In Defense of the Ecoboost Mustang

"Jayhawk Jake" (jayhawkjake) 03/27/2016 at 21:17 • Filed to: Fast Not Loud, Mustang

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When I tell self-proclaimed car enthusiasts that I own an Ecoboost Mustang, 9 times out of 10 the next sentence out of their mouth is as follows: “Why didn’t you buy the V8?”

I should keep a tally. If I had to estimate, in the first 6 weeks of ownership I’ve been asked this question approximately 3,526 times. If I had a nickel...

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On April 17th, 1964, Ford introduced a car that would become legendary . The Ford Mustang. Despite forecasting less than 100,000 sales in its first year the Mustang was an instant surprise hit: between the now infamous ‘1964 and 1/2' model year and the 1965 model year Ford sold over 650,000 Mustangs, making it the company’s most successful new car launch since the Model A.

The original Mustang became an instant classic, and at the time was available with either an inline six cylinder or a Windsor V8. Interestingly enough, the Mustang name was first used by Ford on a 1962 mid-engined concept powered by a V4 engine. That’s right, folks: the 4 cylinder Ford Mustang outdates the V8.

Mustang I Concept, Credit Wikimedia Commons

Fast forward about 50 years to December 5th, 2013: the global unveiling of the iconic Mustang’s sixth generation. Ford introduced the 2015 model as a 50th anniversary tribute to the original with a bit of a twist. This would be the first truly global market Mustang, a new sports car designed to go toe to toe with the traditional European sports car manufacturers. To help in this battle the new generation of Mustang would be equipped with something not seen in a Mustang since 1986: a turbocharged 4 cylinder engine

Image shamelessly stolen from the internet because I don’t have a picture of my engine

I would hope that last sentence didn’t surprise any of our readers, but just in case it did let’s continue the history lesson. In the 1970s America faced an oil crisis. Gas prices were rising, and people were starting to realize that emissions regulations were a bit too lax. Between the high gas prices and the power sucking emissions requirements starting to take hold, the muscle car was dying. Once proud V8 powerhouses were reduced to wheezing shells of their former selves. By 1982 the V8 Mustang GT could only manage a measly 160 hp. Something had to be done. That something became known as the SVO.

Image credit Wikimedia Commons

In 1984 Ford introduced the 2.3L, 4 cylinder turbocharged Mustang SVO. It was rated at 175 horsepower and 210 ft-lbs of torque making it the fastest Mustang of its time. Ford wasn’t playing games with the SVO, either: it featured high end suspension and a crazy bi-plane wing to make it the best performing Mustang in the lineup. By the time the SVO ended its production in 1986 it was capable of producing more than 200 horsepower while returning a combined average of about 24 miles per gallon. At the time the SVO was the most expensive Mustang, which was ultimately its downfall: production numbers were quite low and the SVO went away with the 1987 model year refresh of the Mustang.

Of course the new Ecoboost Mustang isn’t quite the same as the SVO. True, it has the same 2.3L of displacement, but it’s no longer the top of the line. It’s the middle of the range, a step above the V6 and below the 5.0 V8. While it may not be the top performer of the line up anymore (the GT350R took that crown and locked it away deep, deep underground), it’s certainly no slouch: 310 horsepower. 320 lb-ft of torque. 0-60 in 5.5 seconds.

For reference, that’s faster than any standard GT was until 1999. The 2005 GT was only .5 seconds faster to 60. The first Coyote V8 GT was only 1 second faster to 60. Is the Ecoboost slower than a V8? Of course it is. Is it slow? Absolutely not.

It certainly won’t win any drag races with V8 Mustangs, but I’m an autocrosser. On the autocross course the lightweight I4 gives the Mustang surprisingly good balance, giving minimal understeer. The independent rear suspension keeps the car composed throughout corners, making it an absolute joy to drive. Gone are the days where a Mustang was only good at the drag strip, this is truly a modern sports car, albeit a heavy one.

The best part? That 5.5 second zero to 60 time and great handling comes with little penalty to the wallet: in my 6 weeks of ownership I have seen about 26 miles per gallon driving about 60% highway and 40% city. Cruising on the highway the car has reported as much as 33 MPG average! In my opinion the Ecoboost Mustang is truly a ‘have your cake and eat it too’ sports car. It’s fast enough to get into trouble on the streets, but efficient enough to avoid the fuel pump for long stretches.

