VTEC 4cyl etc.

Arrivederci > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 15:14

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Those brakes look so puny back in there.

ninjamike > Chariotoflove 11/09/2015 at 15:24

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& there are auto trans guys on the forums running 11’s all day with just a tune and intercooler.

92LX302 > Gripevo1 11/09/2015 at 15:25

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Waiting for my Non-Premium PP to arrive. What color did you choose? Mine’s Raced Red.

ninjamike > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 15:28

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Now I know it’s not all about metrics, but worth mentioning, a few guys on mustang6g with just a tune and intercooler are running 11’s all day. (auto trans)

Arsenal > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 15:34

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Serious?

Furniture_Nerd > Gripevo1 11/09/2015 at 15:40

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X2. I bought the same car with the same specs as you did, and I love it. All I wanted was the engine and the upgraded suspension bits. There were a couple of other things I would have liked such as the toggle switches and the pony projectors on the mirrors but I wasn’t willing to pay for a Premium just to get those things. This is my very first Ford ever in 24 years of car ownership, and I am extremely pleased. The wife really wanted a Challenger with the Shaker hood and Scat Pack, and in terms of hp-per-dollar it was probably the better deal but not by much. And let me just say the wife drove the Mustang to work today, and I heard zero complaining from her about having to drive it...

The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 15:47

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All black wheels look cheesy. At least give them a polished rim, and maybe a satin - rather than shiny - finish.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > BmacIL 11/09/2015 at 15:47

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That’s the way to go imho unless you go all-in for the GT

BrianMadigan > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 15:48

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probably the iron fade-o-matic calipers here.

BrianMadigan > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 15:48

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this stuff looks dated.

Justin C > Chariotoflove 11/09/2015 at 15:50

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Purely stock car....what kind of Jalop are you?!?!?!?

j/k

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > 945T 11/09/2015 at 15:51

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Unfortunately the only EB Mustang available was a vert. Otherwise I’d have done a coupe/coupe comparison

StoneColdSteveErkel > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 15:52

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The best looking wheel option available for the new Mustang. Really nice take on the classic 5 spoke layout.

BrianMadigan > Junker_CM 11/09/2015 at 15:54

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I drove the V6 model and I’d say it was perfect. It needs the shorter gear in the rear. I hit the limiter at 125 in 4th. Motor was smooth, nice sounds

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Arrivederci 11/09/2015 at 15:54

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Right? Pretty sure that was the rear wheel.

Arrivederci > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 15:55

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That would make more sense for sure.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > StoneColdSteveErkel 11/09/2015 at 15:57

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Agreed. Much nicer than the ones on the GT imo

Gripevo1 > 92LX302 11/09/2015 at 15:58

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Magnetic gray metallic

GranTourer > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 16:09

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I bought a 15 GT non premium with the PP. Love the car. The PP really sets the car off from the non-PP. I really like how the car feels compared to the 11-14 and previous models, and to the Corvette i sold to purchase it. It feels much more euro GT than american muscle.

92LX302 > Gripevo1 11/09/2015 at 16:13

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Sweet! My current 2013 is Sterling Grey.

Gripevo1 > Furniture_Nerd 11/09/2015 at 16:16

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Nice! Yea the base model pp was a no brainer for me as im going to use it for autocross in f-stock, and the extra weight of the premium stuff was a negative. I never really considered the challenger as ive driven loads of them and they are physically huge and heavy.

PS9 > Chariotoflove 11/09/2015 at 16:18

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Probably because they’re going to kill off that engine soon.

canBitmap > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 16:39

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I don’t know if this “REVOLUTIONS PER MINUTE” and “GROUND SPEED” business is supposed to be cutesy or pretentious, but either way I don’t like it.

canBitmap > The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) 11/09/2015 at 16:42

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You’re right, anything to separate it from the tire and not look like steelies.

StoneColdSteveErkel > Gripevo1 11/09/2015 at 16:43

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While shopping for the Mustang, did the Challenger ever enter your thinking?

