I test drove a 2016 Mustang GT/AMA

"K-Roll-PorscheTamer" (k-roll390) 03/28/2016 at 18:08 • Filed to: Mustang GT, Mustang

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So I went to the dealer to get my oil changed primarily, but also to test drive a used 2012 GT they had. I wasn’t allowed to drive that because insurance reasons. So I wanted to drive a manual Ecoboost, but they didn’t have one of those either; this was the “consolation prize”: a 2016 GT with the Performance Package.

I come from a world full of nothing but “pleb 4 cylinders” and dapper flat sixes, but I’m not new to V8s. I live in the Detroit area for goodness sake, and yet I’ve only driven THREE and a HALF V8s (A C4 Vette, Sam Stoner’s 530i Touring, my friend’s supercharged Fox Body, and a 2015 CTS-V....in a parking lot). Yet, I’ve been enticed by V8s for a while, and I went into this test drive thinking I’d want one even MOAR after the matter....

For the first time, I actually found a comfortable driving position in the new Mustang. When I drove an Ecoboost last year, I found the car to be bigger than I thought, and nerve racking in traffic; of course this is coming from the guy who drives only compacts and hates big vehicles like trucks and such. After a year of not driving a new Mustang, I somehow found it easier and more comfortable to drive, and it felt a whole lot smaller to me.

As soon as I started the car, I had an immediate problem: THE CLUTCH IS TOO DAMN LIGHT -_-

It had very little to no feel feel whatsoever. And it made shifting the opposite of smooth and comfortable for the first mile. I loved how notchy the shifter felt rowing the gears. It probably has another one of those damn assist springs, and I’d remove it the minute I got the car, if I was getting one. I took the spring out of my ST and it has more heft and feel than this car.

This, now being the most powerful car I’ve ever driven, the instant torque on demand from the 5.0L is amazing! It didn’t matter what gear I was in, even though I only used 1st-4th, it was just awesome. And the noise, it’s such a sweet sound. The acceleration threw me into the seat and the giggles, oh the giggles I giggled.

Going around the few corners I could, I found it to be great in a DD role handling and comfort-wise with the Performance Package, but I found the seats lacking any support for me. Again, I love bolstered seats that hold me in place like my 944, so if I were to get a Mustang of any kind, RECAROs would be an absolute must.

I left the test drive and dealer with only one mixed feeling on the car. I loved the motor and the sound. But there’s no way in hell I could ever rationally or logically justify it ever. And that pisses me off. 400+hp is a crapton of power, and maybe the fact that I couldn’t use all that power at once at any point except for one almost empty stretch of road made me question why in the hell I’d need one as a DD at all. It just wouldn’t make sense. Maybe because I’m still young and in college with not much money to splurge on such things; maybe if I had more money, I wouldn’t be saying what I’m saying now. But dammit that’s a lot of power, more than I would need, and it was a bit uncomfortable as well having that much power that can’t really be used.

I can finally say that honestly, I’d rather have the Ecoboost as a DD than a GT, but I wish there was a lower powered V8 option as a mid-range so I could have the V8 noise without all the power I really don’t need. The Ecoboost is just a lot less “in your face” and sensible for me. The GT felt like a car you’d use on occasional drives or weekend car with all that power. And if I were to go on and want more power one day, if I wanted V8 power, the EB could be gradually modded to that point and I could get use to the power without having to jump from low power to high power cars.

So yeah, I think EB is rationally an logically the right car for me, and I don’t think I’m crazy for saying that. I just don’t find myself wanting a V8 as much as I thought I did. I’m annoyed by it, but I’ll live with it, and maybe one day stop being jealous of V8 owners; at least I’m not as jealous as I use to be after this.

Now ask away and stuff.

mattc993 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 18:17

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You get used to it, really. The GTs are quick, but really not that fast.

Matt Nichelson > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 18:18

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So they wouldn’t let you drive a 2012 model, but they would let you drive a brand new one? What am I missing here?

S65 > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 18:21

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Why Not Just Put A V8 In Your 944?

TheOnelectronic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 18:22

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I had the same feelings about the clutch and shifter, and I kept the assist spring in my ST. (taking it out, the clutch had like 1/2" of travel when the car was cold and smelled bad if I accelerated hard. This did not seem like intended operation.)

