Geez, can't a guy sleep?

Here it is from the horse's mouth: Original Corral Thread

 

Just FYI

MT tested a 5sp '03 Mach to 13.2 @106.7 and auto 13.88 @101.91 so looks like it'll be a close matchup between the two. I can't wait to see some real world times from the new '05s

"This Mach 1's acceleration off the line is tricky, but resulted in a big-block-humbling 13.88 at 101.91. We recently tested a Mach 1 five-speed and ran a 13.2 at 106.7."

Motortrend

 

NO cup holders in the rear, oh the humanity!!! Thats OK your not drinking in my car anyway.

 

:bang: :bang: Rear cupholders......gimme a break...its a mustang. If you're sitting in the back seat, you're not thinking about drinking, but instead, you're thinking about folding into a pretzel.

 

Isn't it a little unfair to compare the Mustang V6 to the Japanese V6 anyway, considering the Mustang is under $20,000 and Japanese cars only get V6s in their $25,000+ cars? So maybe we should be comparing a Honda Civic 4 banger to the Mustang V6 and the Japanese V6 to the Mustang V8, seeing as that's how it lines up price wise

 

Ask and ye shall receive!!!



...but seriously...it's all up to you. I like to pick my own shift points and be able to run up the revs...if you haven't done that then you won't miss it...but if you DO learn to drive stick and like it...you'll be kicking yourself in the ding ding because you didn't get a stick!!

:drive: [/b][/quote]
Thanks guys...I needed that

I shall not waiver and keep my current order with the 5-spd manual. Both my bro-in-law and my good friend (both who have a also offered to teach me to drive stick) concur with sticking with the manual over the auto.

The only one who told me to get the auto is my other friend that drives an '04 Mach 1...now I know why....he's JEALOUS!!!!! . Just kidding...he has a sweet ride. But now I can have his performance and the retro look.

BTW...sorry that I didn't post scan of the article, I got back late last night, but luckily someone was nice enough to type it in (thanks!!!). I still plan to get the issue after work. If it's not posted, I'll try to PDF it.

 

All I have to say is Woo Hoo!

 

The numbers and impressions seem about what I expected, with perhaps the exception of the low trap speed.

Engine performance seems pretty much on par for a 300hp motor backed by a good 5 spd ATX pushing ~3500 lbs down the quarter.

Handling too sounds like what one ought to expect given the new chassis but retention of a live axle design, i.e., fine on smooth roads but getting a bit more flustered when the going gets tough on rougher surfaces. But should be a huge improvement over the current car's jitterbug rear end antics. Hopefully the upcoming Cobra IRS will also find itself in a more affordable mid-range Stang for those of us corner carvers of modest means.

Brakes seemed to fade a bit more quickly under track use, though off track that probably won't be much of an issue and probably solvable by simple pad upgrades.

Quality and design, too, are a huge leap forward over the mediocre current gray mare's and yes, ought to be close to Japanese standards which, on average, ARE very high and is not bad company to keep in this regard.

but ovreall, it seems Ford has achieved what they set out too with the Stang. Can't wait for a full MTX test and future varients.

 

Isn't it a little unfair to compare the Mustang V6 to the Japanese V6 anyway, considering the Mustang is under $20,000 and Japanese cars only get V6s in their $25,000+ cars? So maybe we should be comparing a Honda Civic 4 banger to the Mustang V6 and the Japanese V6 to the Mustang V8, seeing as that's how it lines up price wise [/b][/quote]
The 4.0 in the '05 is most likely just a stop-gap motor anyway untill the new 3.5 Cyclone comes on line in a year or two. While the 4.0 is a decent motor, it is getting a bit gray about the temples whereas the 3.5 will be fully up to date and should have the performance AND refinement to really move the V6 Stang up a few notches on the food chain.

I'd like to see a varient of that (3.5) with a tight 6-spd MTX, sport chassis (IRS) to take the Mustang in a new direction than the usual drag strip approach, giving those who are back handed by the good hands people (insurance) or those who just want a better balanced package a good alternative.

 

That's awful nice of them. I doubt it even crossed their mind that they would get a chance to drive your new stang as payback.

 

Thanks guys...I needed that

I shall not waiver and keep my current order with the 5-spd manual. Both my bro-in-law and my good friend (both who have a also offered to teach me to drive stick) concur with sticking with the manual over the auto.

The only one who told me to get the auto is my other friend that drives an '04 Mach 1...now I know why....he's JEALOUS!!!!! . Just kidding...he has a sweet ride. But now I can have his performance and the retro look.

BTW...sorry that I didn't post scan of the article, I got back late last night, but luckily someone was nice enough to type it in (thanks!!!). I still plan to get the issue after work. If it's not posted, I'll try to PDF it. [/b][/quote]
Don't let your 05' GT be your first stick! You'll never get it off the lot otherwise! Buy a $1000 used Civic or Escort with a manual so you can get used to it! Or find a driving class or something! I know how to drive stick but don't assume you can walk up to the car, not know how to drive standard, and expect to drive it! You'll need practice. Stick with the manual for the 05 though, just find a driving school to teach you stick. It doesn't matter if you have to learn in it in a Yugo or Kia Sephia! It's better you mess up on a POS than a Mustang GT!

 

I agree with steve as far as seeing if you can find another car to practice on........however, this mustang (though more powerful) feels like it will be more forgiving for new manual drivers. It has a lighter clutch and a sweet shifter.

The heavy clutches of old would make learning on a stang slightly harder for the novice, but I think the light clutch will really help out here.

If you can't find something to practice on, don't worry too much IMO.

 

anyone in the L.A area know a good driving school or something to learn how to drive stick? i have the same dilema, want a 05 gt stick but dont know how do. i was thinking the same thing, get it and then learn.

 

Huh? Other than severe-use braking performance and some relatively minor handling issues over rough pavement, this is an extremely positive review. The comparison to Japanese quality is a GOOD thing, and if anything, I think most people would take the cupholder comment as a joke.

Relax, man, it's good news!

 

GT will be my first stick
I've driven stick once back when I just got my license ....8 years ago...

Rusty, well VERY rusty, but I have no fears of grinding gears

 

I learned on a 1974 Pinto 4-speed.

It was green.

It was slow.

It was noisy.

It smelled funny.

It was called "The Gumby-Mobile".

 

I drive a truck all day and have been trying to decide manual or auto. Took a test drive of an 04 manual and keep trying to shift my truck paterrn. but it was so much fun I think I'll get the stick. 13.2 ??

 

:nono:

 

I also learned to drive a stick in a Pinto, but mine was light blue. :headbang:

 

Boomer, or others, any chance of getting the Motortrend article scanned in????