Import Guy Considers Defection!

bodizafa · Dec 2, 2004

First off, before I get to my question...a little background. I am the owner of a 2002 Acura RSX. I bought it because it handles great and for the price I couldn't find anything else that I liked as much.
I am tired of front wheel drive and was thinking about getting a 350Z, but I keep reading about the '05 Mustang and my interest is definitely piqued. I am currently deployed overseas so I can't test drive any of them against each other right now...but curiousity is killing me!
To anyone who owns (or has test driven) and '05 GT...although I would enjoy the extra HP, the real joy of driving a car (for me) comes from the way that it handles. I have read other posts that hail the "night an day difference" between this Mustang and it's earlier models, but does anyone have a frame of reference similar to mine? I like a car to be nimble and responsive...is this how anyone would describe the '05 Mustang?

Thanks in advance for your comments...

o5stanggt · Dec 2, 2004

i just left an import car and the front wheel drive seemed to react a little "tighter" if you would but i love the way my car handles it is a lot more predictable so its easier to drive faster also easier to screw up though

royb · Dec 2, 2004

bodizafa said:
First off, before I get to my question...a little background. I am the owner of a 2002 Acura RSX. I bought it because it handles great and for the price I couldn't find anything else that I liked as much.
I am tired of front wheel drive and was thinking about getting a 350Z, but I keep reading about the '05 Mustang and my interest is definitely piqued. I am currently deployed overseas so I can't test drive any of them against each other right now...but curiousity is killing me!
To anyone who owns (or has test driven) and '05 GT...although I would enjoy the extra HP, the real joy of driving a car (for me) comes from the way that it handles. I have read other posts that hail the "night an day difference" between this Mustang and it's earlier models, but does anyone have a frame of reference similar to mine? I like a car to be nimble and responsive...is this how anyone would describe the '05 Mustang?

Thanks in advance for your comments...

Nimble no Responsive yes, Powerful low to mid great. It will beat the pants off a 350z & have less problems

SadbutTrue · Dec 2, 2004

bodizafa said:
First off, before I get to my question...a little background. I am the owner of a 2002 Acura RSX. I bought it because it handles great and for the price I couldn't find anything else that I liked as much.
I am tired of front wheel drive and was thinking about getting a 350Z, but I keep reading about the '05 Mustang and my interest is definitely piqued. I am currently deployed overseas so I can't test drive any of them against each other right now...but curiousity is killing me!
To anyone who owns (or has test driven) and '05 GT...although I would enjoy the extra HP, the real joy of driving a car (for me) comes from the way that it handles. I have read other posts that hail the "night an day difference" between this Mustang and it's earlier models, but does anyone have a frame of reference similar to mine? I like a car to be nimble and responsive...is this how anyone would describe the '05 Mustang?

Thanks in advance for your comments...

Road and Track called the 05 GT the best handling mustang ever (save the 00 Cobra R), and Car and Driver specifically said it outhandled the 350z Track Edition (was better in both skidpad and slalom). I might have mixed up the publications, but both statements are true.

All for a car that is faster and costs over 2 grand less. Hell, with all the work Ford put into it, it may be more reliable too.

Darkhorse845 · Dec 3, 2004

Welcome Aboard!

5.8CAPRI · Dec 3, 2004

Nimble, Not really. Responsive, and confidence inspiring a resounding yes. This is a large car, your acura could hide behind it. So nimble goes out the window. But I have driven one and can say that It WILL, in stock trim, outhandle anything close to its price range, and looks as good or better than anything at any price, with a few possible high end exceptions.
Some say that looks don't matter because there will be a million around in a couple years. So what, there are millions of Beautiful women in this world, and I never get tired of looking them . It's just that this one actually has a personality too!!

rah rah · Dec 3, 2004

5.8CAPRI said:
So what, there are millions of Beautiful women in this world, and I never get tired of looking them . It's just that this one actually has a personality too!!

Well said,

Rampant · Dec 3, 2004

You are going to have to drive them yourself. For me, I always like the lighter weight cars as they feel more "tossable". The Z feels more nimble than the Mustang (although I really don't have all that much seat time in either, I have driven them both pretty hard).

They feel different. However, for me, I need the extra space and back seat the Mustang has, like the look and personality of the Mustang, and want the torque of a burly muscle car, so there really isn't any competition.

