I did it...test drove the new S550, my thoughts compared to my 12
In summary, it seems like Ford wants the Mustang to be a daily driver at all trim levels.
Cobra Member
Joined: August 27, 2007
Posts: 1,497
Likes: 26
From: Southern Al
Thank you for this specific paragraph. You put to words what I was trying to say. Your statement on "feedback" is spot on. That's what I meant when I said "isolated".
I also resonate with you about the 370z. I used to own a 2010. So I can really see how the new S550 resembles a 370z crossed with a Honda Accord coupe from the side.
I also resonate with you about the 370z. I used to own a 2010. So I can really see how the new S550 resembles a 370z crossed with a Honda Accord coupe from the side.
Member
Joined: March 23, 2015
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2015 mustang
EDIT: ADDED THOUGHTS ON DRIVING THE 5.0, non track pack. (3/21/15)
Alright… I was able to stew on it for a little bit, and gather my thoughts.
I have to admit, I wasn't expecting much going in. I got to the dealership mid morning, and I saw the S550 5.0 sitting waiting for me. It's the 3rd time or so, that I've seen the car in person. Again, due to increased subjectivity, I'll refrain from commenting much on the looks of it versus the S197. I'll just say that, seeing it the 3rd time makes it easier on the eyes
(You'll see in the pics that despite the BIRD DOO DOO, I still drove it LOL). I parked Marilyn next to her and took some photos for better comparison. You guys be the judge of which looks better 
Anyways, I started her up and took her for a 15 minute drive. My dealer and I know each other pretty well so they just throw me the keys and off I go. I took a host of photos beforehand which I'll share below.
Overall, as most of you expected, driving the 5.0 is a much better experience than when I drove the Ecoboost. Amazing what "power" does to the senses, eh? Might I add that this also had the 6 speed manual and the 400A package. So no track pack, etc. That probably would have changed my view somewhat.
The ride itself is still very refined. Not as isolated as the Ecoboost I tested earlier, but still much more isolated than mine. Good thing or bad thing? eh, depends on what a person is looking for. Bumps on the road and overall steering feel were very similar to the Ecoboost. Very different from my car. It's still a little too "refined" for me, especially for a "toy car".
The transmission/shifter/clutch were VERY different from mine (when stock). This one was very easy to drive. The clutch had initial resistance when depressed, but then gave in wayyyy too easy upon take up. After a few start and stops, I got the hang of it and was smooth. Which do I prefer? I would prefer this style tranny and clutch if I was driving this DAILY. But I prefer the stiffness of mine for when I'm really ready to romp it
The power/engine was decent. Again, very "refined". I wish I could describe it better. It really is THAT. It's unlike the S197, in that it seems more modern, more up to date. Is that necessarily a good thing? To some/most people, probably. Do I like it? Yes and no… I'll explain below.
I finally figured out how to describe the new 5.0 S550. I drive an Acura for my daily, and it's a refined, muted, entry luxury ride. Imagine transplanting a mustang V8 engine (albeit a more refined one) into an Acura (or even a Euro car, say a Volkswagen GTI or Audi A3). In other words, you get ALL the creature comforts and civility and refinement of a pseudo luxury car, but with MORE power. That's the best way I can describe it. Very simple, actually.
Again, that's what Ford wanted, they wanted a global car, modernized, but still tried to maintain its roots. Ford has succeeded no doubt. It made my current mustang feel "old" with the way it rode, shifted, and sounded. Yes, I mean that. The new Mustang feels NEW. My mustang feels "old" (insert other words like unrefined, raw, old school, etc). But…some people, like me, PREFER that "old"ness.
Does that mean I don't LIKE the new S550? no, it doesn't mean that. Would I BUY it if I had 40k to burn? Sure. If I bought it, it'd be for DAILY use, not for a toy. It's that kind of a car. Easy to drive, easy to look at, a car that "makes sense". My wife actually asked me, would you really buy it if we could burn 40k? hmmmm I thought of that for a while, but decided, if I wanted a fun daily car, I'd get a Subaru STi for 38k. I dunno… I just like more of the raw feel for a car. It's tough.
In summary, the new S550 5.0 for me is a great car. I really enjoyed driving it, particularly the 5.0. Would I give up Marilyn for the new one? Never. Ever. Would I get it alongside it? Maybe. Problem is, when you reach the 40k realm, there's a lot of cars that match it at that price. Nothing feels like the S197 anymore, and that's what I love. Maybe the GT350???