Oddly, I found the acceleration underwhelming. It had great low end pull and made a hell of a noise (my experience was a Roush stage 2 which means intake and exhaust on top of the stick-on vents) but it always just seemed... flat. Certain cars just accelerate harder and harder as the engine revs, but the GT seemed to have all its chips down low, and as you got to the high midrange it just seemed like it was still going instead of continuing to pull. That’s probably just a trait of V8s. I haven’t had much experience, like you. Another way to put it would be that there didn’t seem to be any point to revving it past a certain amount, and the low redline didn’t help.

I also felt the same about the interior being too big, for lack of a better way to describe it. It made the car feel like It was around me, rather than a part of me. I did not get that feeling in the V6 conv. I rented recently, possible due to the different greenhouse.

I will say that it’s really not hard to use 400hp in daily driving. Sure, you can’t go 120, but honestly most cars these days can do that. Power is about acceleration, and powering out of a tight corner or speeding up for an interstate merge is still a great use for that power. The only vehicle I’ve ever had that I would say had more power than I could use would be my bike, and that’s more down to being able to hold on than any performance limitations.

Opposite Locksmith > Matt Nichelson 03/28/2016 at 18:34

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Different insurance on new cars

green_man_group > TheOnelectronic 03/28/2016 at 18:36

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You’re the first person who claims the V8 makes the power low down. Most people like the Coyote because it pulls but doesn’t make much torque compared to the LS motors. (Keep in mind, it’s smaller displacement too.)

Opposite Locksmith > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 18:39

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Cmon 400hp isn't too much

Matt Nichelson > Opposite Locksmith 03/28/2016 at 18:40

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Huh. Alright. Mississippi is just different I guess. As long as you’re old enough to drive, the dealership will let you test drive pretty much whatever is on the lot.

TheOnelectronic > green_man_group 03/28/2016 at 18:40

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Like I said, I’m not a v8 guy. I just know that on my short test drive it felt like it was making a lot of noise, and I was hitting high speeds quickly, but it never really felt like it was accelerating hard. The above is more or less the best explanation for that discrepancy that I’ve come up with.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Matt Nichelson 03/28/2016 at 18:45

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Yeah....I didn’t get it either.

Under_Score > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 18:50

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Insurance? So if a 16 year old wants a c.2000 Mustang GT, the dealer won’t let them drive it? Seriously? I mean, I understand if it’s by yourself, but with a parent, it should be okay.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Opposite Locksmith 03/28/2016 at 18:51

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Coming from 150-252hp cars, yes, it is.

Opposite Locksmith > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 18:52

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Cmooooooon maaaaaan more power is better

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > mattc993 03/28/2016 at 18:52

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That’s what I and many others say about STs....It’s all relative depending on the people.

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 18:53

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What is your preference between old and new, and did this car change anything?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > TheOnelectronic 03/28/2016 at 18:55

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You found it underwhelming? I found it amazing. Mashing the go pedal was crazy for me in short bursts. I found it to have more mid-range upper power though. It loves to be winded out for sure.

It was crazy, because I didn’t find the almost 400hp Fox Body I drove to be overpowered or scary, but I found the newer car to be scarier with it’s acceleration.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Under_Score 03/28/2016 at 18:59

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That’s what confused the hell out of me. The used dealer lot wouldn’t let me drive a 2012 GT, but I could drive a new GT. It was about insurance on their end, but having driven the newer one, I don’t know if I’d like the S197 as much as I thought now.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Opposite Locksmith 03/28/2016 at 18:59

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I think my rational logic is getting too strong in the brain.

Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 18:59

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Man I would totally do this next time the explorer needs an oil change but dealer prices around here give me chest pains

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 03/28/2016 at 19:02

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This car changed my opinion of wanting a V8. I don’t really want one as much as I thought I did right now. I didn’t get to drive an S197 on the lot, so I can’t say much there.

TheOnelectronic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 19:02

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Well thinking about it, I have to keep in mind I test drove it at high elevation, so it was down probably ~25% power.

Also, that was like the same week I drove an Aventador. I was pretty well inoculated against power.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Sampsonite24-Earth's Least Likeliest Hero 03/28/2016 at 19:03

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Well since I’m looking at Mustangs in the next year or two, I figured “what the hell?”, because I had an hour and nothing to do.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > TheOnelectronic 03/28/2016 at 19:03

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Driving an Aventador would be beyond overkill for me.

