Alot has been made of the fact the Mustang is an inexpensive car when you consider it's power. Partly true. Most mfgs. still relegate the powerful engines to higher priced vehicles, their luxury models. But, if you compare a Mustang GT against other vehicles in the same price range, it does not look like such a bargain. For one thing, the cost of the GT or Mach-1 places them into the beginning ranks of others luxury models. Egs; The Acura TL (current model) and the Nissan Murano 4x4. Both these cars price in at around the same price as the GT, give or take a couple thousand dollars. Also, if you go with factory finance plans, the Mustang's higher rate (about 7-10%, depending on buy/lease versus 3-5% for the two other vehicles) pretty much evens up the monthly cost. But, if you look at the appointments of the other two vehicles, they are light-years beyond the Mustang, as is the suspension system and the technology used in the engines. The Murano cockpit is like a fighter plane. Muscle car drivers put an emphasis on guages to provide them with information about the status of the vehicle. How about one that gives tire pressure from inside the car on a read out? Or a powered sun roof, tinted with a solid blind that can be drawn as well? Or basic controls mounted on the steering wheel? I know the arguments about the suspension, solid axel versus independent suspensions. But the Cobra has independent rear suspension and I don't think it harms it's ETs that much. Meanwhile, although the Murano does not have as much horsepower (245) as the GT (260) the Acura does and it's 1/4 mile and 0-60 times are close if not the same as the GT. I think Ford is going in the right direction, providing the new GT with
300hp. Some people will dismiss the accessories provided on the Japanese luxury vehicles as worthless nick-nacks but we should be provided with something to trim up the Mustang to the level of the luxury vehicles. By that I mean, more conveniences (my 1988 LX 5.0 had NO conveniences, but who would want to dispense with basic things like power windows once they've had them?) or better yet, more power. My choice would be for the same level of conveniences as now, with much greater engine output. After all, the current (2004) GT is arguably no faster than the late 1980s LX/GTs despite the claim of more horsepower. The best solution (IMO) would be this: A GT with an aluminum 351 (suitably built) providing 1hp per cu in, naturally aspirated with the Cobra getting a supercharged version. Maybe the Mach-1 (or whatever special they come out with) and the Cobra could get dual cams and 4 valves per cylinder? Horsepower at 350 for the GT, 375 for the "specials" and 450 for the Cobra would be very acceptable.-Rich