BTW, the RX-8 felt better than either the Z or the Mustang around turns. It just feels like a pig everywhere else as it has no torque -- and that sucked all the fun for me.

This is a Mustang board, so everyone is going to say the Mustang is better than the Z. Go to a Z board and they will say it will beat the pants off the Mustang.

The bottom line is you have to drive them for yourself.

bodizafa · Dec 3, 2004

Rampant said:
You are going to have to drive them yourself. For me, I always like the lighter weight cars as they feel more "tossable". The Z feels more nimble than the Mustang (although I really don't have all that much seat time in either, I have driven them both pretty hard)

This is a Mustang board, so everyone is going to say the Mustang is better than the Z. Go to a Z board and they will say it will beat the pants off the Mustang.

The bottom line is you have to drive them for yourself.

yeah...can't wait to do that! i will say that everyone's comments have been helpful. after runnin' around in a lightwieght, high-rev car you lose the frame of reference needed to logically compare a different breed of auto...i only vaugely recall what being able to do any meaningful pedal mashing below 3500rpm...

cti · Dec 3, 2004

TOURQE RULES!!!!!!!

DBMSTNG · Dec 3, 2004

the RSX handles ok, but not great. it just feels good because it's a light car. the 05 may not feel as if it is as good a handler but in reality, it is. the 05 is the most balanced Mustang to date. take one for a test drive (if you can find one) and judge for yourself. as for the power, you'll find that in a V8 Mustang, you can have fun accelerating while not even going over 3k rpm. torque is great.

eric n · Dec 3, 2004

On the topic of import drivers looking to the outstanding new 05 stang I have a bit of a reverse story (LET THE FLAMING BEGIN).

Let me start by saying that my first car was a 69 Mach1 in 1976. Since that time I've had a total of 6 stangs. (2) 69 machs, 2 65 convertibles, 1 85 GT convert and currently I drive the wheels off a pretty damn nice well modded 66 fastback.

All that said, the wife is looking to get a new car as her Mazda 3 (5 door hatch back) has been in the shop 5 times in the first year for the same problem.

She wants something with a sporty ride and a little room. So we went to see the Subaru Legacy GT Wagon (250 hp 250 lbs torque) 3300 lbs ALL WHEEL DRIVE. We drove it. I was absolutely impressed. I got on that thing to get on the onramp at speeds that shocked me. All the time the salesman is saying, "You're fine, get on it, more, more!"

I hate the rice look. I hate the rice attitude. I hate the rice wings. But, that's a pretty damn well engineered station wagon.

I actually found myself thinking I should probably drive an STI, just to see what all the fuss is about. I remember reading an article in I think HOTROD magazine which basically had the subaru as a superior performance car when compared to an 04 cobra. ASTOUNDING.

I'm quite sure I would never buy one. Especially when within the next 6 months we should have a good idea what the next SE Mustang would be. Still a really well engineered piece of tastless automobile.

ruffy · Dec 3, 2004

bodizafa said:
so I can't test drive any of them against each other right now...but curiousity is killing me!

That sucks they don't have a DEMO. Everybody has a demo except AAFES.
Tell you what dude. I'll be picking up my '05 in Heidelberg on the 13th or 14th. If you are around and don't look like you escaped from an insane asylum, we can take it out for a spin.

i4power · Dec 3, 2004

eric n said:
...I remember reading an article in I think HOTROD magazine which basically had the subaru as a superior performance car when compared to an 04 cobra. ASTOUNDING.

LilHog · Dec 3, 2004

eric n said:
On the topic of import drivers looking to the outstanding new 05 stang I have a bit of a reverse story (LET THE FLAMING BEGIN).

Let me start by saying that my first car was a 69 Mach1 in 1976. Since that time I've had a total of 6 stangs. (2) 69 machs, 2 65 convertibles, 1 85 GT convert and currently I drive the wheels off a pretty damn nice well modded 66 fastback.

All that said, the wife is looking to get a new car as her Mazda 3 (5 door hatch back) has been in the shop 5 times in the first year for the same problem.

She wants something with a sporty ride and a little room. So we went to see the Subaru Legacy GT Wagon (250 hp 250 lbs torque) 3300 lbs ALL WHEEL DRIVE. We drove it. I was absolutely impressed. I got on that thing to get on the onramp at speeds that shocked me. All the time the salesman is saying, "You're fine, get on it, more, more!"

I hate the rice look. I hate the rice attitude. I hate the rice wings. But, that's a pretty damn well engineered station wagon.

