MT z/28 Discussion and what Ford needs to do to Continue to Compete
#21
I spent many, many hours test driving the Camaro and the Mustang before i ended up with the stang and while i give the Camaro an edge in the aesthetics dept. it truly doesn't feel all that nice to drive. The interior is sub par to the Mustang's IN MY OPINION, it's really, REALY hard to see out of, and to top it all off the auto trans felt like ****.
#23
The Mustang is basically a domestic affair and wasn't build for a different market.
Australia has been doing good with the Falcon and in Europe they're even more successful with smaller cars like the Focus, Fiesta etc... against Opel, Alfa, Renault etc...
In the mid 90s the Escort Cosworth was pushing 300 hp and demolished everything in its class.
Recently the Focurs RS (300hp/325lbs) did the same thing. That car can be tune to close to 500 Ponies. Ouch.
I say it's ready for competition...
In the non performance market, the little Fiesta 1.5L diesel kicks butt with 76 mpg.
The Focus is most sold car in the World and the F150 in third place (used to be first place).
Toyota is second with its Corolla.
I mean, we could go on and on...
GM and Chrysler can't touch Ford and now that the Government own these brands I can't see them beating Ford.
#24
Yeah, sorry. After growing up with Capris, Cortinas, Granadas, Escorts, Sierras, Fiestas, Focuses and Mondeos in the UK, Ford's European operations didn't really have any issues competing with Opel/Vauxhall and VAG.
When I came here and saw the Mazdas that Ford used to pass off as Escorts, I was mad. Also, those first gen Focuses here handle for crap. I don't know what they do (fill the shocks and struts with BBQ sauce?), but the British focus drove so much better than the one here.
Those RS Cosworths were amazing. A friend's dad had a Sierra Sapphire Cosworth that was awesome. I think part of the problem is there's no more homologation rule in rallying. I'd love to see a 4WD Fiesta with a crazy turbo strapped on from the factory.
When I came here and saw the Mazdas that Ford used to pass off as Escorts, I was mad. Also, those first gen Focuses here handle for crap. I don't know what they do (fill the shocks and struts with BBQ sauce?), but the British focus drove so much better than the one here.
Those RS Cosworths were amazing. A friend's dad had a Sierra Sapphire Cosworth that was awesome. I think part of the problem is there's no more homologation rule in rallying. I'd love to see a 4WD Fiesta with a crazy turbo strapped on from the factory.
#25
Ford's response to that video. Unfortunately, they're extremely sparse on the Mustang news/discussion:
Talking Fiesta ST, Ford vs Chevy, GT500 & SVT Raptor with Ford SVT's Jamal Hameedi! - WOT Ep. 77 - YouTube
Talking Fiesta ST, Ford vs Chevy, GT500 & SVT Raptor with Ford SVT's Jamal Hameedi! - WOT Ep. 77 - YouTube
#28
I have to say, and this is just one man's opinion, that Ford more than competes with the others. The 2014 GT is a thing of beauty, with style and power that is almost unrivaled.
To give a real world example, I have always considered myself primarily a GM guy. As my signature can attest, I have owned my share of Vettes and a Goat. And yet at this point I have driven as many Mustangs as GM vehicles. When I buy a car, I ALWAYS cross-shop... ALWAYS. I have tried to buy a Camaro twice... And both times I ended up buy a Mustang and have absolutely loved them.
To me, the Camaros are bloated overengineered junk. The right colors and options look pretty good on the outside, but the interior (as in the part I would look at 90% of the time)? Terrible. Aside from that beautiful motor, there is nothing about a Camaro I find terribly appealing.
To give a real world example, I have always considered myself primarily a GM guy. As my signature can attest, I have owned my share of Vettes and a Goat. And yet at this point I have driven as many Mustangs as GM vehicles. When I buy a car, I ALWAYS cross-shop... ALWAYS. I have tried to buy a Camaro twice... And both times I ended up buy a Mustang and have absolutely loved them.
To me, the Camaros are bloated overengineered junk. The right colors and options look pretty good on the outside, but the interior (as in the part I would look at 90% of the time)? Terrible. Aside from that beautiful motor, there is nothing about a Camaro I find terribly appealing.
#29
Yeah I'm not concerned about the s550 in the slightest. The current gen car already handles great. In real world situations, it's about who can make it to that railroad crossing up there, that's exactly a quarter-mile away from here. The five oh already does a good job of that... and in a smaller, lighter car it's going to be ridiculous. I have no doubt that it will look great, have a bitchin interior, and get the handling job done real good like with the lighter weight and IRS.
Camaros are ****, and the new refresh looks particularly horrendous.
Challengers aren't even competitors.
Camaros are ****, and the new refresh looks particularly horrendous.
Challengers aren't even competitors.
#30
Furthermore, the post asks what Ford needs to do to continue to compete. The Mustang name alone doesn't keep the car in production, innovation and keeping ahead of it's competition does. Look at the Pontiac G8, too little too late for that car but it was arguably even a better track car than a good number of Camaros.
The platform is only part of the car, the suspension and the engine are also vital components. Of course, the suspension has been of most debate as Ford hit a sweet spot with current 5.0L Coyote. The Eco4 is slatted to be another powerhouse of an engine on an even lighter platform.
Lastly, you can't be great without knowing your competition. Ford has more to compete with than just the Camaro/GM and the Challenger/Chrysler now. It's turning itself into a global brand and has to compete with brands like Opel, Renault, and others who are well established and have more compliant platforms/chasis. GM has done it's homework and the MagRide system gets quite the bit of praise in the Camaro ZL1, 1LE, Corvette, CTS/XTS cars. Ford needs a suspension that an compete on a global level as well. Winter is coming.
The platform is only part of the car, the suspension and the engine are also vital components. Of course, the suspension has been of most debate as Ford hit a sweet spot with current 5.0L Coyote. The Eco4 is slatted to be another powerhouse of an engine on an even lighter platform.
Lastly, you can't be great without knowing your competition. Ford has more to compete with than just the Camaro/GM and the Challenger/Chrysler now. It's turning itself into a global brand and has to compete with brands like Opel, Renault, and others who are well established and have more compliant platforms/chasis. GM has done it's homework and the MagRide system gets quite the bit of praise in the Camaro ZL1, 1LE, Corvette, CTS/XTS cars. Ford needs a suspension that an compete on a global level as well. Winter is coming.
Most people looking at the Renaults, Opels, Fiats and other small to midsize car segment are not going to be looking at a Mustang, Camaro or similar. They are not "practical" enough in any sense of the word.