Strat_928

OK - stick with me on this,,,,,,,

My 83 928 is an awesome GT style automobile, much better than some might expect in handling, awesome V8 rumble, wonderful cockpit, seats, and styling that is truly classic and eye catching, even today, and finally performance to beat the band, especially for a 33 year old car.

My plan, when I retire, was to add a Cayman S, to the stable, for obvious reasons. But, I would need to get a used one,,,, thus negating the normal desire to get your retirement car exactly like you want it (without breaking the bank).

Enter a vist to the local Ford dealer to get a new Edge Sport for my wife who is retiring first. While we are waiting for that deal to proceed, I test drive the new 2016 Mustang GT with the performance package. It brought back all my memories of my 1970 Mustang Mach I with Cleveland engine in high school,,,, but strangely, also was reminding me of some aspects of my 928! The rumble, the comfort, the performance.....HEY they are both really good example of GT's!

So to me they are essentially different examples of the same kind of car, built 33 years apart. The plan now is to order a Mustang GT exactly like I want in April and save about 20-30k at the same time. 435 HP 400 torque, and a lot of tech in this 'Stang, and now with independent rear suspension too. This (and my 928) is my kind of car, and although the Cayman S is one of the best sports cars on the planet,,, I will be very happy with my 2016 Mustang and 83 928. Maybe I will get a older Cayman and track it for fun later! (my wife does not read this forum,,,)

OK - what do you think? Any personal experiences or parallels? I know there are big differences as well, but what stood out to me was what I liked about both.

hacker-pschorr

When the 4-cylinder turbo Mustang came out one of the big car magazines compared it to the Audi A5. So you are not alone in your thinking.

Why the 4-cylinder version? It's lighter and they felt better balanced for a comparison to a car like the Audi. Local tuning shop was able to reprogram one of the new 4-bangers to just shy of 400lb-ft at the rear wheels (don't recall the HP).

Strat_928

Indeed - the 4 banger is quite capable and is lighter, especially in the nose, and thus probably a little better in the tracking and twisty aspects of handling....I am just a fool for the V8

I believe few would be disappointed in that version though as well, and with a few tweaks you could easily get it closer the V-8, HP and Torgue-wise. It is 320hp stock already and at least 200lbs lighter. Side benefit,,,, much better gas mileage too, making it a better daily option. Yes Ford is a bit more international and aggressive in it's thinking in the past few years and the results are showing to our benefit.

If it comes in in time to get some break-in miles on it prior, I may drive it to Sharks in the Mountains for a long shake-down cruise!

the flyin' scotsman

If you really like V8s try a Cayenne before you buy the Edge........incredible machine for what is a SUV

Havent driven a new 'Stang .........lots of fun cars out there its hard to allocate garage space for them all on the wish list

hwyengr

Having come out of a '13 Mustang GT into the 928, I understand the general concept. But, the Mustang really pissed me off in two areas. The steering was horribly numb (which apparently has not been fixed in the current generation, despite a much better suspension design), and it only has a 16-gal fuel tank which negates the concept of grand touring since the range is under 300 miles or so.

Cosmo Kramer

The independent rear suspension was long overdue in the Mustang. It was always the biggest factor holding it back.

Sidebar, I have the 2015 Edge Sport and it is extremely quick, there are ecu flashes out there now that bring it to over 400 hp/450 tq and 0-60 under 5 seconds. You won't be disappointed. I think the 2.7 TT in the Edge would be absolutely awesome in the Mustang as a mid model between the base and GT.

linderpat

Go for it. I find the parallels quite similar. In fact, I sold my Boxster to grab yet another (my 4th) S197 Mustang. I like the 05 to 09's best in terms of styling. Just wish there was Coyote power too. I've done a couple of things to make it faster however. I also do not mind the live rear solid axle. Great fun at the track. I am looking at a 12 Boss 302 right now in fact.
I think Mustangs and Sharks go great together!

Red Flash

The phrase "la carte et le territoire" comes to mind, which I think means something like the theory is one thing, but in practice it looks rather different. (Bertrand, please comment on this... :-))

That having been said my knowledge of American muscle cars quit accumulating somewhere around 2005. At that time, even if already slightly underpowered, a comparison between a 928 and an American muscle car just didn't really make sense.

Strat_928

Interesting points thanks! - Cosmo - yes the Twin Turbo 2.7 does seem to be an awesome engine. We have the car now now and although it weighs over 4k lbs,,,, it moves very nicely and is fun to drive. They did a really nice job on that model. We got that instead of a Volvo XC60......I am so happy she chose the Edge now.
Maybe that engine will replace the the current 6cyl in future Mustangs.

Ed - maybe I will see you at SITM or Frenzy this year and we can discuss your 'Stangs and Sharks affection too!

I understand about the gas tank and steering, although I thought the steering was pretty good with the performance package on that short ride. I am spoiled by the 23 gal tank in our 928!,,, no one will beat that these days,,,,,I will be test driving the Mustang again on more twisty roads and also the TT 4cyl model as well before I make a final decision.

Malcolm - you have NO IDEA how hard I tried to get my wife to get a Cayenne or even a new Macan S,,,,, and she would have none of it,,,, mainly because they take premium gas,,,, but this was her retirement gift, so she gets what she wants,,,, LOL That would have been very cool though,,,,,,

Red Flash - I agree that in general muscle cars are not a lot like 928s or other Euro-spec GTs..... but this iteration of Mustang GT,,, is getting a lot closer, and like I said,,,, they have a some obvious things in common that I enjoy and that is what was surprising.

the flyin' scotsman

understand well pleasing the wife point ......but;

my used Cayenne GTS was a CPO so full warranty, less than half full retail cost which, given the small difference between regular and premium buys an awful lot of fuel

I traded a 1 year old Jeep Grand Cherokee and would do so again in a heart beat.

hacker-pschorr

Technically the Mustang is a Pony car......

Strat_928

Indeed, it is the quintissential Pony Car, that happens to have enough muscle to do what it needs to do,,,,,the Camaro and Dodge options are really more muscle car, heavier, powerful, huge side doors chopped look etc. The Pony car ideal is different, and I like it!

928 DesMoines

Perhaps by the time you retire, the Mustang will have an AWD option so you can put more pony in the corners.

I do love the Mustang's new look though.

If I could afford either car; I would be test driving both one weekend each.

Petza914

I've rented new Mustangs a few times recently. Of all the Hertz adrenaline bargain muscle cars (Camaro SS, Challenger R/T, and Mustang 5.0) it's my favorite. I've also driven both engines and although that eco Turbo is actually pretty quick, it lacks the sensory experience you buy a Mustang for - too quiet, no rumble, no drift at will capability. The other thing is that the interiors don't have the same feel - lots of plastic, even if soft touch which will eventually wear off, leather that's not like European leather, etc plus you lose the uniqueness factor - not that you get this with a Cayman either.

Although a much higher price, the newer Maserati coupe and cab are really interesting to me - still not one at every corner like the Stang, very good looking, awesome sound, useable rear seats, etc.

Just my impressions and opinions...

James Bailey

Ford sold about 100,000 of the 2015 Mustangs.....so clearly popular. Just not rare or unique.