Is the actual grade of the leather different between the 400a and 401a? Obviously the leather is pieced together differently but is the leather on the 401a a higher grade?

 

I doubt it. It's just how it's upholstered.

 

I've sat in both and it seems like it is better. It's softer, at a minimum. IIRC, most of the leather on the 400 package is not real, only the part you sit on is real leather. I think.

 

The 401a looks more luxurious, wasn't a big fan of it at first with the stripe but the seats look so inviting compared to the 400a

 

I agree, 401A seemed softer to me as well

 

If it was a different (more luxurious leather), they would be sure to inform everyone... It's just upholstered different- being flat... as opposed to ribbed. I mean really, the only thing different about the seats is the striped section... Makes no sense to use different leather for ~2 feet worth of material.

Just my feeling on it tho.

 

What about the charcoal color? It looks like the 401a is darker black from the website pictures.

 

depending on the picture taken... either can appear darker.

 

Yah that's what I always thought but it seems as though people think its a different type of leather and that its even "better". Better not just because of looks but softness/feel.

 

I just wish they would start using whatever contractor they did on the Contour SVT. That leather in mine still looks/wears like brand new, and it's 10 years old.

 

Understandable. The 400 leather is more taunt (due to the folds) where as the 401 has the looser appearance (it's flat). Anything that's tighter will have a more coarse/stiff feel... take any piece of material (ie: a shirt, towel, what have you) and stretch it to where it can't be poked- it's for more stiff than when loose...

So does the 401 have a different feel- most likely, is it due to different leather- probably not.
My main thought being that it would be a major selling point behind the package as well- which Ford would fail to mention- and this just wouldn't make sense.

401a: "This interior design trim features a Charcoal Black interior environment with color-accented seats, unique door trim with bright Pony badge and dark aluminum instrument panel."

 

I actually prefer the 400 ... more retro looking and perforated.

 

flat might be more easy to clean

ever try to clean strawberry milk shake out of those holes?

 

I guarantee there will be no strawberry milkshakes in my Mustang once I get it. That's why I have a second car! I don't know if I'll even let my kids ride in the Mustang, with their track record. Maybe my 10-year old. But not my seven-year old.

 

401a is different material. Go to a upholstery shop and have them so you the difference.

 

401a Is more like the 05-09 V6 leather seats.

 

To me, it looks like 401A is higher quality. I love the stitching.

 

Yeah i went back and fourth. I went with the 400. Its more retro, and i like all black with the pletes. Ronn

 

So am I right or wrong about the "leather" in the 400A? The guy I bought my 08 from swore up and down that the only portion of the seats that actually had real leather was the butt patch and the back (aka leather inserts). The rest he said was some kind of synthetic. The 401A is the same material throughout the seat. I'm still not 100% sure to this date.

 

I don't think anyone has said definitively yet. Any dealers got a say on this?