Best decision?

[07BLKSTANG-GT]

I have never driven any Mustang other than the '08 I currently own. But I hear such a large following and support for the '99-04s. Personally, I don't think they look even half as good as the 197s, so it must be strictly performance.

Right?

No, not performance just familiarity( Hope I spelled that right). The S197 is still a new platform compared to the SN95. For most of the members of this forum, the SN95 is what we are used to and is lighter than the new Mustangs. Specifically the Mach 1's and the Terminator's are what most refer to in terms of large following and support.

 

[Hoboattacker]

Mach 1 and Cobra's are lighter than the new mustangs and put down similar numbers. 4V's also respond a lot better to boost than the 3V's. And the Terminators can handle a boat load of power on the stock internals and block and they look dead sexy (sexier than the s197 IMO).

 

[LV51FER]

You have to remember that you're comparing a special edition SN95 with all the good bits to a stock GT. I've never driven any SN95 but all the reviews say the S197 is light years ahead and since the torsional rigidity of the S197 is as good as an SN95 with a cage, that stands to reason.

I suppose what you should be comparing your Mach 1 to is the Bullitt which has all the FRPP stuff on it. Having modified my GT extensively, I would say the S197 is a good base for mods but I wouldn't want to leave it stock. The suspension damping is soft and it rides like a speedboat but once you fit lowering springs and dampers, it's a whole new level and you can't understand why Ford didn't make it stock (hence the Bullitt).

 

[226embarcadero]

It sounds like I ought to drive an SN95.

Just for kicks.

 

[Cory281]

My 08 is a nicer car then my 01 was in every category. But I still think when I just get down to driving the car I think that my 01 was more fun. I liked the exhaust note from it more and that you had such a direct feel from the shifter. For me the S197 is to refined, which is nice for driving it everyday I guess. I think if you are really happy with a S197 then you won't be happy going to a SN95 car.

I was in the same situation with my 01 GT I didn't know if I wanted to keep it or get a 08 GT. My 01 got totaled so I had to do something, but if I where you I would keep the Mach 1. it's already been said, but it's nice not seeing a car like yours around every corner. Do whatever will make you happy though.

 

[jlisle01]

Please don't listen to the advice of anyone who is comparing a S197 to a Mach1. YES, the S197 is light years ahead of a '01- '04 Mustang GT. But an '04 Mustang GT is NOT an '04 Mach1! The Mach1 was a totally different animal and the 4V motor in that thing is light years ahead of the 2V. I have driven both the Mach and my '05 and would call them an even deal. They're just different. I lean towards the old school looks and I'm into corner carving so it's a no brainer for me. S197 all the way. But the '04 Mach1 was definitely just as cool and it felt faster than my '05. The 4V in that thing ROCKS! My advice: there is no way you are going to get any idea at all what you'll like on this or any other forum. The car's are just too close. Hop in the Mach and head to your Ford dealer for a test drive in a new stang. If you're sporting wood afterwards, buy it! If not, say thanks, but I like my Mach better and wait.

 

[scupking]

S197s are nice cars but I wouldn't give up your mach. As everyone else said you have a 320hp 4V that is one heck of an engine. I would say if you want an upgrade get the 03-04 cobra. They also have IRS so the ride would be softer then the mach.

 

[user2520528]

Thank you for the information and kind replies guys.

Just an update. I went to one of the many Ford Dealerships near me and I test drove the 08'GT Premium and the new Bullitt. I wasn't really impressed like I was hoping.

The SN197 body, while attractive as it is, just wasn't for me I guess. I didn't like the way the car drove or accelerated at all. That's just my opinion though. The dealer also didn't know that much about the car (or history of the car) either, which was also somewhat depressing (must have told me "THIS CAR IS HOT HOT HOT" at least a dozen times, typical dealer talk). Then again, I walked in there just with sheer curiosity for the car- it would've had to blow my mind completely for me to consider purchasing it.

In light of the situation though, this just gave me the green light basically mod the living hell out of my Mach when the warmer weather decides to stroll on in.

 

[slowstang4.6]

I think most in the know folks seem to be saying the same thing, and I agree. The S197 platform is lightyears ahead of the SN95 in terms of ride quality and handling. That being said, the Mach 1 is a badass 4V car. If your current car was a GT I'd say go for it. Since it is a Mach 1, I say hold on to it or get a Terminator.

 

[bluecar]

I had a really nice 01 Cobra but was bitten by the S197 bug. I did a trade-in with the dealer and took a pretty big hit. Although it does not stand out, it is light years ahead of its predecessor. I was thinking that my Cobra was a house of cards stacked on a '78 Fairmount chassis. Go S197 if you can swing it. That's my vote.