In their quest to go toe-to-toe with the Europeans, Ford succeeded in making the sixth generation Mustang a very nice car. The interior is very well appointed, in my case equipped with supple heated and cooled leather seats, a 12 speaker sound system, large touchscreen interface, 4 different driving modes, 3 different steering modes, blind spot monitoring, backup camera with cross-traffic alert, user-selected interior lighting, and more. Oh, and the car shines a Mustang logo on the ground by the doors at night. This is a no-compromises American grand tourer.

The Ecoboost Mustang’s biggest problem might just be that it’s called a Mustang. It’s a wonderful car who’s owners will never avoid being asked that inevitable question: why didn’t you buy the V8? To those reading this don’t be surprised if their answer is the same as mine: because I wanted the Ecoboost .

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JasonStern911 > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:23

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TL/DR: Why didn’t you turbochage the V8? That’d be like 2 EcoBoosts.

Nibby > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:24

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So, just in case no one has asked this question...

Why didn’t you get the V8?

ranwhenparked > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:26

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I got the same question when I bought the (no longer available) V6 premium. My answer: because the GT was more expensive, if you were willing to pay part of the purchase price, you can have an opinion, otherwise, my money so GTFO.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:26

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Yeah, but why didn’t you get the V8?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:26

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Looks like I decided to check Oppo at the right time...the comments section should be on point, maybe

Happy Easter!

MultiplaOrgasms > JasonStern911 03/27/2016 at 21:27

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2,17 actually.

slipperysallylikespenguins > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:27

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So you support the stereotype that old Mustangs are only good in a straight line(which decades of road racing proves wrong), but are against the stereotype that a Mustang needs a V8 to be a real Mustang?

jkm7680 > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:28

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But why not the V8?

3,52 7

wafflesnfalafel > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:29

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yep - it only take three little letters, “Ess, Vee, Oh...”.

GeorgeyBoy > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:29

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Why didn’t you get the V6?

AkursedX > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:30

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I know I’m in the minority, I don’t feel there is any need to defend the ecoboost. 300+HP is more than enough for 98% of drivers in any situation. But then again, I owned and loved the SVO.

Master Cylinder > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:35

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The Ecoboost Mustang’s biggest problem might just be that it’s called a Mustang.

That’s a good way of putting it. There’s no way to honestly argue that the Ecoboost Mustang is anything but a good car, V8 or no.

TheHondaBro > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:37

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Why didn’t you get the V10?

Bytemite > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:37

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I think its down to the character of the car. The Mustang is a brute muscle car. It isn’t for actual peformance, but just straight line speed and a big honkin V8 rumble. To get a turbo 4 banger goes against the character.

Just like with a miata’s character, it isn’t about performance but about the engagement of the driver and responsiveness. So if you LS swap a Miata, you get performance, but you missed the point. Just like an ecoboost Mustang.

Case in point, for an ecoboost Mustang you can get a less fat car that has the same power and can carve corners.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:38

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I do love that SVO sticker

TheD0k_2many toys 2little time > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:45

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Yea but why didnt you buy like 4 miatas which are great autocross cars?

Jayhawk Jake > slipperysallylikespenguins 03/27/2016 at 21:48

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No? Though previous Mustangs weren’t exactly known for their handling from the factory. There are exceptions.

Jay Lauer > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:49

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So what’s driving a consolation prize like?

Jayhawk Jake > Bytemite 03/27/2016 at 21:52

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If the Mustang isn’t for actual performance, as you put it, why did Ford give it IRS last year?

If we are talking new cars, I don’t think there are many that really give you what the Ecoboost Mustang gives you. Hot hatches are out, not the same style and not RWD. That just leaves what, Camaro, Challenger, Miata, FRS? The new Camaro is probably better, the Challenger is fatter, the Miata and FRS are too small and too slow (in a straight line) to really compare. I guess the Genesis Coupe is there but it's more of the same.

Your boy, BJR > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:52

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I thought you wanted a Corvette but couldn’t afford it, so you got this instead.

Also you shoulda got a V8.

