What if it wern't what it is?

[Hissing Cobra]

I also could never own a 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder powered Mustang (it doesn't even matter what year or generation it is.) Mustang to me is performance AND good looks. Let's face it, EVERY generation of Mustang has it's fair share of weaknesses.

I'm on my first Mustang ('79 Cobra) and initially was turned off by the TURBO 4 cylinder that resided between the shock towers. Nonetheless, I bought it (knowing full well that I was going to install a built 302.) I'm glad that I did, and the initial letdown of NOT owning a GT (which was much cooler) has subsided greatly.

I also don't understand why the Mustang II's get continuously slammed/bashed. Those little cars saved the Mustang name! Check out the production figures of those cars for each year that they were made. Unbelieveable! Like any other model of Mustang, they can and have been modified to perform very well. I've seen many a II that was a show winner or an ass-kicker at the track. Sure, they have their weaknesses, but what model doesn't?

There are a lot of other year models besides the II that I could point out their weaknesses, but what good would that do?

 

[LXXVICOBRA]

Please look back to my first post on your thread. I answered your original question a long time ago, before YOU chose to introduce the Mustang II subject into your thread, thus YOU were the one who corrupted the topic of this thread:

What a coincidence that I was able to find this error and make my post 2 minutes before you!

In any case, any mention of the Mustang II stated before your first response was clearly made in attempt to help others take a better overall perspective on the issue, before commenting. I felt it was necessary, to help explain some of the reasoning behind asking the qustion(s) about the '05's.
It was never intended to be ABOUT peoples perceptions of a II specifically...just the '05's. I thought I already explained that. In order for me to respond to some of the answers that were given early on however, it was also necessary for me to attempt to counter such previous apparent predjudice against the II's, where I felt it inappropriate or unwarrented and unrelated to the post....especially since some had chosen to berate the car as part of their answer, and I knew it would probably continue after I let it be known that I owned one. Not where I wanted to go.

As you may know, its never easy to wander into another forum and try to have discourse with others you aren't familiar with and vice versa....especially if there becomes a point of contention over anything. My questions were persented specifically to both owners of previous Mustangs and newbies alike, with hopes it might help everyone better understand (and have a more open mind) about what they and others feel are the most important attributes of owning a Mustang, and why. The introduction of the '05 seems the perfect time and opportunity, to explore this "phenomena". Perhaps it can help prevent previous ingrained opinions from turning into future flame wars over the various models.

Now, I had this response all written with valid reasoning which would support an argument that it was really YOU that corrupted the thread... but since you have seemingly accepted my appology with an open mind, I have deleted it in an attempt to let the thread continue and spare the readers yet another war of words over something trivial. Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[LXXVICOBRA]

I appreciate your comments (Hissing Cobra), and agree entirely with the last sentence of your post. Not often I (or probably anyone) gets a chance to hear from someone that owns a first year Fox car. As such, you more than many would likely relate to the II owners being bashed etc., as there are probably many of the same detractors that would also write off the '79-'81 models as well for many of the same reasons. The sad part is, a good many of them have probably never even owned either.

 

[oliverqueen]

V-6 Mustangs make really nice rent-a-cars. 200HP cars are for secretaries and pencil necks.

Wow,what a intelligent contribution. How about you venture over to the 5.0L section and tell them what you think of 200HP cars.

 

[Mustang5L5]

Wow,what a intelligent contribution. How about you venture over to the 5.0L section and tell them what you think of 200HP cars.

Trust me. That won't go over too well.

 

[Contrarian]

a) If the '05 did not have a V-8 and GT option, would you still be excited enough about it to buy it? Would the models past heritage and popular retro style alone, be enough to make the car worthy of your interest and possible purchase?

b) If a new '05 Mustang lacked such retro styling of the early cars, yet had the powerful 300 (or more) hp engine option etc...would you be similarily quick to purchase as you are now?

Different strokes for different folks. I like the retro style. However it's not the only reason to buy. After all, I didn't run out and buy a PT Cruiser.

I'm closer to B. I like that it has power and is afordable. Used '04 GTOs are pricing about that of the 05 Mustangs, which put them very competitive (especially since GTO's appear to be kicking Mustangs race wise). The GTO isn't particular ugly but it's not exactly sporty either. On the other hand, I'm completel turned off by the STI simply for the park bench they have on the trunk of the car that they call a spoiler. Ii'm also more turned off by the GTO's gas milage compared to the slightly beter Mustang.