"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
01/15/2015 at 12:29 • Filed to: 2015, Mustang, Ford
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"Bryan doesn't drive a 1M" (bryantakespictures)
01/15/2015 at 12:29 • Filed to: 2015, Mustang, Ford | 7
| 7 |
I test drove 2 manual Mustang GT's yesterday, with and without the performance pack and Recaros. Here are my thoughts.
I've rented several of the previous generation Mustangs and put up with the rental-level interior, auto trans, and V6. They're fun, but they drive like trucks and they're impossible to see out of and so very tacky and cheap inside. The V6 really is/was excellent, but it's downfall is the fact that the V8 exists. Unfortunately, my brain can't comprehend a Mustang without a V8. When a V8 is no longer an option on future Mustangs, it might be a little harder to take the macho-man posturing inherent in the Mustang DNA as seriously.
But how serious should we take the Mustang? This is a Fun car, with a capital F. Tons of silly airplane stuff, especially on the premium. I love the details like spelling out "revolutions per minute" and "ground speed." So should I turn my nose up at the stuff that's over-done or tacky? I don't know, I kind of do, but it's hard to care about good taste when you're actually driving the thing.
Before I arrived at the dealership, I thought my ideal Mustang configuration would be GT Premium, Performance Pack, and Recaros (and manual, of course). The interior photos I've seen make the non-premium look cheap with an ugly tiny screen and too much plastic. The premium interior photographs really well with its shiny toggle switches and chrome (ugh) bits all over the place. However, in person the difference in feel between the two interiors is pretty minor. Neither interior feels cheap cheap, but the non-premium looks a little better in my opinion because it's not trying so hard. After sitting in a few and browsing the inventory and the prices, I realized the premium might not be worth the extra cash.
I first took out the GT with Recaros and performance pack. The first thing I noticed was the vision out of the cockpit (airplanes!) is so much better than before. There's still a huge hood to make you feel like a man, but you can actually see where you're going. The clutch is super light and the shifter has crisp, short throws, although the knob feels a little small in hand (that's what she said). Childish, I'm sorry. The ride is still... uncivilized, but a big improvement over the previous gen. Handling is way better too, at least as far as I could tell on a test drive. It feels tight and unmusclecarish. But what about the V8? Was it fast? How did it sound? I think this sums it up pretty well:
About those Recaros, though. They got uncomfortable within a couple minutes. Maybe I'm too portly, but I seriously didn't like them. So I tried a GT without the Recaros and without the performance pack. Same V8 stuff, but a slightly nicer ride and almost no noticeable handling difference. The Brembos on the performance pack are a little bitey, and I found the regular brakes a bit nicer to drive around town with. I'm sure on a track the performance pack makes tons of sense, but as a DD I'm not sure it adds much. I'd probably still get it, but it wouldn't be a dealbreaker without. The regular, non-Recaro, non-leather seats, though? Just right.
What did I learn? I now know that my ideal Mustang is a GT with Performance Pack. It's silly, fun, and more refined than I ever thought a Mustang could be.
Exterior: 8/10
Interior: 6/10
Handling: 7/10
Ride: 5/10
Acceleration: 9/10
Audio: 9/10
Thunderface
> Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
01/15/2015 at 12:50 |
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I'd kill for one
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Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
> Thunderface
01/15/2015 at 12:57 |
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I'll have to check with the finance department to see if that's an option...
P5guy now GTIguy
> Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
01/15/2015 at 13:35 |
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are you actually in the market for one or did you test drive for fun?
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Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
> P5guy now GTIguy
01/15/2015 at 13:59 |
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In the market for something. My Saab is getting expensive to maintain/repair and I want something a little more immature for my next car.
Galileo Humpkins (aka MC Clap Yo Handz)
> Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
01/15/2015 at 14:47 |
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I want something a little more immature for my next car.
words to live by!
Aaron Paul: Oppo's Resident Fake British Actor
> Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
01/20/2015 at 11:46 |
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Nice write-up. You should have separate ride ratings for each car that you drove, since the one without the Performance Pack was more comfortable. Or not, it's your choice. :)
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Aaron Paul: Oppo's Resident Fake British Actor
> Bryan doesn't drive a 1M
01/20/2015 at 11:47 |
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That face.