Jayhawk Jake > ranwhenparked 03/27/2016 at 21:53

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That's part of why I didn't get a V8, but I drove both and found the Ecoboost to be more appealing overall. V8 noise and power is fun, but they are thirsty. Higher purchase price and higher running costs? Makes it a really hard reach

Opposite Locksmith > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 21:55

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If you had a nickel everything, maybe you could have afforded a v8

Opposite Locksmith > Opposite Locksmith 03/27/2016 at 22:09

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Every time

Jayhawk Jake > GeorgeyBoy 03/27/2016 at 22:12

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TOYS

Jayhawk Jake > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 03/27/2016 at 22:12

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I have octaphobia. A fear of the number 8

Jayhawk Jake > JasonStern911 03/27/2016 at 22:12

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It’d cost as much as 2 Ecoboosts, that’s for sure

DarkCreamyBeer > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 22:13

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If they offered it right around $40k with the 2.7L or bigger eco tech V6, I’d very seriously consider trading my Audi in for it.

I still think a Lincoln version, with about 3-4 inches longer wheelbase, Fords turbo v6 engine(s), and nicely fitted out would make a killer luxury GT car, and bring life to the Lincoln line which could use it.

Bytemite > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 22:14

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It is interesting though, that there aren’t too many competitors against the Ecoboost Stang’s power and weight.

There is the Gen Coupe, with it’s 40 more hp and Torsen LSD. I think it might be cheaper and weigh less. If it does, then there’s your answer.

Jayhawk Jake > AkursedX 03/27/2016 at 22:14

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There shouldn’t be. It’s just an interesting phenomenon with the car I think.

I’ve never seen someone ask why a BMW 328 owner didn’t buy an M3. I honestly think if the Ecoboost Mustang was exactly the same but called something else (Capri?), no one would question it.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 22:16

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You should probably ditch that tach then.

wiffleballtony > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 22:18

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Because BOOST and tuning. The ecoboost wouldn’t be the version I’d buy but I am glad it exists. I only ask that question to the V6 owners.

Jayhawk Jake > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 03/27/2016 at 22:20

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Electrical tape fixes it

Jayhawk Jake > Bytemite 03/27/2016 at 22:21

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Sure, and as much as I love the Koreans they need some help with chassis tuning.

Jayhawk Jake > DarkCreamyBeer 03/27/2016 at 22:23

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I think Lincoln should just go to pasture, but I do think a more powerful turbocharged variant would be great. At a minimum the motor from the RS which I believe is the Ecoboost Mustang motor with a bigger turbo. A TTV6 would be a good fit.

Tom McParland > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 22:23

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Cool post. Send it over to tips@jalopnik.com

Maybe one of the big shots will share. :)

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 22:24

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I almost want to wait it out and get one of these over a FiST, but I don’t want to be paying it off that much longer. I know I can get a complete stripper model for nearly the same, but I’ve dealt with a completely spartan interior for long enough. The Fiesta interior isn’t the best(for a econobox it’s pretty good), but that tiny screen in Mustang just makes it look cheap. I’d have to get the Premium, then I’d want to spec the PP, and it would just spiral out of control.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 22:28

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This is some Villanova level defense, great write-up ;)

beardsbynelly - Rikerbeard > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 22:34

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for that money you could have had a mustang instead.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 22:35

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In defense of the ecoboost mustang - it’s a car that is meant for fun and is fun and well engineered and good value. Everything else is personal taste. No more defense needed, friend.

Justin Hughes > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 22:43

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I completely agree. I quite liked the EcoBoost press car I had for a week, including driving it for course opening at Black River Stages . It had a good amount of power, handled great, and was plenty roomy enough for me. My only complaint would be the weight, but I daily drive a BRZ, and you can’t get a lot lighter than that except a Miata. I could rock an EcoBoost Mustang myself.

TheHondaBro > Opposite Locksmith 03/27/2016 at 22:46

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All the stars to you, my Iranian friend.

Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo > Jayhawk Jake 03/27/2016 at 22:54

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Will it burn? Can you power slide it?

Sam > DarkCreamyBeer 03/27/2016 at 23:12

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I drove an F150 with the TT V6 and it was a great engine. It would be a perfect fit for the Mustang. The only problem is that it would be as fast, if not faster, than the V8.

