Drove a '17 Mustang GT

Matticus91 · 12-29-2016, 01:12 PM

Something I do fairly often is go test drive cars when mine is in for service, or if I'm bored. I've driven every other generation of Mustang and heard good things about the new one, so I figured I'd give it a go.

First impressions:
-Pricey, the car I drove was a '17 GT well optioned and was stickered at over $45,000!
-What visibility? Seriously. Can't see a damn thing out of these cars.
-It's a battleship! The hood is so long and the car is surprisingly large, making it feel like a battleship lining up for a shot when you're trying to park.
-Tire killer. I had traction on and still spun the tires through second without wanting to. Lots 'o torque!

Other stuff:
-Transmission is very notchy, not in a good way. I didn't like the feel very much and there were a few times I felt the gears through the knob before it slotted in.
-Handling is significantly better than previous gen Mustangs but did not feel nimble at all
-The tech is pretty good now, keyless everything, infotainment unit was pretty solid, and they do the screen mirror function now for smartphones which was cool.

Overall I went in with low expectations just trying to get a feel for the car but after seeing the sticker I was pretty let down by what it had to offer. At a price of $45k you're really opening doors (pun intended) to a lot of other cars. New, you could have an M235i, an RC300, hell even a new Stingray around $49k.

Anywho, just thought I'd share, if anyone has a different opinion I'd love to hear it!

Esteban · 12-29-2016, 02:21 PM

Always interested in Mustangs, guess because I had a few, plus my daughter had a '66 with the 289 (that was a fun little car). Was hoping a GT would still be in the $30K range, haven't checked the prices for a while, but yes, that does seem high.

The only upside to a Mustang to me was the V8 in a relatively small car at an affordable price, but I guess they're getting bigger (and pricier), like most cars. Funny cause the Camaro is getting smaller. The IRS should help with the handling. Will have to test drive one soon and see what I think.

Thanks for the review.

VRG_135 · 12-29-2016, 02:44 PM

Sixty mph comes in just 4.6 seconds, the quarter mile in 12.9 at 110 mph flat.
Not much better than my 135 in the 1/4 mile.....

zx10guy · 12-29-2016, 02:53 PM

I drove my friend's GT a year or so ago. Can't remember if it was a '15 or '16 model. The trans didn't bother me too much. Felt almost like my old 94 Z28 with the Borg Warner T56 trans. The beak also didn't bother me all that much because I had lots of seat time with my Z28 which was even worse than the new Mustangs. As you experienced...torque...torque...and more torque. I stomped on it in second and got the rear end to break free. The car felt composed when I did it but I backed off due to being on a rather busy street.

Would I be in the market for one? Not sure. I am watching what happens with the Camaro with interest as I've always had a Generous Motors vehicle of some sort for a variety of reasons. My only Ford was a Focus ZX3 to serve as my beater/daily driver. I have kicked around the idea of getting another Focus in the ST or RS trim and going back to what I had before which was a daily beater and a garage queen.

Matticus91 · 12-29-2016, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esteban

Always interested in Mustangs, guess because I had a few, plus my daughter had a '66 with the 289 (that was a fun little car). Was hoping a GT would still be in the $30K range, haven't checked the prices for a while, but yes, that does seem high.

The only upside to a Mustang to me was the V8 in a relatively small car at an affordable price, but I guess they're getting bigger (and pricier), like most cars. Funny cause the Camaro is getting smaller. The IRS should help with the handling. Will have to test drive one soon and see what I think.

Thanks for the review.

Yeah I had a couple as well and was always most fond of them for their "smiles per dollar" factor. I had an 02 GT I bought for 8.5 grand, put 40k HARD miles on it and sold it for 8k 3 years later. Maybe the V6 and 4cyl versions are more economical... But who buys a Mustang for anything other than a V8! Those 289's were great btw! My 02 had the 4.6, it wasn't the best power-wise but sounded amazing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by VRG_135

Sixty mph comes in just 4.6 seconds, the quarter mile in 12.9 at 110 mph flat.
Not much better than my 135 in the 1/4 mile.....

Pretty good for a Mustang, but not for a $45k car in general IMO. If I were to jump on one of these I would certainly buy used. A CPO '16 with around 15-20k on the clock seems to go for around $30k.

swagon · 12-29-2016, 03:48 PM

Did you hit any people?