==========================================
I know it's an "old" subject, one that's been debated many times. But I just wanted to share MY OPINION (again, humbly, I state that this is just my opinion.) and not persuade someone one way or another. This is a forum so I wanted to share my thoughts and I welcome yours.
I've been meaning to test drive one for a while now. I of course am biased towards my 12 (how can I not be?) but I wanted to finally be able to give a valid opinion on the car. Obviously I couldn't give one until I physically was able to walk around the car, touch it, feel it, hear it, and of course drive it.
My dealer had 2, both verts, one ecoboost one 5.0, both autotragics, errrr I mean automatics. We only got to drive the ecoboost. I will drive the 5.0 this spring.
I'm not even going to bother sharing my thoughts on the looks of the car as it's been debated infinitely and everyone's sick of the topic. I'll just say that it's a great looking 2 door sporty coupe. I prefer my generation
I want to focus on the "core". I want to focus on what makes a mustang a mustang.
It's a very refined car. It rode well. Really well in fact. That new suspension really does wonders on the road. Took it on the highway and a few turns. It felt nice inside. High quality interior. Nice. Blocked out road noise good. Steering was responsive.
But you know what? To me, it was a little "too" refined. It was too muted. Dare I say generic? In other words, if you blindfolded me and had me ride in (drive? If that was possible lol) 5 of the most current 2 door sport coupes on the market today, I wouldn't be able to tell which is which. To me, that's where the issue for me lies. I just felt isolated from the car and from everything around me. Emotionless.
In my opinion, in it's attempt to go "global", to appeal to a larger "generic" audience, the current mustang lost its "raw-ness", if that's even a word. I bought a mustang because of how it felt. How it sounded. How it drove. Even in stock form, I remember just sitting in the dealership parking lot and just holding the steering wheel, revving the demo car in neutral and smiling. It felt like a mustang. Perhaps it's because I drove an ecoboost, I get that. But I guess I'm saying the new mustang for me didn't invoke any of the emotion I get in my current mustang or even when it was stock. I want to FEEL the car. The road. The sound. I close my eyes and I know I'm in a mustang. In this car, take the steering wheel pony emblem out, and you wouldn't know what car you're in since it's so generic.
I told my dealer buddies my thoughts too, and I plan to return in spring to drive the 5.0. Maybe it'll be different. But maybe I'm just not used to the new mustang and its new suspension etc.
Either way, I got home. Looked at Marilyn. Got inside. Closed the door. And smiled.
I love my car.
P.s. For those of you that have also driven the new s550, what were your thoughts compared to the s197 you owned or drove? Same thoughts as mine? Different?
Alright… I was able to stew on it for a little bit, and gather my thoughts.
I have to admit, I wasn't expecting much going in. I got to the dealership mid morning, and I saw the S550 5.0 sitting waiting for me. It's the 3rd time or so, that I've seen the car in person. Again, due to increased subjectivity, I'll refrain from commenting much on the looks of it versus the S197. I'll just say that, seeing it the 3rd time makes it easier on the eyes
(You'll see in the pics that despite the BIRD DOO DOO, I still drove it LOL). I parked Marilyn next to her and took some photos for better comparison. You guys be the judge of which looks better Anyways, I started her up and took her for a 15 minute drive. My dealer and I know each other pretty well so they just throw me the keys and off I go. I took a host of photos beforehand which I'll share below.
Overall, as most of you expected, driving the 5.0 is a much better experience than when I drove the Ecoboost. Amazing what "power" does to the senses, eh? Might I add that this also had the 6 speed manual and the 400A package. So no track pack, etc. That probably would have changed my view somewhat.
The ride itself is still very refined. Not as isolated as the Ecoboost I tested earlier, but still much more isolated than mine. Good thing or bad thing? eh, depends on what a person is looking for. Bumps on the road and overall steering feel were very similar to the Ecoboost. Very different from my car. It's still a little too "refined" for me, especially for a "toy car".
The transmission/shifter/clutch were VERY different from mine (when stock). This one was very easy to drive. The clutch had initial resistance when depressed, but then gave in wayyyy too easy upon take up. After a few start and stops, I got the hang of it and was smooth. Which do I prefer? I would prefer this style tranny and clutch if I was driving this DAILY. But I prefer the stiffness of mine for when I'm really ready to romp it
The power/engine was decent. Again, very "refined". I wish I could describe it better. It really is THAT. It's unlike the S197, in that it seems more modern, more up to date. Is that necessarily a good thing? To some/most people, probably. Do I like it? Yes and no… I'll explain below.
