chevykiller

I think most of the responses (at least me) was talking about the weight in general and not a comparison weight between the 02 and 05. The mustangs have been heavy for quite some time. A lot more has been updated besides the HP and the 05's are much faster than then 02's - there's no denying that.

lynwood78

[sm=closed.gif]

ThisBlood147

Just to add a little more on the "solidly built" aspect of the new Mustangs. I read it somewhere that the 05/06 convertibles are slightly stiffer than a Fox Body coupe with a full roll cage. Consider that when you complain about the overly "solid" feel of these new cars.

QuickShortBus

The S197 chassis is basically a new design, an '04 Mustang has the same basic chassis as a 78 Fairmont there is no comparison. I have had several Fox bodies again same chassis as an '04. There is no comparison between a completely redesigned car to a car built using a chassis that is now 28 years old, the new Stangs are like driving a high end car compared to any Stang I've ever driven before.

There are several guys running sub 1.50 60 foots and sub 11 seconds in the 1/4 without subframe connectors, try that for more than a few passes in any 79-04 Mustang and you will have one twisted car. Don't get me wrong, I still love all Mustangs but I sold off a couple Fox bodies to pay for mods to my '06 including a turbo. It's hard to argue with 450rwhp just from a blower or turbo, these cars are so much stiffer, respond better to mods and the suspension is much better than anything before it.

ultraclyde

If the fact that the s197s are heavier makes you feel better at halftrack watching those tailights cross the finish line, more power to ya.

Philostang

Crazy,

Do I understand your post correctly: you have not yet gotten the `02, but are "in the process" of getting it? Can you (or did you yet) back out of the deal? Personally I would if I were you and I'd go for the new Mustang (if that's a possibility for you).

I didn't initially consider getting a new Mustang for it's looks. In fact, when the first pics came out I didn't care much for it. I still don't care much for them in pics--something definitely doesn't come across in a picture. I can't figure it, I'm left flat in a picture, but in person, the car just blows me away.

What moved me to get the car was its mechanical improvement over the previous generations--I was very much drawn to the improved chassis stiffness, the handling, the power out of the box, and the potential to relatively easily boost that power as well as its handling. All of this means you have a much better base upon which to build your performance in all aspects of driving (not just straight line acceleration). As for weight, 75 lbs in a street car is not significant. In a race car, it's a big deal. But Ford didn't build a race car, they built a street car--one that outperforms its predecessor in every way (even with the extra weight). I can't think of a single person (though I'm sure one is out there...there always is) that has driven both the previous gen and the current one and not said "hands down, there is no contest, the new Mustang is superior."

Again, I hope you are able to get a new Mustang. You won't be sorry.
Best,
-j

UrS4

I have wanted a mustang for the past 12 years. Based on monetary limitations I was always looking at a used one which was usually a later model. Practicality and bad advice kept me from getting one back then. However, for the past 3+ years I have been in the market, meaning I could afford a new one. I drove many 03 and 04 GT 5spds and was not impressed when compared to my modified audi. My good friend has an 02 GT with most bolt-ons, 4:10s, 315 rubber out back and could barely edge me out in the 1/4 mile. The quality of the interior which is what you really only see when driving the car was not impressive and looked cheap(er). So I passed on all the great incentives and deals Ford was offering when they were trying to move the last of the 04's. Of course I wanted a Cobra but that price was a little too steep. Enter the 05 GT. The look was awesome, and I drove several and it was like everyone has been telling you, night and day difference. The interior, exterior, power, and more importantly to me was the handling. To me the 05-06 really do make the new edge mustangs feel and drive like they are sitting on a 78' platform. Please take no offense because I really like the look of the new edge mustangs and I look like a bobble-head doll watching them drive by, and the Cobras make my jaw drop, but you really should drive an 05 and feel the difference. Plus like everyone has said, this car responds well to mods and is a stronger base to start with. Just my .02

Professor Wizard

Interesting...

WHY do people come in MF, and start a controversial thead and then never come back and reply, defend their position?

Having said that.... keep it cool guys... it is TRUE.. not everyone is going to like the 05/06 body style. Believe it or not, that is one of the wonderful things about the Human Race... we don't all like the same thing...

Imagine life... with every car the same!... same look.. same color... yuck!

Although... walking into a Cowboy bar and yelling "I DON'T LIKE COWBOY HATS" is pretty much going to get you the same reaction as saying you don't like 05/06 Mustangs in a thread devoted to them...

Such is life... some people just are clueless when it is better NOT to speak their piece!

QuickShortBus

I was thinking the same thing, he started a couple threads. He came in the 05/06 Forum telling us how 99-04's are better than our cars. That's not much better than the idiot with the LT1 a week or two ago.