I’m a loyal Mustang driver, but I am seriously looking at the Challenger Scat Pack. I know they end up being very different vehicles. But the number 485 (as in horsepower) makes me giddy. I test drove a Challenger Scat Pack 2 weeks ago and I’m still grinning.

Furniture_Nerd > The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) 11/09/2015 at 17:30

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I have these wheels, and had no choice in the matter as they are the only ones available if you select the Performance Package. No substitutions allowed. I’m not a fan of black wheels at all, and after just 30 days of ownership I can already tell that they are going to be a pain in the arse to keep clean. I much prefer a gunmetal or argent finish personally. That being said, my GT is the Magnetic color with black over the top stripes, and those black wheels really help set off the rest of the car’s appearance. I've received many compliments on the car, and particularly the wheels. So I will learn to live with them...like a really beautiful girlfriend with an annoying laugh.

Drive-able > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 18:03

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“Eventually the aftermarket will catch up, if it hasn’t happened already.”

Aftermarket in mass produced cars is usually available before the car is available to most consumers. See Cobb, APR, etc.

Burritoes > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 18:03

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I feel like in Austin, I have seen a handful or so of GTs, a ton of EBs, and maybe one or two V6s. Definitely have seen way more EBs than the other models. Maybe that’s just me though?

EtrnL_Frost > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 18:07

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Horses. Born from Jets.

nala1908 > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 18:09

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This is possible the WORST 2015 Mustang comparison article ive ever seen.

1. You compared a GT with performance pack to a CONVERTIBLE Ecoboost with no performance pack.

a. Vert adds 400 lbs to the ecoboost.

b. Performance pack adds: BIGGER BRAKES, SHORTER FINAL DRIVE, AND a SPORT suspension.

After reading this, as an ecoboost owner, I do not even believe you drove the car. unless of course the convertible base model ecoboost is vastly different than the coupe with PP, as i have.

To me the EB is an absolute low end MONSTER. from 1000 to 5500 rpm it pulls like a freight train. The more you wind it up, the LESS power you have. ive personally gotten 0 to 30 times between 1.8 and 2.0 many times, and 0 to 60’s consistently under 6 seconds in track apps on 87 octane gasoline. All with no mods of any kind.

Power starts to really fall off after 5500 rpm, or around 5th gear/90+mph. I think most of the power difficulties you had were due to the lack of you understanding on how to drive a stick shift, not the lack of power. A comfortable cruise at 50 is around 1200 rpm in 6th. any time you want you can downshift to 3rd, and be directly in the meat of the powerband. at around 4000 rpm, nothing can keep up.

SynicalDJ > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 19:06

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With so many replies, I hadn’t had a chance to view them all. Has anyone weighed in who owns an Ecoboost Mustang? I have a ‘15 EB coupe with the Performance Package, Recaros, and a 6-speed manual. I’ve had it for 6 months and it has exceeded my expectations. A particular buff book that shall renamed nameless (X&X) continuously craps all over this version...why? Because it doesn’t sound like a Mustang GT. And the sound it makes sounds like a compact pick-up truck with pneumonia.

It’s not supposed to be a Mustang GT - it’s not meant to be. The GT driver that bought the Ecoboost expecting it to be a more economical GT (I know of one) is in for a rude surprise. Here’s my stock answer: The Ecoboost Mustang is not a Mustang GT...nor does it pretend to be. And buying one for that reason will result in serious disappointment.

I’ve put less than $1000 worth of parts from the aftermarket, and I can get from 0-60 in a shade under 5 seconds. While this doesn’t sound like a GT doing it, the woosh of the turbo and the burst of air from the pop-off valve makes it plenty entertaining. Then there is the track day experience.

As there is less weight on the nose, additional chassis stiffening in place, sticky Pirelli rubber and the GT’s brakes, you’ve got a car that’s a barrel of monkeys to drive. Again, it’s not a GT, but I shared the track with one. He would slowly pull away on the straights, but I would catch right up on the curves.