I finally figured out how to describe the new 5.0 S550. I drive an Acura for my daily, and it's a refined, muted, entry luxury ride. Imagine transplanting a mustang V8 engine (albeit a more refined one) into an Acura (or even a Euro car, say a Volkswagen GTI or Audi A3). In other words, you get ALL the creature comforts and civility and refinement of a pseudo luxury car, but with MORE power. That's the best way I can describe it. Very simple, actually.
Again, that's what Ford wanted, they wanted a global car, modernized, but still tried to maintain its roots. Ford has succeeded no doubt. It made my current mustang feel "old" with the way it rode, shifted, and sounded. Yes, I mean that. The new Mustang feels NEW. My mustang feels "old" (insert other words like unrefined, raw, old school, etc). But…some people, like me, PREFER that "old"ness.
Does that mean I don't LIKE the new S550? no, it doesn't mean that. Would I BUY it if I had 40k to burn? Sure. If I bought it, it'd be for DAILY use, not for a toy. It's that kind of a car. Easy to drive, easy to look at, a car that "makes sense". My wife actually asked me, would you really buy it if we could burn 40k? hmmmm I thought of that for a while, but decided, if I wanted a fun daily car, I'd get a Subaru STi for 38k. I dunno… I just like more of the raw feel for a car. It's tough.
In summary, the new S550 5.0 for me is a great car. I really enjoyed driving it, particularly the 5.0. Would I give up Marilyn for the new one? Never. Ever. Would I get it alongside it? Maybe. Problem is, when you reach the 40k realm, there's a lot of cars that match it at that price. Nothing feels like the S197 anymore, and that's what I love. Maybe the GT350???
==========================================
I know it's an "old" subject, one that's been debated many times. But I just wanted to share MY OPINION (again, humbly, I state that this is just my opinion.) and not persuade someone one way or another. This is a forum so I wanted to share my thoughts and I welcome yours.
I've been meaning to test drive one for a while now. I of course am biased towards my 12 (how can I not be?) but I wanted to finally be able to give a valid opinion on the car. Obviously I couldn't give one until I physically was able to walk around the car, touch it, feel it, hear it, and of course drive it.
My dealer had 2, both verts, one ecoboost one 5.0, both autotragics, errrr I mean automatics
. We only got to drive the ecoboost. I will drive the 5.0 this spring.I'm not even going to bother sharing my thoughts on the looks of the car as it's been debated infinitely and everyone's sick of the topic. I'll just say that it's a great looking 2 door sporty coupe. I prefer my generation
I want to focus on the "core". I want to focus on what makes a mustang a mustang.
It's a very refined car. It rode well. Really well in fact. That new suspension really does wonders on the road. Took it on the highway and a few turns. It felt nice inside. High quality interior. Nice. Blocked out road noise good. Steering was responsive.
But you know what? To me, it was a little "too" refined. It was too muted. Dare I say generic? In other words, if you blindfolded me and had me ride in (drive? If that was possible lol) 5 of the most current 2 door sport coupes on the market today, I wouldn't be able to tell which is which. To me, that's where the issue for me lies. I just felt isolated from the car and from everything around me. Emotionless.
In my opinion, in it's attempt to go "global", to appeal to a larger "generic" audience, the current mustang lost its "raw-ness", if that's even a word. I bought a mustang because of how it felt. How it sounded. How it drove. Even in stock form, I remember just sitting in the dealership parking lot and just holding the steering wheel, revving the demo car in neutral and smiling. It felt like a mustang. Perhaps it's because I drove an ecoboost, I get that. But I guess I'm saying the new mustang for me didn't invoke any of the emotion I get in my current mustang or even when it was stock. I want to FEEL the car. The road. The sound. I close my eyes and I know I'm in a mustang. In this car, take the steering wheel pony emblem out, and you wouldn't know what car you're in since it's so generic.
I told my dealer buddies my thoughts too, and I plan to return in spring to drive the 5.0. Maybe it'll be different. But maybe I'm just not used to the new mustang and its new suspension etc.
Either way, I got home. Looked at Marilyn. Got inside. Closed the door. And smiled.
I love my car.
P.s. For those of you that have also driven the new s550, what were your thoughts compared to the s197 you owned or drove? Same thoughts as mine? Different?
Mach 1 Member
Joined: March 10, 2014
Posts: 564
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From: Manchester, NH
Thread Starter
I Have No Life
Joined: September 24, 2011
Posts: 10,141
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Congrats on your car. You got the 50th and opted to get the Roush upgrade? Didn't know you could add that onto the 50th. Cool.