I actually found myself thinking I should probably drive an STI, just to see what all the fuss is about. I remember reading an article in I think HOTROD magazine which basically had the subaru as a superior performance car when compared to an 04 cobra. ASTOUNDING.

I'm quite sure I would never buy one. Especially when within the next 6 months we should have a good idea what the next SE Mustang would be. Still a really well engineered piece of tastless automobile.

I Read the article with the Subaru STI against the Mustang Cobra, basically it was an even match. Half of the testers chose the STI and the other half chose the cobra. It's like apples to oranges, both are very different in their own special way and actually the cobra got better gas mileage. I own a 04 WRX and it is a fantastic vehicle and the all wheel drive can't be beat, and if you challenge it on a roll good luck trying to catch it. BUT it can't compare to an american made V8. The Mustang will bring a permanent grin to your face with the power and torque that it provides. It is an icon, and a much more fun vehicle to drive from start to finish. Torque rules and once you experience it, you will never want to be without it.

Mr_dcj2001 · Dec 3, 2004

I agree. The STI is an absolute rocket. But, it is a 4 door and those are . If I had to get a 4 door(thankfully not,wifey has a 99 Accord ) I would definately look into that. But for me its Mustang all the way. I am not ashamed to admit those cars are pretty fast. If a car is worth it, I will give it kudos no matter where it was manufactured.

racinready300ex · Dec 5, 2004

I am also a import guy considering switching to a mustang. I currently drive a 350awhp 02 wrx. I'm in the process of selling it now.

My decision really comes down the to 05 mustange and a 04-05 SRT-4. I'm kinda leaning toward the srt-4. Because for the price of the Mustang I can buy a srt and mod it to out run a cobra even a lightly modded one.

But, I like the way the mustang looks alot more. And the fact that it is RWD. It should handle pretty good, although the neons aren't really bad either. I think turn will come down to driver more than car. I have friends with a srt, and no matter what I get I will not beat them in the twisty's. Because they have a combintation of skill, and crazyness that I can't compete with lol.

StangCrazy302Gt · Dec 5, 2004

ok... in between me owning 2 other mustangs i bought a rsx type-s (03) nice looking car comfy inside and affordible.. did a suspension drop and rims 18' by 7.5 with 225 35 zr18 falkins on them and let me tell u this car stuck like it was on rails on the turns... but it did lack power .great top end i toped it out at 160 on the gsp no problem..but like i said lacked the tourque and it was front wheel drive... and i test drove a 05 and i loved it.. felt at home soon as i opened the door..but remember i had 2 stangs before the rsx and was allways a stang guy.hope that helps any

wrx-no-mo · Dec 5, 2004

As another WRX owner (Cobb tuning stage 2), I'll chime in. I'm happy with my WRX, but have decided that 1) I don't like turbo lag at all, even the minor lag on my setup; and 2) I want more confidence in my drivetrain (the WRX is *not* built for aggressive driving).

I haven't had time to test drive the new Mustang, but did pop in the dealer and sit in one in the showroom. The car is smaller in person than the impression I got from the pictures--a good thing. Interior ergonomics were dead on perfect for me--another good thing, since the interior of the previous model year always felt a little awkward for me.

Power and handling wise, the stock GT sounds like it will be about dead even with my modded WRX. This is great news, since I'm very happy with my current power levels. Although I'm sure I'll be saving for a twin-screw in no time! I had strongly considered an STi, but the close to $6k price difference between the two will turn the GT into a beast of a car that will destroy the STi (unless it is a rain-slicked road course...) on a road course or drag strip.

I plan on taking some test drives over the holidays, but my mind is already made up and I'll be ordering an '05 in the next few months.

MadFish · Dec 5, 2004

Im another Import owner that switched. I sold my 330Ci BMW for the '05 Mustang. Wont be much of a difference for me, since BMW's are rear wheel drive. Handling might not be as good, but I can change that.

Import Guy Considers Defection!

bodizafa

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o5stanggt

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royb

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SadbutTrue

Darkhorse845

Banned

5.8CAPRI

rah rah

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Rampant

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bodizafa

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cti

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DBMSTNG

I fantasize about it being BIG!

eric n

ruffy

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i4power

LilHog

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Mr_dcj2001

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racinready300ex

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StangCrazy302Gt

wrx-no-mo

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MadFish

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