View the Ecoboost as a tuner car for a younger, import-centric demographic. Does that mean it has got a future with bolt on wings and fart cans? Gosh, I hope not.

Gripevo1 > StoneColdSteveErkel 11/09/2015 at 19:40

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I posted it below, but not really. I have driven every iteration of the challanger from the base v6 to the hellcat, and even though it is much improved from the first models, it still is and feels huge. Also the interior design is pretty eh. The mustang feels much lighter than it is, and is way more composed overall. Im using this car in scca f-stock (autocross), so the extra 300+ lbs is a negative, so much so that the challenger is not competitive (top class cars are the e9x m3, s550 stang, and 1le camaro).

I seriously considered the 1le, but i hate the interior, and it is so hard to see out of it and place the car on track/autocross. Its a shame because the chassis is really good.

SgtHop > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/09/2015 at 20:28

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Actually, you should probably short shift the Ecoboost to get the most out of it, not wring it out. Peak torque is at 2200, peak HP at somewhere around 4k, and it drops off at 5500.

Source: I own one.

Vic-and-the-Akers > BmacIL 11/09/2015 at 21:06

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Your wife persuaded YOU? That's not the way it goes down at my house.

LS240 > The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) 11/09/2015 at 21:18

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Matter of taste. Personally I think black wheels with a polished lip looks cheesy more often than not, and rarely looks as good as pure black.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > SynicalDJ 11/09/2015 at 22:02

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That’s how I’d option out a Boostang if I was at a dealer. What aftermarket mods have you done? I do get the tuner aspect of the car, as there’s definitely more support for it than the V6 (limited to blowers or the odd turbo kit from what I’ve seen)

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > nala1908 11/09/2015 at 22:04

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I see you missed the point, or just didn’t read the 2nd to last paragraph? Jeez, I musta really got your panties all bunched up for you to make that “can’t drive a stickshift” comment, eh?

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Burritoes 11/09/2015 at 22:07

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By contrast, here in CT I’ve seen very few ‘15s of any flavor

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > canBitmap 11/09/2015 at 22:12

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I’ve seen RPM spelled out like that before and didn’t find it annoying. But the ground speed thing just reeks of cheese imho.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > GranTourer 11/09/2015 at 22:13

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Did you spring for the Recaros? IIRC they’re a $1600 standalone option.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Arsenal 11/09/2015 at 22:15

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???

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > ninjamike 11/09/2015 at 22:16

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Impressive. I’d have thought the EB would need more than just that to get into the 11s.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > SolarSRT4 11/09/2015 at 22:18

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First step for either car would be a cat-back system I’d think.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Tim 11/09/2015 at 22:29

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Probably not, because the V6 is an atmospheric engine. To get big power from the 3.7 FI is a must. I’d love to drive a modded EB just to see the difference from stock though.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > The Intelligent Jalop 11/09/2015 at 22:36

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Sadly, the choice of media cars was pretty limited. Had an EB coupe been available I’d have been on it like a fat kid on cake. 330 isn’t much of a bump from stock, but the additional 80lb-ft would get my attention.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > The Intelligent Jalop 11/09/2015 at 22:38

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Oh right (duh?) completely spaced on the PP.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > Dave 11/09/2015 at 22:47

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Good question. I’d guess the demographic this car is aimed at isn’t really concerned about cargo capacity or some of the other things you mentioned. I think the EB will appeal to somebody who likes the car’s looks but wants the better mileage of the 4-pot because they may have to commute in it. These folks are typically the gas it & go crowd, and don’t care about performance other than “will it get out of its own way?” Just my .02

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > DonVanSin 11/09/2015 at 22:52

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Considering what folks in Europe are paying for gas that’s not surprising. I was in London a month ago and fuel was well over $5/gal US

SonorousSpeedJoe > The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) 11/09/2015 at 22:58

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Ford introduced a Luster Nickel finish for the PP wheels on the 2016 Mustang GT, so that’s one alternative.

