It's actually a great question, if you're an open-minded enthusiast...
I've previously owned a first gen RX7 and an '88 LX 5.0. I currently drive a BMW 325is that needs replacing. The current Mustang, to me, has too much NVH and is a little too unsophisticated in its design. Don't flame - I know many of you drive a Mustang FOR its NVH and crudeness! Day in and day out, the ergonomics, noise, and jouncy
suspension would be too much for me. That's too bad, because I can get a brand new GT coupe for pretty cheep these days. But I wouldn't be happy in the end.
I've been debating between a Lexus IS300 and the RX8 for a few months. I may be buying in Feb/March, so I need to make a decision soon. I knew Ford was developing the '05 and it seemed to be a giant leap forward..then the Ford press release comes out, and except the live axle being retained (for the time being, and I'm not interested in waiting for the new Cobra), the new Mustang looks to be a fantastic car. I may reconsider and wait for the new Mustang.
What I'll say about the RX8 is that it's hands down one of the most enjoyable cars to drive that I've ever been in. It's easy to drive fast but you can also short shift it if and take it easy if you want. It's well built and comfortable, and fairly quiet.
The engine makes incredibly cool sounds, is smoother than a V8, maybe even smoother than a inline 6, and though it doesn't have a lot off the line, it's a blast to run up through the gears. It will definitely smoke the tires with the traction control switched off. It's not like a little four banger, it feels more like a straight six cuz it's so smooth. The handling is one of the best compromises between a tolerable ride and high limits of grip. The car is very hard to get unsettled. The low overall height allows the car to make very quick changes in direction.
On my first test drive I got it in a beautiful four wheel drift around a medium sweeper in third gear at about 50mph. It was so easy to control, both with the steering and the throttle. No, it's not a drag mobile, and some of you won't like it because of that. But if you don't want to race Mustangs or boosted imports in a straight line, if you just drive for yourself, I'd say it's one of the best cars in the world. On another test drive I took an already broken-in demo up to redline in the first three gears. The car was quick and made ungodly cool sounds. Rotaries are like nothing else and this new Renesis engine has more a more bassy sound than the old rotary 12A and 13B engines.
On the other hand, what I like about the new Mustang is this:
You will be able to get in and out of it easily - without crouching down low.
It will have gobs of low end torque - if I want to kiss goodbye the backwards facing baseball cap wearing slammed Civic with 20"'s B-Boys , I can dig in to some monster off the line punch and do it. But that would be immature, wouldn't it?
It has a new platform with much better weight distribution - 54F/46R, I believe. The car will be able to get more of its power down on the pavement. It will handle with more balance, and therefore, be more fun to drive.
The car will be quieter than the current Mustang, and in general,the NVH will be greatly improved. This will make the car more enjoyable everyday and especially on long trips.
It will benefit from Ford's recent upgrading of interiors in both design, fit, and materials.
It will be available in GT trim for somewhere near $25k..unless the dealers mark it up. Maybe they won't - there are a lot of performance cars out there these days.
Basically, the '05 will appeal to a lot of people who can't accept the shortcomings of the current design. People who drive Bimmers or Nissan VQ RWD coupes but would love to have an American V8 coupe that is modern enough so they don't have to make compromises. I'm that kind of person. And, Ford needs people like me to buy the Mustang. They'll always have the diehards with undying loyalty who would never consider any other car. But that's a small niche. Sure, they killed the F-Bodies, at least for a while but the GTO is an nice vehicle. In fact, I'd check out a GTO but it's a little pricey. So, yeah, considering between an RX8 and the '05 Mustang isn't as weird as it seems.
I just wish the '05 was out now so I could compare it to the RX8. That being said, I'll probably go with the RX8. That doesn't mean I won't admire the '05 Mustang when it arrives.
Oh yeah, I've been gone for a while - when is the '05 going to show up at the dealers' lots?