TheOnelectronic > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 19:10

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You’d be amazed what you can get used to. I can’t say if it was fine for daily use, since I was on a track, but I never felt like the car had too much power. The thing weighs something like 8 tons and is 24' wide, or at least that’s how it feels inside.

yamahog > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 19:10

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So if you’re not crazy about the GT, and don’t like the idea of a Boostang, what else is on the test drive menu?

citizennick > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 19:11

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When are you going to drive a new Camaro now? :D

JGrabowMSt > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 19:14

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Why does it say “Shaker” in the ash tray area? It’s not a Mopar...

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > JGrabowMSt 03/28/2016 at 19:24

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It’s the Shaker audio system.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > yamahog 03/28/2016 at 19:27

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Well I understand the point and reasoning of the Boostang, and it fits me more than I thought compared to the GT. I really have no middle ground here. A TTV6 would be the compromise in a Mustang for me, but that doesn’t exist from the factory. And there isn’t much else out there that seems to be suitable for my menu...Kinda seems like the last option that comes to mind.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > citizennick 03/28/2016 at 19:28

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Since my dad is anti-Chevy, Raptor Jesus only knows. I’m gonna have to sneak a test drive out of a Chevy dealer without him knowing. But my only options would be turbo 4 or V6.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 19:34

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86

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Santiago of Escuderia Boricua 03/28/2016 at 19:35

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86?

Under_Score > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 19:35

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If your mom or dad was with you, then I think you could drive it.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 19:36

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Toyobaru GT86

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Under_Score 03/28/2016 at 19:43

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My dad was with me. :p

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Santiago of Escuderia Boricua 03/28/2016 at 19:44

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That would be an upgrade in all aspects save for power and not being American. All of our DD’s are ‘Murican. A Toyobaru or anything Japanese that isn’t a Rotary would be heresy.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 19:46

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Eh, power isn’t everything. It’s been a great daily/autocross/rallycross car.

Do technicalities count? You could try finding a Saabaru

citizennick > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 19:51

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The V6 is amazing apparently. And I’m not a fan of turbo 4's in heavy coupes. Glad Chevy decided to still make a good V6 pony car.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Santiago of Escuderia Boricua 03/28/2016 at 20:03

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True, but I love me some torque.

Not sure that would be a technicality.

Santiago of Escuderia Boricua > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 20:10

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Saab was a GM brand, so it’s almost American.

Still, handling is life

Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 20:38

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I drove the S-550 GT with 20" wheels and I found the ride too hard.

It rode nearly as hard as my former Porsche Cayman, and its agility doesn’t come remotely close to the Cayman’s.

Hopefully the 19s offer the right ride quality.

The motor is a real gem—really as good as any performance V8 can be. Torque everywhere and likes to rev, without too much bias low or high.

bryan40oop > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 21:05

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“As soon as I started the car, I had an immediate problem: THE CLUTCH IS TOO DAMN LIGHT -_-”

easy fix, remove the clutch spring. Makes a world of difference.

Also fun fact, you don’t have to use all 435 hp at all times everyday.

Hasn’t affected my daily driving at all, just be cautious, that’s a good word. Because the traction control just gives up at any sign of excitement.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever 03/28/2016 at 21:09

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Personally, I wouldn’t go higher than 18" wheels because I hate big wheels.

Jayhawk Jake > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 21:23

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I kinda made the point in my big article: the Ecoboost’s biggest weakness is being called a Mustang.

The Ecoboost and GT are hardly comparable, it’s essentially like comparing an A5 to an S5. Totally different cars that happen to be the same. As a grand tourer/DD/sports car the Ecoboost is fantastic, but as a ‘Mustang’ it’s not really achieving what people tend to act like a Mustang needs to.

I love my Ecoboost, it’s a great car that’s got plenty of power on the street. I’ve had a few chances to drop a few gears and blast past people, it’s more than capable.

Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/28/2016 at 21:51

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I dunno, I’m always so-so about the Ecoboost. I just had one at work today. It just doesn’t...... Excite me all that much. Something about it just doesn’t have a good vibe going for me. Ones with the 6 speed are a pretty good time, but, in my personal opinion, Auto Ecoboost straight up suck. I’d rather have a V6 if I was buying a cheap auto Mustang.

