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Written by JST
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Friday, 25 April 2003 |
Just spent a few days driving around in my mother's Mustang GT. It's a
1999 convertible, with the 260 hp 4.6L and a 5-speed manual.
Of course, the car is crude compared to the M3. It feels heavy, and the
live axle suspension rolls over and plays dead whenever you try and
take a curve with some bumps in it (though the ride is a lot calmer
than the somewhat jittery Koni'd M3). Steering "feel" is non-existent,
and the ergonomics are questionable. The clutch engages WAY WAY UP near
the driver, leading to a number of stalls until you get used to it.
But, man oh man, that ENGINE. There is just nothing like a good old V8.
It has torque everywhere, and with the 99+ heads, it actually breathes
and revs well. Uncork it, and the power builds in a rapidly increasing
set of hammering pulses. The exhaust note is perfectly obtrusive.
Unlike the M3, the Mustang will easily rip its rear wheels into smoke
even after a gentle clutch engagement, and barking the tires into
second is no problem at all. Fifth gear is an ultra-long overdrive, and
the engine is turning less than 1500 rpm at 55 mph; but even then,
there's enough torque to make shifting optional unless you really need
to pass.
God, I need a V8.
Originally posted on bimmerfest.com.
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