DipodomysDeserti > Bytemite 03/28/2016 at 00:23

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The Mustang isn’t and has never been a muscle car. It was always a sports coupe. The original Mustangs only had around 100 horsepower while the muscle cars of the era were pushing well over 300 horsepower.

Bytemite > DipodomysDeserti 03/28/2016 at 00:53

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Well then...what’s the explanation for the excessive bloat and large dimensions of the car? If they are aiming for sports cars, then why do the Mustangs, Camaros and Challengers need to be so big and heavy?

DipodomysDeserti > Bytemite 03/28/2016 at 01:16

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Because they're modern American cars. A modern Mustang weighs 3,400-3,800 lbs which is par for the course for modern 2+2 cars.

Bytemite > DipodomysDeserti 03/28/2016 at 01:33

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That is WAY too heavy for a sports car.

It should be less than 3,000 lbs. But the dimensions are just too big.

DipodomysDeserti > Bytemite 03/28/2016 at 02:32

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Most modern sports cars weigh over 3k lbs. This is 2016, not 1963. The Miata isn’t really a sports car compared to other modern cars. You can buy minivans that are quicker than a Miata. My wife’s soccer mom BMW beige mobile will outpace a Miata on a track. The 911, which is the epitome of a 2+2 sports car, weighs over 3k lbs now. Step away from your laptop and actually go out and drive some cars.

Bytemite > DipodomysDeserti 03/28/2016 at 03:24

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Wait did you just make a personal attack out of nowhere? Oh how fun.

No, your minivan and your wife’s soccer mobile will not outpace my Miata on a track. Get real.

Actually learn how to drive and take a corner at the limit before you throw out personal attacks. You’re probably some white collar, BMW driving, sunglass wearing power-trip on wheels. Keep on living life thinking the only fun to have is in stepping on your little gas pedal in your automatic car. I, and a whole lot of others, know what real driving fun is. Get out of your box.

thefinalmonster > DarkCreamyBeer 03/28/2016 at 05:47

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100% agree on a Lincoln badged Mustang. Could make such a nice luxury coupe.

DipodomysDeserti > Bytemite 03/28/2016 at 08:14

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Telling you to go out and drive isn’t a personal attack on you. Relax there, buddy. I have never owned and never will own a minivan. My current DDs are an Abarth (manual) and a ‘66 GMC which I’ve been fixin up. My last DD was a WRX (manual) and a ‘63 Corvair (manual) that I was fixing up. I also had a ‘91 Loyale (manual) that I was working on and driving. I work with my hands and am definitely not white collar. Not sure how you got all that from me telling you a Mustang is not a muscle car. I do wear sunglasses when I’m driving and it's sunny out, so you got me there.

Jayhawk Jake > Rusty Vandura - www.tinyurl.com/keepoppo 03/28/2016 at 08:41

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Yes. Absolutely.

Jayhawk Jake > Justin Hughes 03/28/2016 at 08:49

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The weight is easily the biggest mechanical issue with it. It’s not too bad, but if it was closer to 3300 than 3600 it would be better. I really want to drive a Camaro Turbo to compare as it’s about 3350 lbs.

Joseph Shaul > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 08:55

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You have to get a different engine to get the fancy door lights?

Jayhawk Jake > Joseph Shaul 03/28/2016 at 08:56

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Kinda. Pretty sure the lights only come with the Premium trim, and the Premium trim isn’t available on the V6.

sprtpltZZ > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 08:58

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Already dismal Mustang resale will be even worse for the four. Plus, too slow.

vondon302 > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 08:59

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Well thank goodness they gave it irs to make it a performance car after 50 years of stick axle grand ma cars.

CBus660R > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 08:59

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The issue is that relatively speaking, the 430HP GT is pretty damn cheap. You can get 1 for the price of a 328i. That’s why people ask “why no V-8?”

Before you bought your EcoBoost, did you get insurance quotes on both an EcoBoost and GT? I’d have to think the Eco is a fair bit cheaper. Cost of ownership over 4-5 years is going to be quite a bit cheaper on the Eco and if you’re using it as DD, it is a great option. No shame in not getting the GT.

SWITAWI > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 08:59

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The only downside is that people need an explanation at all.

