When the dust settles on the S550, how will S197 be viewed?
Cobra R Member
Joined: September 22, 2012
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 17
From: Ontario, California
Just my opinion on a car I’ve never seen nor driven….The S197 is the last “traditional” muscle car you will see out of the Ford camp thanks in part to the exclusion of the solid rear axle in the next generation. This will inevitably create a rift between the log vs IRS people in matters of opinion. I decided to grab the 2014 GT because it’s the “last of the last” in terms of how I define muscle cars. The value of these cars may appreciate as a result, but I wouldn’t bet on it.
In my mind, the smaller dimensions and reengineered suspension in the forthcoming model place that Mustang in the ranks among Audi, BMW, and Merc. Not bad company, but if I wanted a V8 with a fully independent suspension all around, I’d opt for the German Scheisser. I don’t look at the M3 and think muscle car. On paper the performance specs compare to the S197, but it’s not a muscle car – and this is how I’m going to perceive the S550.
Will the 2015 Mustang wow me? You bet. But I’ll let the guys with the hair triggers and itchy forefingers jump on the grenade and beta test for FMC wile I enjoy mine. After the S550 has a few updates/revisions under its belt, I may move over, but it’s highly unlikely.
In my mind, the smaller dimensions and reengineered suspension in the forthcoming model place that Mustang in the ranks among Audi, BMW, and Merc. Not bad company, but if I wanted a V8 with a fully independent suspension all around, I’d opt for the German Scheisser. I don’t look at the M3 and think muscle car. On paper the performance specs compare to the S197, but it’s not a muscle car – and this is how I’m going to perceive the S550.
Will the 2015 Mustang wow me? You bet. But I’ll let the guys with the hair triggers and itchy forefingers jump on the grenade and beta test for FMC wile I enjoy mine. After the S550 has a few updates/revisions under its belt, I may move over, but it’s highly unlikely.
Bullitt Member
Joined: December 11, 2012
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: N'awlins/SoCal
I think you got this exactly right. I think the work done to get around the live axel is part of the magic. I once read an article that said the Porsche 911 shouldn't exist. It said that every engineer you ask will tell you it is a bad idea to put your engine in the rear of your car. It is they amount of work used to turn this "weakness" into a strength that makes it amazing. I feel the same way about the solid axel retro styling in the 2010-2014 Stangs. They make it work. I believe Ford did the same with the solid axel on our babies. It makes them special. I think the new model will lose that magic. I'll be keeping mine.
Currently a Corvette Owner!
Joined: December 16, 2011
Posts: 2,003
Likes: 48
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
Originally Posted by Mr. V 
I think you got this exactly right. I think the work done to get around the live axel is part of the magic. I once read an article that said the Porsche 911 shouldn't exist. It said that every engineer you ask will tell you it is a bad idea to put your engine in the rear of your car. It is they amount of work used to turn this "weakness" into a strength that makes it amazing. I feel the same way about the solid axel retro styling in the 2010-2014 Stangs. They make it work. I believe Ford did the same with the solid axel on our babies. It makes them special. I think the new model will lose that magic. I'll be keeping mine.
I think you got this exactly right. I think the work done to get around the live axel is part of the magic. I once read an article that said the Porsche 911 shouldn't exist. It said that every engineer you ask will tell you it is a bad idea to put your engine in the rear of your car. It is they amount of work used to turn this "weakness" into a strength that makes it amazing. I feel the same way about the solid axel retro styling in the 2010-2014 Stangs. They make it work. I believe Ford did the same with the solid axel on our babies. It makes them special. I think the new model will lose that magic. I'll be keeping mine.
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+1...just look at the Boss, and the Laguna Seca edition. Amazing handling cars, for any price. And with just a few mods, the GT steps up it's handling to Boss levels.