Also, what C4 did you drive?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Tuned-Port-Injected-Rage 03/28/2016 at 22:15

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A friend of mine in Ohio has a ‘90-91 with the L98 and 6 speed. First Vette I’d ever driven and first V8 I ever had the pleasure of taking on an open road, and the first car I ever experienced a burnout in firsthand. This was last year.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jayhawk Jake 03/28/2016 at 22:20

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I think if they just called it anything other than “Mustang Ecoboost ”, they would have a warmer welcoming. I don’t think the problem is that it’s a Mustang, but that everyone thinks the Mustang is a “muscle car”. Even though everyone forgets that it’s actually a pony car, the EB isn’t suppose to be a replacement for the GT, it’s suppose to replace the V6 that’s still quite a stout motor. If people would lose the muscle car association with the EB, they’d realize that it’s actually a nice and well-rounded sports coupe.

That being said, I’m working myself as hard as I can to repair my ST and save up enough for a 2017 base manual EB in Grabber Blue w/Recaros next spring. I want to make myself the best AutoX/street pony I can afford as a DD!

Jayhawk Jake > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/29/2016 at 00:23

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Laser blue is better

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/29/2016 at 00:24

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It’s crazy how light that clutch is right? I drove my Dad’s 2015 for the first time the other week and my foot went straight through the floor. I understand why he calls my clutch a work out now! I got used to it relatively quickly. One thing that surprised me was the steering feeling was great in sport mode, much more feedback from that electric system over my hydraulic that’s on my Mach.

The one weird thing for me is that despite it having nearly 700HP it felt completely normal and would be fine as a DD. In fact it is. It truly felt no different than the normal GT I drove. I love how refined the Mustang has gotten to make that much power seem like nothing. That is until you step on it...

I could totally see why someone would want an Eco over a V8 though. I have 300HP in my car now and if I’m honest it’s already more power than needed for the street. Speed limits appear very quickly.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > Jayhawk Jake 03/29/2016 at 00:39

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You mean lightning blue?

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > 03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST 03/29/2016 at 01:05

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You want a real workout? Come up here and try the stage 3 clutch in my friends fox body. It’s leg day at every stop light.

Since there’s no hope or chance of my ever comfortably owning a new GT or V8 for that matter at this point in my life, and seeing the way the world is going, ever in my foreseeable future, I’m quite use to getting the actual “consolation prize” in most aspects of my life.

03mach1 - Now has a Fiesta ST > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/29/2016 at 11:22

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Stage 3 clutches are supposed to be brutal. It’s hilarious when someone gets one for a nearly stock Mustang though. It’s really unnecessary and so much more work.

I think you’ll be able to feel comfortable with a new V8. It’s a lot of power and responsibility. But after driving the Ecoboost or anything like the Mustang with 300HP for awhile you might just find yourself wanting a bit more and at that point you’ll be ready.

green_man_group > JGrabowMSt 03/29/2016 at 14:05

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http://www.mustangdepot.com/OnLineCatalog/…

Umm, Ford made Shaker hood scoops available too ...

JGrabowMSt > green_man_group 03/29/2016 at 14:43

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I don’t think we’ve met before. I’m JGrabowMSt, I own a HEMIWagon and an SL600 Sport. I love long walks on the beach, ice cream and ball busting. I’m native to the internet land.

Would you like to hear the song of my people?

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/30/2016 at 09:50

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Once the Montego is in better running status you can come down and add a V8 to your list.

Only problem for you is going to be the column shifter automatic.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 03/30/2016 at 12:09

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I don’t understand why I’d have a problem with a column shifter automatic? My mom’s old Windstar had one of those. If it was a column manual though....

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/30/2016 at 12:34

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I’m just teasing because I know you prefer manual.

I’m sure you won’t have trouble at all, pop in to D and off you go.

And every time I see a 944 (or similar, I’m not great with Porsche’s) I’m eyeballing the shit out of someone to see if it’s you driving it haha (despite not having met you in person yet).

Do you have an OPPO sticker on yours? I saw a red one yesterday on 275 but I don’t think it was you.

K-Roll-PorscheTamer > MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner 03/30/2016 at 13:00

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Fair enough haha. :p

I have an Oppo and Jalopnik sticker on mine.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > K-Roll-PorscheTamer 03/30/2016 at 13:03

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Alright I can check for that since I don’t know what you look like lol.

green_man_group > JGrabowMSt 03/30/2016 at 14:08

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I’m SVT_MAN. I’m a humorless contradiction to your ways.

I could replace you with a cleverly-crafted shell script.

You won’t hear the song of my people because I don’t have people.

JGrabowMSt > green_man_group 03/30/2016 at 14:29

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Song of my people anyway.

If only I were dumb enough to cut up the exhaust on my SL.