While on vacation last week I rented a 2005 Mustang convert from Hertz - V6, Auto, basic car. I drove about 1200 miles around the state of Washington in a variety of conditions. Only a few short stretches of highway miles, though. Last year I rented a 2004 Mustang convert to cruise around northern california, so I have a fair point of reference. FWIW, here are my thoughts about this new car:
- Power: Not enough. The 4.0l V6 was actually quite good, much better than the
- Transmission: The new 5 speed is excellent. It shift seamlessly under just about all throttle conditions and terrain. It's very quick. It would be a tough call between stick and auto, both have significant advantages. Again, a significant improvement over the 4 speed auto.
- Ride: Not bad. Again, for general driving the stock wheels, tires, and suspension would be just fine. Hard mountain driving would require some upgrades, though. And don't even consider taking this car on the track as is.
- Brakes: Very good. Not up to open track or autocross standards. But much better than many other street cars I've driven.
- Interior: Comfortable. Once you get the seat right, you can sit there for a long time. A little noisy on rough pavement or concrete, lots of tire noise. But that is probably made worse by the drop top. There's a definite lack of storage compartments. The seats could really use some map pockets in the backs.
- Drop Top: Very easy to use, takes less than a minute to go up or down. But the top of the windshield is only a few inches from the bill of my hat. When you're driving, you don't really get the feel of an open car. My Cobra has a windshield that's much further foreward, and is only raked 46*; so that car really feels like an open car. You just don't get that with the Mustang. Cowl shake was noticeable on irregular pavement. It's noisy. And the lines just don't look as good. IMO, the drop top just isn't worth it.
- Economy: Excellent. We got about 25mpg. No matter how you look at it, that's pretty good for a car this big that performs this well.
Bottom Line: I gotta have one! I love this car. The styling makes my heart go pitter pat, especially the 4 headlight front end. There are a couple of small styling/cosmetic changes I'd like to make, but not much. So here's my plan. In another 1-2 years, I'll look for a used 2005-2006 hard top, V6, Auto. The options list is pretty short, the only thing I really want is the upgraded dash gauges (but I can add those). Everything else I'll want to upgrade with aftermarket anyway. The additional front head lights are an easy install. The engine makes 210hp (the 4.6 makes 300). But I live at 6,500ft, and often drive to 11,000 ft. You lose about 3% per thousand feet; so figure about 20% just for altitude. Now you're making 168hp (240 for the V8). Adding long tube headers, an intercooled blower, and a custom computer program will easily increase power 50% (conservatively) and probably more. And that's a
50% improvement over the baseline numbers at sea level! So you gain the 20% lost, AND add the additional 50%. Now the lowly V6 is making 315hp, 75hp more than the stock GT V8! V6 car is lighter, cheaper, handles better, is more efficient, and is cheaper to register and insure. Even with the engine upgrades, it's still a tad cheaper than a GT. Wouldn't it be fun to have a V6 that turns 12's? The suspension will need some upgrades, but not much at all. I have another car for the track, so don't need to get radical about it. Some good 17" tires and big sway bars will be plenty.This is gonna be fun.