Esteban · 12-29-2016, 04:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matticus91

Yeah I had a couple as well and was always most fond of them for their "smiles per dollar" factor. I had an 02 GT I bought for 8.5 grand, put 40k HARD miles on it and sold it for 8k 3 years later. Maybe the V6 and 4cyl versions are more economical... But who buys a Mustang for anything other than a V8! Those 289's were great btw! My 02 had the 4.6, it wasn't the best power-wise but sounded amazing.

That sounded pretty awesome. One of the things I love about a V8 - that sound! Wish I had a vid of my last Mustang: an '06 supercharged GT with a Magnaflow catback exhaust. Sounded great! Used to set off alarms like crazy. 475hp - fastest car I've owned, so far.

Never hit anybody. Haha

c1pher · 12-29-2016, 10:42 PM

I think they went the camaro route with building a huge car. Loved my 2011 Mustang and felt it represented a nice sweet spot between retro muscle with newer technology. It seems that maybe the new GT might take a corner better, but the live axle wasn't really a slouch either once dialed in.

Esteban · 12-30-2016, 04:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MGM135is

I think they went the camaro route with building a huge car. Loved my 2011 Muatang and felt it represented a nice sweet spot between retro muscle with newer technology. It seems that maybe the new GT might take a corner better, but the live axle wasn't really a slouch either once dialed in.

I agree about the live axle, didn't mind it at all in my '06 GT. Haven't driven a Mustang with an IRS yet so can't make a real comparison. One day soon, though.

Matticus91 · 12-30-2016, 09:31 AM

I actually loved having a live axle in my 02, made it an absolute animal for friendly drifting competitions at E-Town in NJ

FrostyDC4 · 12-30-2016, 10:24 AM

The mustang is probably the best new sports car out there for the price (BTW nobody pays 45k for a GT. These cars are heavily discounted new). I was cross-shopping between this (S550 GT) and the E82 but the E82 won my heart

.

Matticus91 · 12-30-2016, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrostyDC4

The mustang is probably the best new sports car out there for the price (BTW nobody pays 45k for a GT. These cars are heavily discounted new). I was cross-shopping between this (S550 GT) and the E82 but the E82 won my heart

.

When I was talking to the dealership they came down to 40 on the price before I walked out, still a lot for a Mustang IMO. I really respect their overall build and the bulletproof drivetrain they've been using, maybe in the future I'll own another. I'd like to go drive the new Stingray next and see what kind of league that's in.

Esteban · 12-30-2016, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matticus91

When I was talking to the dealership they came down to 40 on the price before I walked out, still a lot for a Mustang IMO. I really respect their overall build and the bulletproof drivetrain they've been using, maybe in the future I'll own another. I'd like to go drive the new Stingray next and see what kind of league that's in.

You never know what the future has in store for you. Maybe a GT350? Hello flat-plane crank V8! Haha

ErvGotti · 12-31-2016, 04:21 AM

I think it'll be hard to adjust to any "big" sports car after driving the 1er. The bigger cars like the mustang and even the M3/4 are much more planted at higher speeds, but every time I drive one I miss the nimbleness of the 1 series. To me the 1er is the perfect balance between small car handling like a lotus or FRS/BRZ and big power cars like the mustang. My next car will either be a 1M or M2.

MZWIE · 12-31-2016, 09:15 AM

You really need to move up to Shelby GT land prior to feeling good about a Mustang. Friend has one and it is pretty good.

Still, it's a boat with much power.

Cavpilot2k · 01-04-2017, 11:53 AM

Yeah, my biggest complaint is the size. They just kep getting bigger and bigger. FWIW though, I feel the same way about the M4 - way too big for a 2-door sports coupe.
The GT350 (if you can get one) definitely ups the game a few notches, and IMHO is the best-sounding production car on the road, but its still a boat. 1er/2er size is the sweet spot. I like agile and nimble, and even the GT350 has never been described in those terms (great track handling yes, but not nimble or agile).

Esteban · 01-04-2017, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cavpilot2k

Yeah, my biggest complaint is the size. They just kep getting bigger and bigger. FWIW though, I feel the same way about the M4 - way too big for a 2-door sports coupe.
The GT350 (if you can get one) definitely ups the game a few notches, and IMHO is the best-sounding production car on the road, but its still a boat. 1er/2er size is the sweet spot. I like agile and nimble, and even the GT350 has never been described in those terms (great track handling yes, but not nimble or agile).

Here's how Car and Driver describes the sound of the GT350/GT350R:

Vaa-ROOOOOMpapapapapapa!!!!