Glad to hear you’re enjoying your car. With the relative prices of vehicles and fuel in this day and age I think everyone should be getting the most from their choice of transportation. If we can’t enjoy these mechanical contraptions we spend so much in then what’s the point of ownership?

PardonMyFlemish16 > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:00

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Sorry bro. Here is a little tongue in cheek rebuttal.

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/every-ecoboost…

facw > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:02

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FYI, there is a unicode horse:

/O///<<>>\\\O\

Joseph Shaul > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:05

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$30,000? Oof.

For $30,000, I’d buy a $20,000 E46 M3 and just figure on $2,000 a year in repairs. Depreciation on the beemer is going to be much slower, too - after three or four years, it’d actually cost you less overall.

The Ecoboost is about $1400 more than the V6, which you’ll probably get back eventually anyway in fuel savings. But another $5k in options is just painful.

As a more powerful, more comfortable alternative to the FR-S, it’s a sensible choice and probably a more reasonable daily driver. It is A Good Car. However, the toys are awfully steep.

Incidentally, the marginal cost for the GT - about $7300 - is more than it costs to buy the entire V8 as a crate motor. Ford, what you doing?

DougNuts > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:06

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I’m of the mindset that no car enthusiast should have to defend their choice to another car enthusiast. Your last line sums it up, people can (and should) buy what they want.

Grey4lyfe > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:09

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Have you ever met a 328 owner that wouldn’t rather have an M3. Never have the words, “nah, I’d rather have a 328" been spoken.

Steve is equipped with Electronic Fool Injection > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:11

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I really dig the SVO on the back. SO is anyone going to make one of these double rear spoilers?

Katsumoto > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:14

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Jayhawk,

I’ve bought an Ecoboost Stang and I love it. I tried the 4,6 and 8 cylinder versions of both the Camaro and Mustang. Once I got into the Mustang and took it out, it was just love.

I was gone for about 30-40 minutes. I loved the way it handled. It had just enough power for the chassis to work for me. I took it back, bought it on the spot. I don’t think I’ve ever done it before until I got the Mustang. Just went driving in a new car to feel it all working. I’ve had it for 3 weeks now and I’ve already managed 3000 miles.

All my other cars are parked, I drive this Mustang EVERYWHERE. I get the same question as you about why not a V8. Then I let some trustworthy friends drive it and they see why. It just drives amazing.

I’ve ordered parts for mine already. The Roush triple adjustable coilovers, new wheels and tires, better exhaust, new intake, and a programmer.

Now I just gotta figure out, mod it all now or wait until the warranty is over.

I bought a 2016 Guard Green Mustang. Always wanted a green stang and now I own one.

sgoldste02 > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:14

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If I was cross-shopping the EcoBoost Mustang vs. a Camaro, I’d be comparing it to the V6 Camaro. While the EcoBoost is the Mustang’s middle engine in the line-up, the turbo-four in the Camaro is their bottom engine. The V6 Camaro would be the car to compare against.

86svo > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:16

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The SVO decal is a nice touch. I was really hoping that it would follow in the SVO’s footsteps, being a performance oriented 4 cylinder turbo. Ideally something like the GT350R but with a turbo 4 and a (real/from the factory) SVO badge. Doesn’t hurt to wish right?

Also, for an interesting read about the SVO.

http://www.drivingenthusiast.net/sec-ford/speci…

wætherman > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:16

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Nice review. And I think you hit the nail on the head when you said “The Ecoboost Mustang’s biggest problem might just be that it’s called a Mustang” - not only does that name come with some expectations, it also comes with some baggage. As someone who is a little older than the target demographic, even though I like the car, the last thing I’d want to be is a MAMM (Middle Aged Man in a Mustang).

Call it a Fusion Coupe though, and I’d drive it.

Fdor > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:16

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Not exactly a fair comparison. The price jump between a simple 328 and an M3 is a bit bigger than the ecoboost to V8 in the Mustang model.

DoYouEvenShift > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:17

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If they offered the 3.5 ecoboost in the stang, I wouldnt even look in the 5.0s direction.

Snooder87 > Sam 03/28/2016 at 09:17

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Almost certainly faster.

The new Ford GT is going to have a TTV6.

