Two days after owning my 2012 mustang gt, review

[Coyote5.0]

I'm not sure what people are talking about in saying the 5.0 is weak on the low end. I've been reluctant to go flat out in mine until it gets a little more broken in, but even at about 1/2 to 2/3 throttle and 4000RPM, this thing has me pinned about as hard as the 05-09 4.6L did wide open and red-lined, and I have the 3.31 rear.

If you really must have more low end torque and don't mind losing the flexibility of running regular gas, a tune will fix that. The Ford Racing tune adds 60 ft-lbs at 1500 RPM.

 

[AvalancheSVT]

like everybody said... if it isn't giving you a kick in the pants its because you're not driving right. thats cool though because you can always modify the driver mod!

 

[Calpony666]

I really don't think it's the driver. When i said low end 'feels" weak, i don't mean that it's civic/accord/camry weak. I was very surprised the first time i test drove the car. The first thing i noticed is the engine doesn't "feel" strong down low (under 3K rpm). I am coming from 3 Japanese cars(all manual transmission), everyone told me 'American v8' have great power from every gear and rpm. Well, that just isn't true...even on a 5.0 412hp car. I was told by the salesman that the car is a standard 3.31 gearing GT, the 3.73 have better low end at the expense of a few MPG. I get a chance to drive a 3.73 later on and trust me, the car 'feels' more strong down low. I doubt 3.73 is any faster than 3.31 in a drag race, but it sure 'feels' faster.

 

[99 T/A]

It's an engine with a idle to 7,000 rpm powerband. Drive it correctly and it will reward you with power. Lug it down low in the wrong gear and stand on it, it's going to be a dog.

3.73 vs. 3.31 gears. 3.73 win assuming the car can get out of the hole with the additional TQ multiplication. It's a mechanical advantage.

 

[katmando911]

3.73 vs. 3.31 gears. 3.73 win assuming the car can get out of the hole with the additional TQ multiplication. It's a mechanical advantage.

That's correct on a short run (1/8 or 1/4 mile) because the car has to do less shifts and can finish in a lower gear. Extend it out to a longer race (i.e salt flats, etc) where both cars have a chance to spend some time in top gear and the 3.31 gears would have an advantage due to a higher top speed.

for street driving, the main loss is MPG in top gear on the highway as the engine has to rev more times to turn the wheels but that is the only thing that practically matters because you aren't going to be going fast enough (unless you want to get arrested) to be anywhere near the top speed with either gear ratio.

 

[Coyote5.0]

It's an engine with a idle to 7,000 rpm powerband. Drive it correctly and it will reward you with power. Lug it down low in the wrong gear and stand on it, it's going to be a dog.

3.73 vs. 3.31 gears. 3.73 win assuming the car can get out of the hole with the additional TQ multiplication. It's a mechanical advantage.

Actually, from what I understand, the 3.31 cars are faster than the 3.73 cars in the 1/4 mile because the 3.73 cars require a 4-5 shift, and the 3.31 cars don't.

 

[Sparty92]

Have an '11 with the 3.73s and a 6MT with Bama 93 Race tune installed (no CAI).

The other day on Woodward I rolled out in 1st gear....nailed it and the tires just went bonkers. Redline came in about 2 seconds or less and my tach blinked red (cool feature on the My Color option?). I hit 2nd gear at 7,200 or so and then the rear end stepped WAY out. I backed off immediately as I almost crapped my pants. Traction control was ON. Top speed was maybe 35-40 mph. Outdoor evening temps were 55 degrees and I think the Pirelli "summer only" tires don't like temps that cool.

I'd say the car has plenty of ooomph if you are ON the throttle hard. If you're not, it's kinda pokey...even with 3.73s. I had 3.55s in my '07 and the 3.73s are definitely noticeable.

On a side note: the aforementioned Pirelli P-ZERO 19" tires that come with the Brembo brakes...don't seem to like to chirp/squawk like the all-season tires. In fact, I've never heard them make a sound on hard up-shifts, they just spin/squirm a little, and then launch the car forward. I supposed that's what you want them to do, eh?

 

[Rhymhoont]

I have 3.73's with the Brembo 19" and both my friend and I got 3rd gear scratches. I think it's road surface that helps make a "noise". I have never needed to turn trac control off. For me, why melt $350 tires for no reason...

The six speed did take me a while to learn. My past was all 4, H pattern. I missed a few gears at first. BTW, 5 to 4 does not work so well entering the freeway leaving the dealership..