Agree that it's the best sounding production car.

kprocivic · 01-04-2017, 12:27 PM

I never thought the 135i was agile or nimble. not in stock form at least. It's also quite porky as well. for 40k it's a win.

kprocivic · 01-04-2017, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Esteban

Here's how Car and Driver describes the sound of the GT350/GT350R:

Vaa-ROOOOOMpapapapapapa!!!!

Agree that it's the best sounding production car.

it sounds sweet, Italian cars have been sounding sweet for decades now though.

Esteban · 01-04-2017, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kprocivic

it sounds sweet, Italian cars have been sounding sweet for decades now though.

True, but check out the difference in the price. We can actually afford the GT350 compared to a new Ferrari or Lamborghini.

c1pher · 01-04-2017, 09:21 PM

Abarth makes those kinds of sounds especially if you put a piggyback on it. It was wonderful to listen to and I got the car new for $19k.

Cavpilot2k · 01-05-2017, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MGM135is

Abarth makes those kinds of sounds especially if you put a piggyback on it. It was wonderful to listen to and I got the car new for $19k.

Yes, but a roller skate with a good soundtrack is still a roller skate.

12-29-2016, 01:12 PM	#1
Matticus91 Brigadier General 3475 Rep 3,722 Posts Drives: 2013 135i Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (6)	Drove a '17 Mustang GT Something I do fairly often is go test drive cars when mine is in for service, or if I'm bored. I've driven every other generation of Mustang and heard good things about the new one, so I figured I'd give it a go. First impressions: -Pricey, the car I drove was a '17 GT well optioned and was stickered at over $45,000! -What visibility? Seriously. Can't see a damn thing out of these cars. -It's a battleship! The hood is so long and the car is surprisingly large, making it feel like a battleship lining up for a shot when you're trying to park. -Tire killer. I had traction on and still spun the tires through second without wanting to. Lots 'o torque! Other stuff: -Transmission is very notchy, not in a good way. I didn't like the feel very much and there were a few times I felt the gears through the knob before it slotted in. -Handling is significantly better than previous gen Mustangs but did not feel nimble at all -The tech is pretty good now, keyless everything, infotainment unit was pretty solid, and they do the screen mirror function now for smartphones which was cool. Overall I went in with low expectations just trying to get a feel for the car but after seeing the sticker I was pretty let down by what it had to offer. At a price of $45k you're really opening doors (pun intended) to a lot of other cars. New, you could have an M235i, an RC300, hell even a new Stingray around $49k. Anywho, just thought I'd share, if anyone has a different opinion I'd love to hear it! __________________ "Tobias" 2013 135i ///M-Sport 6MT • Pure Stage 1 • XDI 35 HPFP • 404whp/440wtq IG: msteelio91
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12-29-2016, 02:21 PM	#2
Esteban Major General 43786 Rep 7,224 Posts Drives: a slow car fast Join Date: Jun 2014 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	Always interested in Mustangs, guess because I had a few, plus my daughter had a '66 with the 289 (that was a fun little car). Was hoping a GT would still be in the $30K range, haven't checked the prices for a while, but yes, that does seem high. The only upside to a Mustang to me was the V8 in a relatively small car at an affordable price, but I guess they're getting bigger (and pricier), like most cars. Funny cause the Camaro is getting smaller. The IRS should help with the handling. Will have to test drive one soon and see what I think. Thanks for the review. __________________
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12-29-2016, 02:44 PM	#3
VRG_135 Banned 837 Rep 1,944 Posts Drives: 2012 Silver 135 DCT Join Date: Mar 2016 Location: Dallas Area (McKinney), TX iTrader: (0)	Sixty mph comes in just 4.6 seconds, the quarter mile in 12.9 at 110 mph flat. Not much better than my 135 in the 1/4 mile.....
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12-29-2016, 02:53 PM	#4
zx10guy Brigadier General 5150 Rep 3,241 Posts Drives: 2013 135i Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	I drove my friend's GT a year or so ago. Can't remember if it was a '15 or '16 model. The trans didn't bother me too much. Felt almost like my old 94 Z28 with the Borg Warner T56 trans. The beak also didn't bother me all that much because I had lots of seat time with my Z28 which was even worse than the new Mustangs. As you experienced...torque...torque...and more torque. I stomped on it in second and got the rear end to break free. The car felt composed when I did it but I backed off due to being on a rather busy street. Would I be in the market for one? Not sure. I am watching what happens with the Camaro with interest as I've always had a Generous Motors vehicle of some sort for a variety of reasons. My only Ford was a Focus ZX3 to serve as my beater/daily driver. I have kicked around the idea of getting another Focus in the ST or RS trim and going back to what I had before which was a daily beater and a garage queen.