Vin > Bytemite 03/28/2016 at 09:18

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To take modern safety and emissions requirements into consideration, offer all of the comfort and relative reliability of the previous generation Mustang - and then making that entire package lighter ? It would take more development time, and in turn cost money that your average (cheapskate) car buyer isn’t willing to pay.

Lightness, like the manual transmission, is slowly but surely transitioning from cost-saving basic option to premium option - as it should.

PilotMan > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:18

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Does it feel like it is in boost all the time carrying all that weight around? At what RPM is the engine at while going 75 MPH?

Zuato > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:18

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I haven’t researched it, but is the Ecoboost in the Mustang easy to pull more power out of without having to reinforce anything? I know with a lot of turbo cars, you can get aftermarket ECU flashes that will add power, etc. Anything like that for a reasonable price? This car looks to be a lot of fun already, just curious what’s available for it since there are parts a plenty for the V8s.

whynot > Joseph Shaul 03/28/2016 at 09:19

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You are comparing a brand new car to a 10+ year old car and then shocked that the used car comes out cheaper?

As to what Ford is doing- they are making money. Engine/option upgrades are never priced at cost. This is true for every automaker. You think the engine and tuning of an M3 actually costs BMW $30,000 over the base 3 series? You can get the V8 crate engine cheaper than the V6->GT price yes, but 99% of Mustang (or any new car) buyers cannot just swap it into their car for free.

jacknifetoaswan > Joseph Shaul 03/28/2016 at 09:20

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I hate it when people make BS statements like - Jeez, for that price, I’d buy this ridiculously unreliable other car that’s kinda cooler, but I’d have to keep fixing it and doing this and that to keep it competitive with this new car that you bought that has a warranty and blah, blah, blah.

Face it, some people don’t want a used M3, let alone a 10-15 year old M3.

The fact of the matter is that the GT, which starts around $30k, will be faster and more reliable than anything but the latest, greatest M3. The Ecoboost, which is cheaper, will be an 80% solution, and weigh less. Again, it’ll be much more reliable than even a five year old M3.

I paid $38k for my 2016 GT Fastback Premium with Performance Package, Navigation, Security Package, and upgraded interior. I bought it because that’s what I wanted. Go ahead any buy your 15 year old M3, and enjoy the ridiculous repair and maintenance costs. I’ll throw a load of Amsoil in, once a year, for the next five years, plus a set of Michelin Pilot Super Sports and a set of brake pads, and in 2021, trade up to the next GT.

eddyjoe > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:21

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I recently rented a V6. It left me very curious to drive both the ecoboost and the V8 for two entirely different reasons which you also came across. V8 Power vs. more nimble agility. I myself am a fan of lighter cars so I would’ve chosen the ecoboost had I enjoyed the driving dynamics of the car. The weight is just too much. I can't see the point of the V6. Glad you’re enjoying yours, though!

peeta555 > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:21

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Don’t completly agree with this as being a joy to drive. How much lighter is it than the GT? And I drove one in an autocross. numb steering, thanks electric assist, and it understeered worse than FWD economy cars. Nothing a rear sway bar won’t fix though.

Infinite_Rkitekt > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:23

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Here’s my big problem with the EcoBoost Mustang that NO ONE seems to be writing about. It has to do with operating costs. To run an EcoBoost properly you have to run premium gas. While I am not in America, in Canada premium gas is, well a premium. The V8 mustang runs on good’ol regular octane.

But I know you’re thinking “ the EcoBoost gets better fuel mileage than the V8” and yes it does, much better in the city, alright on the highway for a combined that’s a few litres per 100km better than the V8. However , with the added cost of the premium gas you are not getting any savings through fuel, the only savings is on the sticker price of the car. (and in some cases losing money if the cost of Premium is much higher in your area).

If the sticker price is where you save you might as well by a certified 1 year old V8 for the same price as a brand new loaded EcoBoost.

El-Verde > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:24

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I had one of these for a week a few weeks ago...except it was a convertible. I imagine that made it even heavier/noodlier but youre still right....

The ecoboost is not a problem. Visibility is a problem. Numb handling is a problem. Being way overweight is a problem.

Why anyone buys a Mustang is a question I ask all the time. I can't imagine caring about the engine choice.

coffee_poo > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:24

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I thought all stang engines had very close mpg numbers? Atleast on paper.

