Drove a mustang 2.3 turbo..

[SprintFg]

I bought a fgx xr8 but I was very very close to buying a mustang. Due to the wait, not being able to test drive and the fgx being such a great value muscle car I bought that.

Anyhow I stopped into a ford dealer to have a look. This is the car available to test drive. It had an optional kit fitted.



There is a considerable wait for the 5.0 so only the 2.3 turbo was available. They fitted the wheels from the 5.0 as well.

First impressions are the car looks very nice, really attractive car and great presence. I've sat in one before, but never driven one.

I didn't think the driving position was that dissimilar to the fgx. Steering wheel was a bit low but seat also low. But I didn't play with it so might be some movement there. The front of the car is humongous. Almost like those old corvettes with the huge front, bat mobile, too big. The rear seat has nothing, it was basically touching the front seat. I know it's not meant to be a family car so for one off trips it would suffice.

Driving the car, you just can't see the front, the bonnet also has what looks like a boss bulge but it's just a crease really on both sides.. Seats were nice n comfy and dash looks ok if not a bit retro looking.

The salesman came with me so not much room in the front. It was a little awkward reaching over to drop the handbrake on the passenger side. Salesman probably thought it was an advance of sorts. Lol

On the road, I wasn't too impressed with the 2.3 turbo. Sound was not befitting of the car, it's a muscle car not a VW!! It wasn't too impressive with power either. I think a n/a ford falcon 6 would have more punch than it.

I wasn't too excited about driving it to be honest, it was auto as well. Just felt like the looks of the car were not matching the way it drove, like it wasn't a real mustang? Weird. I took it back to dealer quickly. Honestly I found it as exciting as driving a Toyota Camry.

The sales manager said so what do you think..

My first words were " you just can't buy the mustang with the 4cyl motor" no way. It's V8 or nothing. He tried to justify the car that people using it as a daily buy them but enthusiasts are staunch on the V8.

I also asked if a baby seat would fit in the back, salesman says you don't buy this sort of car for family duties, my response was, do you buy this sort of car for its 4 cylinder performance?" A real show pony (excuse the pun).

I'm glad I bought the fgx xr8, it's a car that you drive, you think geez it has some punch, geez it sounds nice, geez you could get into some real trouble in it, you park it and walk away thinking that's a special bit of kit. As you do if you drive a FPV GT or F6 or xr6t. They are special.

But this mustang was a real sheep in wolfs clothing. I love the look of the car but the drive was very underwhelming. I would still like to buy one but it must be a V8, it must be a manual.. But I think I need to drive it before putting down the cash, what I drove today was like driving a falcon Xt i6 with a GT body kit. It needs to feel special to match its super looks, the substance to match its style.

I think we are really going to miss the falcon, particularly the performance models, they didn't ever look as good as a mustang but geez they drive with some excitement.

im happy with the fgx and until I drive a mustang 5.0, I can't say that I'm sold on the mustang. I won't be buying one site unseen, need to drive the 5.0 and I hope it changes my mind. I hope the 5.0 is a great drive as you cannot buy the falcon v8 any more.

[STINKY NINJA]

They run mid-high 13 stock so id say they would easily smoke a na 4.0 fg.

[SprintFg]

Originally Posted by STINKY NINJA

They run mid-high 13 stock so id say they would easily smoke a na 4.0 fg.

Hmmmm doubt it. Go drive one. I didn't feel that special seriously.

[FPV523]

Originally Posted by SprintFg

I bought a fgx xr8 but I was very very close to buying a mustang. Due to the wait, not being able to test drive and the fgx being such a great value muscle car I bought that.

Anyhow I stopped into a ford dealer to have a look. This is the car available to test drive. It had an optional kit fitted.

image

There is a considerable wait for the 5.0 so only the 2.3 turbo was available. They fitted the wheels from the 5.0 as well.

First impressions are the car looks very nice, really attractive car and great presence. I've sat in one before, but never driven one.

I didn't think the driving position was that dissimilar to the fgx. Steering wheel was a bit low but seat also low. But I didn't play with it so might be some movement there. The front of the car is humongous. Almost like those old corvettes with the huge front, bat mobile, too big. The rear seat has nothing, it was basically touching the front seat. I know it's not meant to be a family car so for one off trips it would suffice.

Driving the car, you just can't see the front, the bonnet also has what looks like a boss bulge but it's just a crease really on both sides.. Seats were nice n comfy and dash looks ok if not a bit retro looking.

The salesman came with me so not much room in the front. It was a little awkward reaching over to drop the handbrake on the passenger side. Salesman probably thought it was an advance of sorts. Lol

On the road, I wasn't too impressed with the 2.3 turbo. Sound was not befitting of the car, it's a muscle car not a VW!! It wasn't too impressive with power either. I think a n/a ford falcon 6 would have more punch than it.