Lol, thanks sir! I'd like to think so too. But don't get me wrong, the new S550 is faster, more balanced, and more refined than my car when it was stock. It would smoke it on a road course too. But I think I would prefer my old, slow, stock S197
Mach 1 Member
Joined: March 10, 2014
Posts: 564
Likes: 0
From: Manchester, NH
Wow first post, and on my thread!!! I feel special
Congrats on your car. You got the 50th and opted to get the Roush upgrade? Didn't know you could add that onto the 50th. Cool.
Lol, thanks sir! I'd like to think so too. But don't get me wrong, the new S550 is faster, more balanced, and more refined than my car when it was stock. It would smoke it on a road course too. But I think I would prefer my old, slow, stock S197
Congrats on your car. You got the 50th and opted to get the Roush upgrade? Didn't know you could add that onto the 50th. Cool.
Lol, thanks sir! I'd like to think so too. But don't get me wrong, the new S550 is faster, more balanced, and more refined than my car when it was stock. It would smoke it on a road course too. But I think I would prefer my old, slow, stock S197
Banned
Joined: August 2, 2013
Posts: 3,090
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From: Little north of Stuttgart, Germany
Stock Vs Stock the S550 is slower in the quarter mile.
2015 Mustang GT Stock 1/4 Mile vs. 2012 Mustang GT Drag Race by AmericanMuscle.com - YouTube
2015 Mustang GT Stock 1/4 Mile vs. 2012 Mustang GT Drag Race by AmericanMuscle.com - YouTube
I'm sure the S550 will be a little quicker around a road course with 275 rear tires, IRS and flatter suspension. But it won't be night and day.
GT Member
Joined: March 21, 2014
Posts: 164
Likes: 4
From: Alabama
Im sure they left a lot on the table with the S550 performance wise. This is only the first year of the platform. I bet in a few years there wont be many S197's that can compete with it.
Having said that, I am and always will be someone that is more about styling than performance (not saying that doesnt count) and right now the current S550 just doesnt appeal to me near the same way the S-197 does. Maybe that will change in the future. I know I was not in love with the SN-95 but loved and still love what they did with the new edge.
Having said that, I am and always will be someone that is more about styling than performance (not saying that doesnt count) and right now the current S550 just doesnt appeal to me near the same way the S-197 does. Maybe that will change in the future. I know I was not in love with the SN-95 but loved and still love what they did with the new edge.
Last edited by SouthernStang79; Mar 24, 2015 at 07:50 AM.
V6 Member
Joined: March 18, 2015
Posts: 78
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From: SE Michigan
12:25 for a 'stock' 2012 GT in the quarter mile? That is pretty quick. Is that with 3.73:1 final drive? The added weight of the 2015 is definitely hurting it here but it has the Performance Package so it has 3.55:1 final drive. 13:55 still seems good but to see that 2012 launch and pull away like that is pretty spectacular.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: March 10, 2014
Posts: 564
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From: Manchester, NH
Unless the S550 goes direct injection or some other quantum leap in the power train, the S197 cars shouldn't have any trouble keeping up. Aside from the forged bottom ends the power plants are very similar. As the S197 motors age, people will undoubtedly be replacing those with complete forged bottom ends and that will even the playing field as far as engines are concerned. But yes I agree at some point there will most likely be a shift in technology that will widen the gap. Things seem to go in spurts for stuff like that. The old 5.0 was relatively left unchanged for 10 years (1985 through 1995), the 4.6 was unchanged for 9 years (1996 - 2004), and the 3v 4.6 went unchanged for 6 years (2005 - 2010), and I would expect about the same with our power plants. We probably have another 4-5 years before Ford makes a radical change. Please keep in mind this engine is also used in the F-150 and that will make any change over even more costly for Ford.
I would expect that this generation Mustang (S550) will be the last to have an optional V8. IMO. With the government requirements going the way they are going I would expect at some point the 3.5 Ecoboost will take over. It already has in the Ford GT. That said if Ford can squeeze 700HP out of a 3.5, I would expect at some point a V8 doesn't make sense. Again just my opinion.
R&D appears to be moving in the direction of smaller displacement engines with direct injection and forced induction. Eventually they will have electric turbo chargers that are more efficient, etc.
As I digress. Again all my opinion.
Bullitt Member
Joined: May 7, 2013
Posts: 486
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From: San Jose, CA
According to Road & Track issue February 2015, the new Mustang GT with the performance pack is faster than the 2012 Boss 302.
The Motown mile was lapped by the GT in 56.81 seconds, while it took the Boss 58.39 seconds.
