I'm not sure if this is the forum to post this, so I apologize ahead of time if it's not. I am trying to decide which Mustang I should shoot for and wanted to get some input from those who own one or more of these cars. I have seen many Mustangs both here and elsewhere that have really caught my eye, but I haven't found one, with the exception of the 2008 Shelby KR500 that totally stood out above the rest. Unfortunately, the chances of me coming up with 6 figures to buy one of those is slim to none. But, what I am wondering is, what Mustang do y'all like best, and why? If you own a 99 Cobra, why do you love it so much vs. another type or style of Mustang? If there's another Mustang you want to own, why is that? I'm trying to gather as much data as I can from fellow Mustang enthusiasts so I can make and educated decision. Is there a certain year of Mustang that is more prone to mechanical failure and trouble? Which powerplant combination seems to be a favorite among the owners here? I'm looking for any and all input, so please do not hesitate to let me know why youbought the Mustang you did, and if ytou're happy with it, why? If you're not happy with it, then what are the reasons for your displeasure? I have seen a growing number of used Mustangs filling up the local dealership lots as of late and I'm curious as to why that might be. the 2005 and up Mustangs seem to be making up a majority of those found on the lots and I'm wondering why that might be. I am really fond of the 95-03 bodystyle and would really like to hear from those who own that bodystyle and get their input as well. I don't want this to turn into a "this mustang is better than your mustang" type of thread either. I just want input from owners of ALL years and variations to assist me in narrowing down my search because right now, to be honest with you, it can get a bit overwhelming seeing all the different Mustang platforms currently available. Thanks for your input and advice in advance!
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Later,
Bri
"Member in good standing of the Horsepower Jihad!"
Ya, no problem, you gotta start somewhere. I'll give you a very basic rundown the pros and cons of the various years, excluding classics.
Fox body (1979-1993),Lx and Gt came stock with a 225 hp and 285 torque 5.0L V8- Pros- cheap, huge and cheap aftermarket, easy to work on. Styling on these bad boys are hit or miss though, some people love them while some people hate them. Also, these cars are for the most part over 20 years old, meaning they probably have high mileage and are more likely to have mechanical problems. Other cons are: lack of rigidity, often poor ride quality, 4 lug, and subpar interior.
SN95 (1994-1995), Gt comes stock with a 215 hp and 285 torque 5.0L V8- Pros: medium price, large and cheap aftermarket, easy to work on, better handling and more rigid than Fox body, 5 lug, generally seen to have a better interior than the Fox. Cons- again, an older car so you might run into the same issues as the Fox.
(1996-1998), Gt comes stock with a 215 hp and 285 torque 4.6L 2 valve V8- Pros: medium price, better handling and more rigid than Fox body, 5 lug, generally seen to have a better interior than the Fox. Cons- 4.6L engine is a bit of a dog, these years are the slowest of the bunch and the aftermarket is limited and more expensive when compared to the 5.0L aftermarket.
New Edge (99-04), Gt comes stock with a 260 hp and 300 torque PI 2 valve 4.6L V8- Pros: new styling, good hangling and rigidity, nice interior, high horsepower and an aftermarket that is better than the 1996-1998 Mustangs. Cons: things are starting to get pricey with this model, both purchase price and aftermarket. Also, weight is starting to be an issue, this car is slightly heavier than the 1994-1998 and significantly heavier than the Fox Mustangs.
S197 (2005-2008), Gt comes stock with a 300 hp and 305 torque 3 valve 4.6L V8- Pros: new retro styling, best handling and rigidity of the bunch, top quality interior, highest horsepower with an aftermarket second only to the 5.0L Foxes. Cons- expensive, heavy as hell when compared to the others, and is significanlty bigger than the others (height, length, width and overall size).
Overall 1/4 Mile Performances:
1996-1998 < 1994-1995 < Fox < New Edge < S197
Hope this helps you make your decision.
*Note this includes no info on special models like: Cobra, Bullit, Mach 1, Saleen, Roush etc because I'm way to lazy to make a write up about all of them.