I wasn't too excited about driving it to be honest, it was auto as well. Just felt like the looks of the car were not matching the way it drove, like it wasn't a real mustang? Weird. I took it back to dealer quickly. Honestly I found it as exciting as driving a Toyota Camry.

The sales manager said so what do you think..

My first words were " you just can't buy the mustang with the 4cyl motor" no way. It's V8 or nothing. He tried to justify the car that people using it as a daily buy them but enthusiasts are staunch on the V8.

I also asked if a baby seat would fit in the back, salesman says you don't buy this sort of car for family duties, my response was, do you buy this sort of car for its 4 cylinder performance?" A real show pony (excuse the pun).

I'm glad I bought the fgx xr8, it's a car that you drive, you think geez it has some punch, geez it sounds nice, geez you could get into some real trouble in it, you park it and walk away thinking that's a special bit of kit. As you do if you drive a FPV GT or F6 or xr6t. They are special.

But this mustang was a real sheep in wolfs clothing. I love the look of the car but the drive was very underwhelming. I would still like to buy one but it must be a V8, it must be a manual.. But I think I need to drive it before putting down the cash, what I drove today was like driving a falcon Xt i6 with a GT body kit. It needs to feel special to match its super looks, the substance to match its style.

I think we are really going to miss the falcon, particularly the performance models, they didn't ever look as good as a mustang but geez they drive with some excitement.

im happy with the fgx and until I drive a mustang 5.0, I can't say that I'm sold on the mustang. I won't be buying one site unseen, need to drive the 5.0 and I hope it changes my mind. I hope the 5.0 is a great drive as you cannot buy the falcon v8 any more.

good stuff mate. I had a laugh whilst reading, well written

[Crazy Dazz]

I drive a "4 cylinder 'sports' car" so I can't really complain, but I struggle to see the attraction.

I bought the XR4 when I owned a BF Cobra. Now only the XR4 remains. It is exceedingly good fun to drive, especially around town. I even kept the boy-racer stripes, because that's what it is, a fun toy.

But I just can't fathom the 4 cylinder Mustang.
What's more, it seems to me to be a bizarre choice. A turbo V6 I could have understood. It would probably out perform a NA V8, or at the very least push the V8 developers to greater heights.

To each their own, if somebody's in love with the 4-cylinder Stang, more power to them them.

Perhaps It I wasn't so old, with so many years of muscle-car worship ingrained into me...

[mik]

I guess they are trying to cater for those with economy in mind as well as the muscle car lovers , on the plus side , it still looks cool .

speaking of economy , what sort of economy would you expect from one of the little wheezers .

[nstg8a]

If I was in the market is check one out, while I sort of agree a mustang should a v8 I wonder if that's because we are so used to mustangs being a 'premium ' product, where as in America they just another car really.

[MethodX]

Certainly looks the goods.

[SprintFg]

I think we enthusiasts see the mustang as the fpv / performance falcon replacement. So naterally the performance standard is a Miami v8 or i6 turbo.

its also only us enthusiasts that get sore about the Falcons demise.

But the 2.3 turbo simply does not cut it. That car is just for a completely different market segment. Someone that likes the looks but won't ever lift the hood or turn a spanner on the car, worries about their fuel consumption and minimise purchase price. They just want to get from a to b and look cool in the process.

But us enthusiasts are about substance over style, the mustang looks are just a bonus. For us, we have to wait for the 5.0 version.

[SprintFg]

By the way the kit on the demonstrator in my OP is a $7500 optional cost according to ford dealer. For that coin,wouldn't you option the v8 instead?

[chevypower]

The 2.3 has really good midrange performance, but open it up and it seems to lack compared to the 5.0 TiVCT V8.

[4stanger]

Originally Posted by STINKY NINJA

They run mid-high 13 stock so id say they would easily smoke a na 4.0 fg.

Originally Posted by SprintFg

Hmmmm doubt it. Go drive one. I didn't feel that special seriously.

Hmmmmmm, yes it will seriously , I have owned both (FG XR6 NA and EB Mustang) at the same time, driven both regularly on a daily basis. Maybe you had a dud or not aware of the other features on the car (track mode ) or ummm, I'm running out of excuses for you, sorry.

Stock for stock the EB Mustang is the better performer than the FG XR6 NA, better acceleration, better fuel economy, better handling and even though subjective, lets not forget the looks, the FG will carry more passengers, luggage and cheaper to purchase but these cars are not marketed to be high performance vehicles now are they, so I am not sure what you expected

Sorry but if your opinion of the EB Mustang is a lesser performer than a FGXR6 NA, your opinion for this and other areas of your review doesn't hold much credibility to me

[EB#]

As has been mentioned before in other threads, the Mustang was traditionally released with a range of engines. Eg. in '74 I believe the car was available with either a 4, 6 or 8 cylinder engine.

