Need for Green 2019 Mustang EcoBoost: Is it Worth Your ‘Green?’
Sporty, With Room to Grow
There isn’t a whole lot to talk about here, as the specs from the 2018 model year mirror the 2019 model nearly identically: 310 HP at 5,500 RPMs and 350 lbs.-ft. of torque at 3,000 RPMs. Still hovers around 12 to 14 PSI of boost with light to moderate acceleration. Still bucks and kicks like a mule off the line, thanks to the turbo. It does have auto rev matching, which is a definite boon to an otherwise feisty little pony.
The car starts make its real power at around 3,700 RPMs, again thanks to that rumbly little turbo siphoning off the gases on the side of the exhaust manifold.
Sport Mode Only, Please
With that said, you should never drive the EcoBoost Premium in anything below Sport mode. The differences in torque delivery between this mode and Normal are both significant and somewhat alarming.
You particularly feel this while in second gear, as the low-end seems almost purposefully delayed while in the Normal mode drive setting, and damn-well near instant in either Sport or Track mode. However, this discrepancy is best felt when you are accelerating more aggressively throughout the powerband. Feathering the throttle, regardless of what mode you’re in, is a feat. It’s not impossible but it is indeed challenging.
Handling
Whether it is a coupe or a convertible, any Mustang equipped with its respective Performance Pack will come with a strut tower brace, heavier front suspension and bigger sway bars. This particular EcoBoost, though not standard, also comes with MagneRide suspension. And let me tell you, even without the Performance Package, MagneRide is a must-have.
Turning corners in this thing while is Sport feels nice and tight, and feels super smooth in Normal mode when rolling over the inevitable potholes of L.A. The PZEROs are nice tires but just like in the GT, Pirellis just don’t seem add the type of grip you’d expect with such a tuned chassis. Granted, the intermittent rain obviously guaranteed that there was absolutely no hooking to be had, regardless of how warm the rubber got. They still provide a decent amount of traction nonetheless, even with pouring rain. As far as stopping power goes, the brakes on the EcoBoost are essentially the same as the base model.
This won’t be as much of a problem for the average driver as it would be for an enthusiast. Alas, now it’s time to dive into who this car is actually targeting.
‘This car exists in that weird interstitial space between enthusiasts and common drivers, and the reality is that regular people who want a stylish commuter are not going to be willing to fork over that much cash for it compared to a lower-priced, turbocharged Honda or Acura that offers similar performance and trim levels.’
Determining the Target Demo
In my review of the 2018 EcoBoost Mustang, I said that the person who buys this car is someone who “really wants the looks and sportiness of a GT, but wants better fuel economy in general.” This sentiment is not only inaccurate but incomplete as well. Regular middle-class car buyers who care about fuel economy will easily overlook this. Car enthusiasts, whether Mustang die-hards or car people in general, will simply opt for a GT Premium. Performance junkies wouldn’t even shake a stick at this.
With all the bells and whistles you can get on the EcoBoost, specifically speaking on this ragtop, it probably appeals more to the person with an expendable income who wants a higher-performing Mustang but not with all the excess power of a Gen 3 Coyote. And at a price of $45,115, that is precisely the vibe we get.
Final Verdict
Is the 2019 Mustang EcoBoost Premium with a Performance Pack worth spending your green? If you would like to add to your awesome collection of Mustangs, then yes. As a daily driver, not so much—at least not for the cost. This car exists in that weird interstitial space between enthusiasts and common drivers, and the reality is that regular people who want a stylish commuter are not going to be willing to fork over that much cash for it compared to a lower-priced, turbocharged Honda or Acura that offers similar performance and trim levels.
Nonetheless, this car is absolutely gorgeous in Race Green with that sexy ebony stripe. Peep the gallery below for more.
Photos & Video: Derin Richardson
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