< Message edited by 5.0LitreSN95 -- 4/3/2008 4:10:36 PM >
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I have been here way too long to not have a wicked sig.
I appreciate the rundown. I do like the looks of the Fox bodies GT's, but being in the awesome Northeast, the majority of these cars are showing their age by rusting and deteriorating. I like the 99 Cobra and REALLY like that bodystyle as well as the new style. But, as I said, I'm seeing ALOT of 2005-present 'Stangs sitting on the used car lots and I'm VERY curious as to why they are there. You can normally gauge how much a car is liked and how popular it is by how many are NOT on the used car lot. I'm wondering why so many are being traded in so soon after being purchased. Keep feeding me your opinions and experiences people. I am VERY interested and am taking notes!
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Later,
Bri
"Member in good standing of the Horsepower Jihad!"
1984-1986 SVO Mustang. About ~9850 produced, and far ahead of their time. The car was developed to compete with European challengers such as the 944. Turbocharged and intercooled 2.3, 5 lug, 4 wheel disc brakes, Hurst shifter, Recaro sport seats, adjustable Koni's all around, functional hood scoop, dual spoiler, some other goodies. People generally have a love it/hate it relationship with these cars. I would buy one, but I might be a bit biased.....since I own 2
Pros: rare, cheap, unique
Pros/Cons: love it/hate it styling, love it/hate it mentality on the 2.3 T
Cons: 20+ years old, SVO specific parts are getting kind of tough to find
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1985 SVO 13.62 @ ~97mph with 20 psi, on the brakes trying to keep from breaking out!
quote:
drhoward You don't count with your wierdo turbo special olympic mustangs[/q
I personally like what Legend Mustangs car they built. I saw both of their models at a Mustang show this past weekend and they look and sound absolutely amazing. And hey... with their version of the Cobra coming with 650hp blown with a kb charger who wouldn't? Check them out at http://www.legendmustangs.com/index.html I spoke with the owner about them and he said in the near future he is retiring and making this his full time job so I hope to see some more of them around.
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06 GT Premium 5sp, Shaker 1000, Eibach PRO lowering springs, American Muscle GT4 Black rims, Bassani Catted X-pipe, Bassani Stainless Steel Racing Mufflers, Moser Racing Axles
Obviously, you've got a lot of opptions. One of the coolest things about Mustangs is the amount of aftermarket mods, kits and other stuff you can get. Just look at what you want to do with the car and start looking at whats out there. My suggestion is to get something newer (say, a 99-08) and make it unique, and have fun with it.
I appreciate the rundown. I do like the looks of the Fox bodies GT's, but being in the awesome Northeast, the majority of these cars are showing their age by rusting and deteriorating. I like the 99 Cobra and REALLY like that bodystyle as well as the new style. But, as I said, I'm seeing ALOT of 2005-present 'Stangs sitting on the used car lots and I'm VERY curious as to why they are there. You can normally gauge how much a car is liked and how popular it is by how many are NOT on the used car lot. I'm wondering why so many are being traded in so soon after being purchased. Keep feeding me your opinions and experiences people. I am VERY interested and am taking notes!
Thats weird, around here there are very few sitting on used car lots... I have been looking for a slightly used one, and am having trouble finding one that fits me because I dont have many to choose from close to me. I would recommend probably a 2005+ GT or GT500. Or else an 03/04 cobra, then a 99-04 GT. JMO. Good luck deciding.
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2000 Mustang Chrome cobra rims Chin Spoiler Xenon Lights Honeycomb Rear -Waiting for a 2010 GT-
Posts: 126
Joined: 11/28/2006 From: Muskegon, MI Status: offline
fox's are hit or miss in the looks dept. but can be some of the sexyist also they keep a certain "classic essesence" (primarily because 79-83 are techniquely in the state of MI). Watchout for the earlier fox's because like earlier stated the handling is rough.
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Which Mustang? - 
. Seriously though, the termie's are sweet, but not exactly an entrance level performance car.