Although the tires on the Boss were a little older (but still the same Pirelli's as the Boss), the biggest difference was on the section 3 of the track: a lumpy, off-camber section, where the GT stays stuck. The Boss was reported as a drifting riot, unable to exit as cleanly, and ultimately slower.
The Motown mile was lapped by the GT in 56.81 seconds, while it took the Boss 58.39 seconds.
Although the tires on the Boss were a little older (but still the same Pirelli's as the Boss), the biggest difference was on the section 3 of the track: a lumpy, off-camber section, where the GT stays stuck. The Boss was reported as a drifting riot, unable to exit as cleanly, and ultimately slower.
V6 Member
Joined: March 18, 2015
Posts: 78
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From: SE Michigan
According to Road & Track issue February 2015, the new Mustang GT with the performance pack is faster than the 2012 Boss 302.
The Motown mile was lapped by the GT in 56.81 seconds, while it took the Boss 58.39 seconds.
Although the tires on the Boss were a little older (but still the same Pirelli's as the Boss), the biggest difference was on the section 3 of the track: a lumpy, off-camber section, where the GT stays stuck. The Boss was reported as a drifting riot, unable to exit as cleanly, and ultimately slower.
The Motown mile was lapped by the GT in 56.81 seconds, while it took the Boss 58.39 seconds.
Although the tires on the Boss were a little older (but still the same Pirelli's as the Boss), the biggest difference was on the section 3 of the track: a lumpy, off-camber section, where the GT stays stuck. The Boss was reported as a drifting riot, unable to exit as cleanly, and ultimately slower.
Of course there is another MT video showing the Camaro LS1 turning in better lap times than the GT as well...so it is a lot like thinking you have the tallest mast in the harbor...until someone else pulls in!
Unfortunately for us all there is a new 2016 Camaro coming that is rumored to be 300 lbs lighter. We shall see I guess; I wonder if they will be able to get that 'Vette engine in the "Cadillac ATS" platform or if the Camaro V8 is now defunct. Time will tell! May 10th or something like that is the big intro...
Bullitt Member
Joined: May 7, 2013
Posts: 486
Likes: 10
From: San Jose, CA
There is also a Youtube video (I think from Motor Trend) showing the lap times between the 5.0L S550 and the Ecoboost S550 where the GT was 4 seconds faster in its best lap time. The tester pointed out..."GT wins big and Ecoboost is a failure..." 4 seconds? A missed shift, track traffic, or inexperience will level that playing field quickly.
V6 Member
Joined: March 18, 2015
Posts: 78
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From: SE Michigan
The drag performance of the 2012 noted above surprised me as I was asleep at the switch until recently...never really cared as my 2004 was fun and was not paying attention I guess. The S550 GT outlapping a Boss 302 on the road course surprised me a lot...that Boss 302 is heck on wheels but drifing in the turns is being highlighted as the reason.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: March 10, 2014
Posts: 564
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From: Manchester, NH
Road course the S550 wins hands down against the S197. However the S550 is slower in the 1320 than the S197.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: April 17, 2013
Posts: 678
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From: Hickory Creek, TX
Road course the S550 wins hands down against the S197. However the S550 is slower in the 1320 than the S197.
Fair enough of a summary... I'd have to say the performance differences between the '15 and '14 GTs are immaterial for 95% of those posting here. (Maybe everyone else here is a professional driver, but I certainly don't have the level of strip or road course skills necessary to make the differences between them overly apparent). For sure in daily- and even recreational- driving the cars are pretty much even.
Which means it comes right back to aesthetics... I was in the dealership (having the F150 sorted out) again the other day and gave the S550 yet another look inside and out. I swear every time I see it I find something else I don't like (this time its the awful little vents on the front of the hood- I much prefer the extractors on the '14 GT).
I hated the new Vette when it was introduced, but I'm warming up to it (except for the crazy fang-like tail lights)- no warming feeling towards the S550.
Fair enough of a summary... I'd have to say the performance differences between the '15 and '14 GTs are immaterial for 95% of those posting here. (Maybe everyone else here is a professional driver, but I certainly don't have the level of strip or road course skills necessary to make the differences between them overly apparent). For sure in daily- and even recreational- driving the cars are pretty much even.
Which means it comes right back to aesthetics... I was in the dealership (having the F150 sorted out) again the other day and gave the S550 yet another look inside and out. I swear every time I see it I find something else I don't like (this time its the awful little vents on the front of the hood- I much prefer the extractors on the '14 GT).
I hated the new Vette when it was introduced, but I'm warming up to it (except for the crazy fang-like tail lights)- no warming feeling towards the S550.