Dances With Squids > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/10/2015 at 01:21

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Soon to be the engine of choice for Caterhams everywhere.

Alex Asrian > StoneColdSteveErkel 11/10/2015 at 02:32

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I’ve driven both. The challenger feels and drives like a comfy, fast, american sedan.

E92M3 > BmacIL 11/10/2015 at 06:50

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Good thing you got the GT. I imagine it’s not easy to sell a V6 Mustang when you’re done with it, and they probably don’t retain value as well either.

reidlos > Dave 11/10/2015 at 07:25

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It’s fairly practical compared some sports cars out there, say a Corvette or Miata. A hot hatch is a nice jack of all trades but I think the target demographic is geared toward someone who may be looking a a GT but just can’t afford it, or wants something with a bit more oomph while not being completely impractical like a used Corvette. Looks and style are strong determining factors as well, and not every household needs another pratical car. My wife has a Mazda 2 and I DD a Miata, and if you’re young and single you don’t really need back seats all that much.

LongbowMkII > nala1908 11/10/2015 at 07:27

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nothing can keep up? orly?

reidlos > EtrnL_Frost 11/10/2015 at 07:33

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lol. One of the origin stories for the name is the P-51 Mustang. They’re going after people’s nostalgia.

GranTourer > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/10/2015 at 09:26

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I did actually. I am of medium build and they are perfect for me. A ton of bolstering, and kept me in a great position when i took it to the mountains around Glacier National Park last summer.

GranTourer > Dave 11/10/2015 at 09:33

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Cargo Capacity? I loaded up 14 days of gear into my S550 and headed into the mountains. Had a passenger, and room to spare. The trunk is massive for a GT car.

Dave > GranTourer 11/10/2015 at 09:37

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That’s a mustang?

BmacIL > E92M3 11/10/2015 at 10:06

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Yeah, definitely not. That said, I have no plans to sell this car. This will probably be my keeper fun car for a long time. Such a glorious V8 that I know will be reliable for years to come.

BmacIL > Vic-and-the-Akers 11/10/2015 at 10:08

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Well of course that’s what I always wanted, but we just got married and I was trying to be budget conscious, considering the car I traded in was only 6.5 yrs old and in perfectly good condition. Fortunately, she spoke the words “you gotta get the GT”.

Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom > GranTourer 11/10/2015 at 10:23

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I found them hard to get in & out of, but they sure held me in place.

EtrnL_Frost > reidlos 11/10/2015 at 10:24

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TIL. I am not surprised I didn’t draw that line on my own, now that I have that tidbit to chew on.

GranTourer > Dave 11/10/2015 at 10:50

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S550 is the current generation mustang yes.

5ohbrad > Gripevo1 11/10/2015 at 10:58

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Same here, black 2016 GT PP non premium, no Recaros. I’m very impressed with the standard seats and the Brembos are incredible. It was a little quiet for my taste, so I had a local muffler shop do a muffler delete this morning. That was $80 well spent!

5ohbrad > The Powershift in Steve's '12 Ford Focus killed it's TCM (under warranty!) 11/10/2015 at 11:01

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To each there own. I prefer the gloss black on these wheels to a satin finish that looks cheaper in my mind. A few good applications of the Brembos and they turn satin anyways. For 2016 you can get the PP wheels in silver.

Teleph0nes > Turbineguy: Nom de Zoom 11/10/2015 at 11:27

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Ruby Red is beautiful in person. A neighbor of mine has the exact Boostang as pictured above, and regardless of how you feel about the engine, it is a good looking vehicle.

Also, I think that neighbor is exactly who the Ecoboost is for. Probably 33-35 with a 5-6 year old. Strikes me as the “came from very little and is now doing well” type. He wanted a nice car that people would compliment at the gas station and can take the wife and kid around in. 305 horsepower is fast enough, and he doesn’t have our car-guy pretentions of v8-only or modifications or track time or anything.