Vin > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:25

1

I bet 9 out of 10 of the guys asking you about the V8 drive used cars. Every EcoBoost Mustang sold is one less reason for Ford to completely eschew sports car production and pump out crossovers.

I applaud your choice, Jayhawk!

Dru > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:26

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What do you think of the seats, specifically? I had a chance to have a seat in a GT recently and absolutely loved the standard poverty spec cloth seats.

Yimmy_D_Yo > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:28

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Not quite

http://www.hellionpowersystems.com/index.php/turb…

ThatbastardKurtis > Justin Hughes 03/28/2016 at 09:29

2

Imagine a small RWD Ford called the Capri with the Ecoboost 4, that would go against the BRZ.

CommonSenseIsn'tCommon > DarkCreamyBeer 03/28/2016 at 09:36

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Maybe call it the Lincoln “Cougar” after the Mercury of the 60's and 70's.

I think it’s a great idea.

Green Mountain Car Guy > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:37

1

If ever I find myself with a non-V8 powered Mustang, I am totally stealing that answer. I may or may not give credit...

Morgan ATX > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:38

1

http://www.vorshlag.com/blog/?p=972

the V8 scaled well over 3600 lbs. i doubt the 4cy turbo would be 300 pounds lighter. maybe 150

Justin Hughes > ThatbastardKurtis 03/28/2016 at 09:39

2

That would annihilate the BRZ. Even the Mustang itself is stiff competition, as I’ve written . At the time I wrote it (I haven’t checked recently), the BRZ and EcoBoost Mustang have the identical MSRP, so they actually are competitors. Mustang wins on power, BRZ wins on handling, of course, but the Mustang’s handling disadvantage isn’t bad at all. The only issue I had was that you can feel the extra weight, and there’s no masking that. But it still handles well, and its disadvantage in that area isn’t nearly as huge as the BRZ’s power disadvantage. And I say that as someone who’s happy with a 200hp BRZ.

TokyoNRose-Wyoming, only a little worse than Colorado! > DarkCreamyBeer 03/28/2016 at 09:39

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How about reviving the mercury cougar as the gentlemans mustang (oxymoron ;)

TokyoNRose-Wyoming, only a little worse than Colorado! > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:40

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Im an octopus

jimz > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:43

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When I tell self-proclaimed car enthusiasts that I own an Ecoboost Mustang, 9 times out of 10 the next sentence out of their mouth is as follows: “Why didn’t you buy the V8?”

The only response required is “because I didn’t buy the fucking car for you .”

golfball > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:49

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How does the Ecoboost do in FS? I haven’t really seen any competitive ones in my region.

GordonBombay > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:52

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I’ll be honest, I starred this as soon as I saw the Spaghetti Works building. It’s all I needed.

Jayhawk Jake > golfball 03/28/2016 at 09:52

1

I don’t know yet. I’ve only run one event, and it being my first one in the car I I didn’t have any clean runs. My best dirty run, if we ignore the penalties, was only a little behind a pretty well setup ‘15 GT on better tires than mine. Maybe a half second back?

There’s a couple pretty good FS competitors in my region, so as the season plays out I’ll have a better idea. The Ecoboost is getting moved to DS though, or at least it has been proposed by the rule making committee.

Jayhawk Jake > Bytemite 03/28/2016 at 09:54

3

Basically every sports car these days is over 3,000 lbs.

J-Tenno > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:55

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I think you’re cool for owning an EcoBoost Mustang.

+1 for ya, more interesting than a V6 or V8.

catzo5 > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 09:58

1

Ill admit those fuel economy numbers are impressive. Those are only 1 or 2 mpg less than the numbers I used to get from 2009 honda civic with 140hp.

Jayhawk Jake > Joseph Shaul 03/28/2016 at 09:58

6

I like new things. I’d rather pay more for a new car than have an old car constantly needing repairs. $2,000 a year in maintenance? That’s absurd. 4 years of that = $8,000 in repairs. Figure 25% depreciation, now we’re talking $13,000 in maintenance and depreciation. $13,000 lost on a $20,000 car? 65%. I doubt I would lose 65% of the purchase price on my Mustang in 4 years.