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12-29-2016, 03:48 PM	#6
swagon Major General 13523 Rep 8,165 Posts Drives: F80 6MT Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: . iTrader: (0)	Did you hit any people? __________________
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12-29-2016, 10:42 PM	#8
c1pher Primo Generalissimo 4672 Rep 4,023 Posts Drives: All of them Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: DC area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Porsche 911 Ca ... [10.00] 2023 BMW M2 [9.00] 2023 Porsche Macan GTS [10.00] 2022 Ford F-250 Tremor [8.50]	I think they went the camaro route with building a huge car. Loved my 2011 Mustang and felt it represented a nice sweet spot between retro muscle with newer technology. It seems that maybe the new GT might take a corner better, but the live axle wasn't really a slouch either once dialed in. Last edited by c1pher; 12-30-2016 at 06:05 PM..
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12-30-2016, 09:31 AM	#10
Matticus91 Brigadier General 3475 Rep 3,722 Posts Drives: 2013 135i Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Washington DC iTrader: (6)	I actually loved having a live axle in my 02, made it an absolute animal for friendly drifting competitions at E-Town in NJ __________________ "Tobias" 2013 135i ///M-Sport 6MT • Pure Stage 1 • XDI 35 HPFP • 404whp/440wtq IG: msteelio91
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12-30-2016, 10:24 AM	#11
FrostyDC4 First Lieutenant 77 Rep 316 Posts Drives: C63S Sedan\|350Z Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Somewhere, AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 Nissan 350Z [0.00] 2012 BMW 135i [4.50]	The mustang is probably the best new sports car out there for the price (BTW nobody pays 45k for a GT. These cars are heavily discounted new). I was cross-shopping between this (S550 GT) and the E82 but the E82 won my heart . __________________ C63S Sedan: Long Live The V8 350Z: The Very Poorman's 981 GT4
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12-31-2016, 04:21 AM	#14
ErvGotti Major 124 Rep 1,362 Posts Drives: 2008 135i 6MT Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Aviano iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 135i [6.00]	I think it'll be hard to adjust to any "big" sports car after driving the 1er. The bigger cars like the mustang and even the M3/4 are much more planted at higher speeds, but every time I drive one I miss the nimbleness of the 1 series. To me the 1er is the perfect balance between small car handling like a lotus or FRS/BRZ and big power cars like the mustang. My next car will either be a 1M or M2.
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12-31-2016, 09:15 AM	#15
MZWIE Lieutenant Colonel 388 Rep 1,660 Posts Drives: M2 Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: GEORGIA iTrader: (0)	You really need to move up to Shelby GT land prior to feeling good about a Mustang. Friend has one and it is pretty good. Still, it's a boat with much power.
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01-04-2017, 11:53 AM	#16
Cavpilot2k Chief Warrant Officer 1025 Rep 1,638 Posts Drives: like a damn lunatic Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	Yeah, my biggest complaint is the size. They just kep getting bigger and bigger. FWIW though, I feel the same way about the M4 - way too big for a 2-door sports coupe. The GT350 (if you can get one) definitely ups the game a few notches, and IMHO is the best-sounding production car on the road, but its still a boat. 1er/2er size is the sweet spot. I like agile and nimble, and even the GT350 has never been described in those terms (great track handling yes, but not nimble or agile). __________________ "Prius" is Latin for Eunuch. "Hrothgar": 2012 135i: 6MT M-Sport, BSM/Blk; Nav, Premium, Convenience, HK Dinan Stage 2 +PPK /// BMW PE /// VRSF CP /// K&N /// Koni Sports /// RSFB Inserts /// MPS4S 225/255 /// Other Stuff
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01-04-2017, 12:27 PM	#18
kprocivic Lieutenant Colonel 813 Rep 1,575 Posts Drives: ecoboost s to the t Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: 92346 iTrader: (7)	I never thought the 135i was agile or nimble. not in stock form at least. It's also quite porky as well. for 40k it's a win. __________________ 2.0l ecosmackkaa
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01-04-2017, 09:21 PM	#21
c1pher Primo Generalissimo 4672 Rep 4,023 Posts Drives: All of them Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: DC area iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 Porsche 911 Ca ... [10.00] 2023 BMW M2 [9.00] 2023 Porsche Macan GTS [10.00] 2022 Ford F-250 Tremor [8.50]	Abarth makes those kinds of sounds especially if you put a piggyback on it. It was wonderful to listen to and I got the car new for $19k.
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