2013 Ford Mustang

Better than: Chevrolet Camaro
But not as good as: Ford Mustang Boss 302
GRM Bang For The Buck Index: 85.60

We recently tested another of the seemingly limitless flavors of Mustang that Ford has to offer. This time, we were treated to a V6 convertible with the Mustang Club of America package, which adds a unique grille, different wheels, floor mats, more stripes, and a rear deck lid spoiler. Our test car was also an interesting color—"gotta have it green."

We ran this Mustang down the 1/4-mile drag strip at our $2012 Challenge, and were quite surprised by its 15.6-second time.

Other staff views

Remember when the famed 5.0's 225 horsepower simply blew us away? Now the Mustang's base V6 engine makes nearly a hundred more.

If you had never driven the new 5.0 Mustang, the V6 version might well be enough. It doesn't have that V8 note, but despite the curb weight it's still making 305 horsepower. Anyone else remember when that figure was reserved for Corvettes and turbocharged supercars?

First off, no, this isn't a Miata alternative. The Mustang is simply too grande. Pony cars, the Mustang included, have simply gained size over the decades. I'd probably label this one as a modern cruiser.

And cruise we did. On the way back home late at night, with the top down, it was quiet, comfortable and competent.

This scream-at-me-green Mustang is... well, I'm sure someone likes it. We took it to the Grassroots Motorsports $2012 Challenge; Classic Motorsports Auction Editor Andy Reid and I drag-raced it, and, while we had a hell of a good time, our numbers were far from impressive. A 15.5-second quarter-mile is less than half a second faster than our project Camry.

Someone loves this visually loud slowmobile. That someone is not me. If I wanted a cruiser, I'd get a Camry, thank you very much.

Comments

integraguy UltraDork
12/12/12 7:11 p.m.

" If I wanted a cruiser, I'd get a Camry...."

I can't believe I read that at GRM, Consumer's Guide, or Forbes, maybe.

I've come close to buying a new Mustang several times over the years and have owned and driven several '60s models (including a '67 fastback with a 6 cylinder engine and 3 speed transmission) and a few of the '70s and '80s models...yeah, I know, not the same car. But a Camry? I'd buy one if I wanted to evade notice while TRYING to go 10-15 mph over the limit on a regular basis. But at least the Mustang has steering feel and is RWD.

kanaric Dork
1/1/13 3:10 a.m.

" But at least the Mustang has steering feel and is RWD. "

Which in a car like this is meaningless.

You want steering feel and RWD in a car built for handling and performance. Not some woman's convertable bloat mobile with an auto trans.

Tom Suddard GRM+ Memberand Associate Editor
12/10/13 12:00 a.m.

We ran this Mustang down the 1/4-mile drag strip at our $2012 Challenge, and were quite surprised by its 15.6-second time.

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