V6 Member
Joined: November 29, 2014
Posts: 89
Likes: 1
Well I bought a s550 because they have finally built a "civilized" Mustang. I have had a:
'65 fastback, '67 GT, "69 notch, '71 fastback, and a '78"king cobra". It took till driving a new GT premium last month that I finally felt Ford has made a true competitor for the world stage. In it's own ways the '65 was a world class car too, but how the world has changed in the last 50 years. In the s197, the Coyote was an engine without a proper chassis, now, in the s550, in can really be something. WHEN Ford decides to build a SERIOUS forced induction version of this engine in this chassis with lighter bolt-ons, this thing will be a world class giant slayer.
'65 fastback, '67 GT, "69 notch, '71 fastback, and a '78"king cobra". It took till driving a new GT premium last month that I finally felt Ford has made a true competitor for the world stage. In it's own ways the '65 was a world class car too, but how the world has changed in the last 50 years. In the s197, the Coyote was an engine without a proper chassis, now, in the s550, in can really be something. WHEN Ford decides to build a SERIOUS forced induction version of this engine in this chassis with lighter bolt-ons, this thing will be a world class giant slayer.
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: May 6, 2012
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 0
From: Crofton MD
Well I bought a s550 because they have finally built a "civilized" Mustang. I have had a:
'65 fastback, '67 GT, "69 notch, '71 fastback, and a '78"king cobra". It took till driving a new GT premium last month that I finally felt Ford has made a true competitor for the world stage. In it's own ways the '65 was a world class car too, but how the world has changed in the last 50 years. In the s197, the Coyote was an engine without a proper chassis, now, in the s550, in can really be something. WHEN Ford decides to build a SERIOUS forced induction version of this engine in this chassis with lighter bolt-ons, this thing will be a world class giant slayer.
'65 fastback, '67 GT, "69 notch, '71 fastback, and a '78"king cobra". It took till driving a new GT premium last month that I finally felt Ford has made a true competitor for the world stage. In it's own ways the '65 was a world class car too, but how the world has changed in the last 50 years. In the s197, the Coyote was an engine without a proper chassis, now, in the s550, in can really be something. WHEN Ford decides to build a SERIOUS forced induction version of this engine in this chassis with lighter bolt-ons, this thing will be a world class giant slayer.
GT Member
Joined: June 21, 2014
Posts: 186
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From: Rowlett, TX
FYI did you miss the part where the boss had "slightly" worn tires?
Mach 1 Member
Joined: December 11, 2014
Posts: 837
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Down through the years there have been some Mustangs that I liked and some that I didn't like so much. I suspect the same is true for most of us. I think it is a mistake for we as Mustang owners to argue about the appeal of the S550 vs the S197 or any car for that matter. Different people are going to like different things. Each car will have its fans and its critics. For example, some people actually like the Scion FR-S for some inexplicable reason. Personally l have always liked the 87 to 93 Fox body Mustangs even though I know a lot of guys who despise them. Now most of these guys are younger guys that didn't grow up in the 1980s as I did. They dislike the Fox body Mustang based both on its look and performance level. In my eye, however, the Fox has always had a certain visual appeal and I keep in mind that while it certainly does not offer the performance level of today's Mustang it still offered a lot of fun driving to many a young American during its day.
For me personally the S550 is rather like the 1994 Mustang. By that I mean that while its not a bad looking car I just don't find the front end very appealing. It is my hope that in a few years Ford will offer the first refresh of the S550 and the front end will be more appealing to my tastes. Until then I strongly encourage all of the guys and ladies that like the look of the new car to go out and get themselves one. No one is going to argue that the S550 doesn't still offer a great performance level.
I think that ultimately no one can argue that the S197 has had a substantial impact on the sports coupe segment. It revitalized the interest in such cars at a time when it seemed that everyone just wanted to buy big ugly SUV's and pickup trucks. Anyone who tries to claim the S197 is some sort of failure is either outright telling a lie or just seriously delusional. It is my hope that the S550 carries on what the S197 did and keeps interest in cars like this alive and well for years to come. I personally do not want to live in a country where everyone just drives a big ugly box.