For my mind, the current available options of the boosted 4 and the 5.0 are in keeping with the 'Mustang tradition' of catering to a range of customers. I guess they both have their market and the V8 is no doubt more popular, but I'm sure the 4 will suit some buyers very well.

Horses for courses eh!

[Mont5.0]

how many dollars buys one of these 4 banger stangs?

[CyberWasp]

The Market has spoken.
EB Models are available for in Dealerships for test drives.
How long is the waiting list for the V8 still?

[4stanger]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

The Market has spoken.
EB Models are available for in Dealerships for test drives.
How long is the waiting list for the V8 still?

True and dare I say, since the EB Mustang has been released, it has sold more in numbers than V8 Falcons? (edit sold more during the same timeframe)
Unfortunately some are stuck in a mind set and will always tip hate on the 4 banger stang and come on here stating so, for what benefit, I do not know. Envy?
Like you say plenty at dealers to test drive, to anyone who hasn't driven one, don't be scared and go drive one yourself and form your own opinion, don't get herded like sheep listening to other opinions

[SprintFg]

Originally Posted by Mont5.0

how many dollars buys one of these 4 banger stangs?

I was told around $55k.. Plus the car had an optional $7500 body kit. I was also told buying the demonstrator would be same price as brand new, just don't have To wait..

V8 around $65k but was emailed a quote of $63500 drive away for manual fastback v8.

For $55k no way I'd go the 2.3 turbo. Bought my fgx xr8 for $53k brand new

But go test drive yourself, I was totally underwhelmed with the 4cyl version of mustang

[Nikked]

Still laugh when people say the mustang shouldn't have a 4 banger...

For 20 years a 4 cyl was part of its line up, in 1974, there was no V8 available. An interestingly the 1974 mustang was the best selling in 7 years, selling more then every mustang since 1967...

People forget a key part to the mustangs success has been choice (similar to our falcon), the first Mustang was available with a 2.8L six with a 3 speed auto behind it...

[Franco Cozzo]

Throw some mods at the 4 banger and she'll move along alright

[FairmontGS]

It's just wrong. And it always will be.

[Sox]

Originally Posted by FairmontGS

It's just wrong. And it always will be.

It's fun watching the 4 pot brigade make excuses though.

[Sioso]

If I wanted a fast 4 cyl I would rather buy the Focus RS over the Mustang.
5 doors, less weight and quicker everywhere.

[FPV523]

Originally Posted by Sioso

If I wanted a fast 4 cyl I would rather buy the Focus RS over the Mustang.
5 doors, less weight and quicker everywhere.

Here here

[4stanger]

Originally Posted by Sioso

If I wanted a fast 4 cyl I would rather buy the Focus RS over the Mustang.
5 doors, less weight and quicker everywhere.

Great car and suits a purpose in the current market.
but you wouldn't be classed in the "us enthusiasts" mob with a car like that cause you don't meet the v8 or i6 turbo criteria
We have a great range of cars offered by Ford this year, spoilt by choice to suit an individual's tastes and it is unfortunate that the Falcon is going, Falcon is pretty unique car on a world scale, what other sporty/performance type cars does holden, toyota etc. offer to compete?
Its a Ford forum and you just can't keep everybody happy can you

[STINKY NINJA]

Originally Posted by SprintFg

Hmmmm doubt it. Go drive one. I didn't feel that special seriously.

You can doubt it all you like,

The Autotech red eco-boost Mustang went out to Sydney Dragway last Wednesday and managed a 13.75 @ 101.4 MPH.

Tuning and upgrades will now begin.

Stay tuned !!!

This was taken from the autotech sponsor section,maybe you need to get a clue before you become Joshua dowling...
Maybe you didn't feel special because you are not special lol

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by FairmontGS

It's just wrong. And it always will be.

So the mustang has always been wrong?

[FairmontGS]

Originally Posted by Nikked

So the mustang has always been wrong?

[Nikked]

Originally Posted by FairmontGS

In offering smaller, economic motors like a 4 or a 6...

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by Sioso

If I wanted a fast 4 cyl I would rather buy the Focus RS over the Mustang.
5 doors, less weight and quicker everywhere.

The 4 cylinder mustang has its place and im sure its a nice drive and the engine is proven really. But yeah id take a focus RS.

Originally Posted by Sox

It's fun watching the 4 pot brigade make excuses though.

No excuses here, be funny to see some people driving late model V8 falcons have a drive of a turbo 4 and see what they think. Again only need to look at the Focus RS it will destroy most all late model standard falcons. But i know hot hatches arent for everyone. But it may not have the soul of a V8 falcon though in some peoples eyes.

[FairmontGS]

Originally Posted by Nikked

In offering smaller, economic motors like a 4 or a 6...

I've no problem with the 6 cylinder as it was always offered with the original. The 4 is just wrong.