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It's very interesting to me to see how much response this has generated.

I want to start by saying that both the Mustang and the BRZ/FRS are actually phenomanal cars. They both are tremedous examples of how far cars have come, both are great value and both totally work for daily living. That said there is a schism when it comes to what you're giving up to own either or. To own the Mustang you are giving up the tight small nimble darty car feel and that feeling is really important to driving enjoyment. Conversely, there is a different sort of enjoyment that comes from unlimited cosmic horsepower and you give that up when you buy a BRZ.

Is one type of enjoyment worse? No, they're totally both valid. My point wasn't that the Mustang is a lesser car, my point was that to me personally the FR-S was more than the sum of its parts and Mustang is less than the sum of its spec sheet. I enjoy them both a lot but I enjoyed the specific experience of the FR-S more, on average ,than the Mustang. Add to that the increase running cost of the Mustang and then throw in that the benefits of the mustang (better long distance cruiser, etc) were not things that were valuable to me a year later and it means that once the Dust settled, I was surprsied to find myself both subjectively and objectively prefering the Subaru.

Originally Posted by King Tut

Once you have driven god's chariot (BMW E30) your perspective on all things changes. I have also considered a Mustang since the Coyote came out, but everytime I sit in one or drive one, I remember that it is not for me.

I've owned quite a few of these, all before (and during) my ownership of the FR-S and the Mustang

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

I think people are just being realistic about its flaws, namely its weight/size, body control, seating position, steering feel, and gearshift. The OP regrets having bought the car, so I think it's fair warning.

And nearly everyone here has praised the Mustang for its V8 engine and the impressive laptimes it can put down, so there's equal parts praise and criticism going on.

Well said. The Mustang is a great car and Ford is definitely changing the image of it being a low tech straight line only special but it serves no one to claim it is something it is not. To get those power and handling and price numbers the car leaves refinement on the table and if you're at anything but 10/10ths that will stand out.

Originally Posted by robwbright

Some here have mentioned gas mileage/economy - the OP even commented on the "worse than expected economy" of the twins.

That hasn't been my experience - stock, I was averaging around 34.5 mpg in exclusively highway driving.

And then this happened last night on a 25 mile drive at an average of 62 mph:




Yes, I realize the Average MPG gauge/meter is not precise, but that's pretty freaking amazing.

Of course, I did a couple recent mods, so I'm not very close to stock anymore...

BTW, I do appreciate the write up, OP. I'm interested in Mustangs - especially the new '15, but the fact that every 5th car around here is a Mustang has always kept me from seriously considering one.

To add to my comment, I'm not unhappy with what the car can do economy wise - I was mislead by poor sticker ratings compared to reality. In Canada, they have just revised the fuel economy testing and the new 2015 ratings are exactly in line with what I would get in my FR-S. The previous ratings were based on an older 2-cycle test, the new ones use a 5 cycle test which considers hot/cold temps and 'very high speed' highway driving. The predicted combined average in 2012 when I purchased was something like 8.5L/100km which is 27 MPG. I was barely averaging 11.5L/100km (which is about 20mpg) and I was using some eco-driving tricks to even get that ( I have an all city driving commute )

Also, its really great that you get such a good number but your specific commute is going to deliver a very different result. Even my 5.0 will average 25mpg if I have a long highway journey, but in town where I am 90% of the time it tanks down to 15mpg.

Originally Posted by thill

So much of the Mustang's handling is due to the massive sticky tires. I was just debating with my buddy on how you can just look at specs. He gave me a hard time when I bought a BRZ, and a hard time with my WRX. Why? Because he looks at the price of the car and the spec sheet. "My Mustang GT is just so much more car for the money". I finally threw him the keys to my WRX and said "you drive". There is just so much more to a car that what the 0-60, 1/4 mile, and skid pad numbers tell you.

Needless to say he is starting to see my side to the argument in terms of speed and specs is not everything after driving the WRX. He drove it through some winding/tight roads and I told him to really push the car coming out of the corner. He has a new appreciation for AWD I wish I could let him dive a BRZ..

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

Yep, the P-Zeros are the track pack Mustangs are definitely pretty sticky for street tires.

Your last paragraph reminds me of the first time I stomped on the gas at apex in my old STI, and that feeling of the AWD pulling the car through the turn. Very cool feeling. Sounds like your friend got his first taste of AWD turbocharged cars.

The gumball tires are part of it but lets not discount that ford has put a lot of effort into improving balance and general suspension design. You can put sticky tires on anything, but it can't always make use of it. The Mustang is still better than any other RWD domestic when it comes to handling, and even though they're heavy and use ancient suspension they are still staying competitive with much more expensive metal.

It's that whole 'fun' thing they need to work on.

Originally Posted by Mr.Jay

try out a Boss302 if you want a Mustang that handles

those things are great cars but its just hard to capture of feel of the twins. You deff notice it the more you are away from the car yet the more you drive the car the more regular the handling feels and power stands out at least for me

I've driven a 302, it handled about the same as my modified GT did. I'm sure due to the more thorough work over the Boss gets it would probably be quicker around a track but in terms of how it feels it was very similar to my GT.


I can honestly answer most questions by just saying it isn't about what the mustang can do, it's about how it does it.

Someone already said, it can post the times but you'll have more fun in a BRZ that is 20 seconds slower.