For me personally the S550 is rather like the 1994 Mustang. By that I mean that while its not a bad looking car I just don't find the front end very appealing. It is my hope that in a few years Ford will offer the first refresh of the S550 and the front end will be more appealing to my tastes. Until then I strongly encourage all of the guys and ladies that like the look of the new car to go out and get themselves one. No one is going to argue that the S550 doesn't still offer a great performance level.
I think that ultimately no one can argue that the S197 has had a substantial impact on the sports coupe segment. It revitalized the interest in such cars at a time when it seemed that everyone just wanted to buy big ugly SUV's and pickup trucks. Anyone who tries to claim the S197 is some sort of failure is either outright telling a lie or just seriously delusional. It is my hope that the S550 carries on what the S197 did and keeps interest in cars like this alive and well for years to come. I personally do not want to live in a country where everyone just drives a big ugly box.
Last edited by 3point7; Dec 19, 2014 at 03:51 PM.
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: May 6, 2012
Posts: 2,060
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From: Crofton MD
Cobra Member
Joined: August 27, 2007
Posts: 1,497
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From: Southern Al
GT Member
Joined: June 21, 2014
Posts: 186
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From: Rowlett, TX
The PP gt has 275:rear pzero tires, same tires that come on the boss. Just a tad skinnier. I'm not saying its not quicker than a boss. Just not that much
Last edited by tek302; Dec 19, 2014 at 08:58 PM.
Bullitt Member
Joined: September 12, 2009
Posts: 261
Likes: 1
From: Chester, VA
After the initial sales surge the sales will drop like a brick by late summer. Ford will be forced to design the Fustang to something other than an ugly European idea of a big mouth bass. The performance of the car is a step forward but it is one ugly looking car and looks sell more than performance. The 05 - 14 Mustangs will be known for reviving the pony car market and the new for looks failure.
Banned
Joined: May 29, 2014
Posts: 235
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I remember back in the begining of 2010 when the 4.6 was getting beat by the Camaro and Challenger, hell even the 370z was putting the wooping to the 2010 GT. It was a sad time to be into Mustangs for me. Every time i opened a magazine it was getting gang raped by any and all of the current "then" crop of sports cars. Then one day i open a magazine and see the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0! Wow what a Mustang! I watched anxiously as the new 5.0 promptly trounced all before it and wiped its *** with the competition! They all ran scared with there tail between there legs as that Coyote made all automakers take notice! Even the almighty BMW M3 was put in check by the new Stang hahaha! I new then that i had to have an S197 5.0. When the 2013 came out i fell in love all over again as Ford had perfected the S197. My 2014 is kinda a dream car for me as i drooled over it for 4 years pouring through endless magazine articles, dreaming of the day i would be roaring down PCH in my 5.0. At the end of the day i think the S197 will be remembered as one of the greatest Mustangs ever made and ill keep mine until the wheels fall off!
GT Member
Joined: June 21, 2014
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: Rowlett, TX
I remember back in the begining of 2010 when the 4.6 was getting beat by the Camaro and Challenger, hell even the 370z was putting the wooping to the 2010 GT. It was a sad time to be into Mustangs for me. Every time i opened a magazine it was getting gang raped by any and all of the current "then" crop of sports cars. Then one day i open a magazine and see the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0! Wow what a Mustang! I watched anxiously as the new 5.0 promptly trounced all before it and wiped its *** with the competition! They all ran scared with there tail between there legs as that Coyote made all automakers take notice! Even the almighty BMW M3 was put in check by the new Stang hahaha! I new then that i had to have an S197 5.0. When the 2013 came out i fell in love all over again as Ford had perfected the S197. My 2014 is kinda a dream car for me as i drooled over it for 4 years pouring through endless magazine articles, dreaming of the day i would be roaring down PCH in my 5.0. At the end of the day i think the S197 will be remembered as one of the greatest Mustangs ever made and ill keep mine until the wheels fall off!
This right here!!
