[Reason]

Originally Posted by Davey

I owned a Mustang GT for about 2 months. I, like you, was suckered in by the promise of HP and a V8 exhaust note. For the first couple of weeks I was loving it, then as I began to wring it out a little I was not quite as impressed. The suspension may put down great times on a track but it felt terrible, it was harsh as hell on the back roads and had lots of dive and squat and roll there and everywhere else.

I think the final straw was the shifter. Initially it felt like a short, tight, precision shifter, but as I began driving it more, occasionally running it through the paces, I noticed it wasn't very consistent. Sometimes I'd get blocked out of 2nd, especially if I shifted at redline. 3rd gear didn't seem to be where it was supposed to be sometimes, too.

At this point I felt like, the car did nothing well. I traded that POS in on a 370Z, which is what I traded in on the Mustang. Even though the 370Z shifter isn't great, they at least always work consistently.

Yeah, I had those issues too. I didn't mention it but i've spent a lot of effort on improving the shift feel, trying to return what the FR-S had. Whiteline shift bushing, different shifters and different weight of knobs. It's better, but I still get locked out of 3rd sometimes and it can still grind when shifting quick. It's also a joke when cold...

Originally Posted by fduboss302

That's why instead of an M3 I got a Boss 302 AND a BRZ Limited.

The only things I did to my 302 are fluids and the MGW shifter. I haven't driven a GT with Track Pack in a track environment but the Boss suspension settles quickly without affair. I had a very fast friend who's used to Miatas drive my car in an autocross and he posted some very fast numbers. Goes to show if you can drive a Miata fast you can drive anything fast! I think the biggest hurdle for a newb track driver is that if you go deep into a corner and brake too abruptly the chassis will take considerably longer to settle (the BRZ/a Miata will do the same to a lesser degree) due to weight. I think at the end of the day the involvement in the Boss is pretty good though not quite BRZ/Miata/S2K) levels. If anything the driving position/seat height of the Mustang platform could be much better. Hopefully the upcoming S550 platform addresses this issue.

The things I prefer in my Boss are (surprise!) the superior sound deadening on a longer trip (this may be a factor of just being a larger car) and man I love those Recaro seats. I'm 5'9" and 175 lbs but they hold me so much better than the BRZ seats while also being much more comfortable. From a driving perspective of course it's the ease of torque steer. It only took one event to learn torque steer properly since the power is so accessible. And of course the sound with the trackey and lopey idle, haha. Hard to beat that sound of an American V8 winding to 7500 RPMs.

Good writeup!

The things you love about your Boss are the things I love about my car. Even with the 3.73 gears it's a fantastic long distance cruiser. I also have the optional leather Recaros and they are hands down the best seats in any car I've owned, but I would rate the FR-S a close second. You're also touching on another point - the ergonomics of the FR-S/BRZ are totally driver oriented, whereas in the Mustang I could easily be behind the wheel of an explorer or f150.

I've been closely watching the development of the s550, but with the recent news of massive weight gain (unconfirmed 200-300 lb gain) I doubt it will work out. I am still going to wait for ford to announce their specs (hopefully not going to take too long ... ) just in case the rumours are false. I do like the idea of the mid range turbo model if it is 100lbs lighter than my GT and makes something like 330 ft-lbs then maybe I"ll find myself staying behind the Blue Oval.

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Great write-up of your experience. I got that same marshmallow feel when I test-drove a 5.0 GT. Incredible engine, but the chassis is just too heavy and the soft suspension does not help, nor does the lack of steering feel. It will put up good objective handling numbers (probably due to track pack tires), but will not inspire confidence or connection with the driver. The V6 was supposed to be better, but I rented one of those for a weekend and was also disappointed.

The comment on power is also spot-on for me. I owned a 310hp Boxster S and would run up the gears just to hear the great engine note. The problem is, I'd look down and see I was cresting well over 100 mph. It's fun, but not worth a suspended license or possible jail time.

With the FR-S, you can appropriately go WOT in certain situations like passing on the highway (even downshifting 2-3 gears, if you want) and not worry about losing your license. It's an old adage, but it's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow.

You definitely seem to get what i'm getting at here. It's a great car but it's less like you're in control and more that you're along for the ride, and when you do step on it enough to make yourself giggle there is a heavy burden of guilt and potential fines that comes with it, so eventually you just stop doing it.

I have been repeating that saying to myself a lot the last few days as I considered this potential retracing of my past automotive steps.

Originally Posted by Mad1723

Differences from 2013 to 2014 are... inexistant. Mostly tweaks, nothing you might notice if you don't look for them. 2015s have a few new nooks and crannies (default sharkfin, revised suspension bolts and struts, new colors, nothing earth shattering or that changes the car dramatically). The 2014 is basically a later produced 2013. Less off-the-lot issues, pretty much.

At this point, it's your choice on newer but sticker price or 2014 and better price.

Either way, whenever you come back, we'll welcome you once again

Thank you so much for the info. I guess I was having a hard time finding details because... there wasn't any to find haha.

Originally Posted by AVodka14

Great read. I was contemplating the exact swap. I love the 5.0 Mustang. I just had this feeling that I would miss the FRS. Therefore I am keeping her as long as I can. Let us know what you end up with. Welcome back, I guess...

Everyone likes different things, but for me the trade in was not something I would do again and I would advise against it. The other factor to consider is that Ford sells millions of Mustangs, so in a couple years times the 2011 GT 5.0 will be a hell of a second hand bargin due to depreciation.