Pics Of What I Have My Eye On And My Test Drive Impressions!

Ok here are a few pictures of a Mustang GT Vert that I took out for a drive earlier today. Obviously the car is on the lot and not cleaned and prepped yet, but still was decently clean. And here are my impressions of the test drive I took.

1) Was very comfortable behind the wheel. If I were 20 years younger I could probably be an NFL nose tackle so this was important...lol. I'm almost 6'2" and I had plenty of leg room with the seat all the way back. I could even bring the seat forward a little and still be comfy. I also found the seat to be very comfy to sit in. My tush would be thankful.

2) Surprising amount of headroom (no I did not have the top down..lol). Of course with the top down you have infinite headroom :)

3) Had to get used to the clutch, had to let it out a lot farther than in my Acura TL. Is that normal for the Mustang ? Once I got used to it I had no problems driving it.

4) The car had plenty of power but I thought there would be a little more low end torque. Had to really get the revs up to get the car to jump...probably around 4000-4500 rpm.

5) Interior and dash really are VERY retro. Almost too retro but I understand that is the look the designers were reaching for. The leather looked high quality but the center console does not look as luxurious as my TL obviously.

6) Would definitely have to get used to a less rigid body that a vert has. Going over certain bumps I now know what they mean by the term "cowl shake". There was definitely some of that. But I know it's one of the trade offs you have to make when you want the wind in your hair.

7) I was unbelievably surprised at the quality of the Shaker 500 system. Definitely no need for the 1300.00 upgrade to have an additional amp and a couple of subs in the trunk. That's something that I can add EASILY and cost effectively later if I want that. The sound quality was about equal or just a tiny bit less than my TL. But the audio system in the Mustang definitely has a LOT more balls. I doubt there would be any problems getting over the noise floor while driving with the top down.

8) Cabin noise floor was very very good for a vert I thought. I drove with the windows closed for awhile and it was fairly quiet. When cruising the exhaust noise was not an issue. I did love that distinctive low growl when revving the engine however :)

9) Equipped with BF Goodrich G-Force TA tires. Wish they still came equipped with the Pirelli P Zero Neros which I think are a far better performance tire. Nice wide/fat tires however...I think having 19 or 20 inch rims on that car with rubber bands for tires would take away from it's muscle car look. The 18 inch rims are perfect.

10) No Bluetooth Hands Free Link which I have now. Losing that would be hard to take...lol.

11) Lacks some amenities of my TL like heated outside side mirrors to melt snow and ice.

12) Sticker price is 36,130.00 with all the options that are installed. GT appearance package, Comfort package, vert boot cover, both red and metallic fuel doors, Interior upgrade package, Sirius Sat radio, 3.55 limited slip axle, active anti-theft system, premier trim package (whatever that is...lol), 18 inch rims, wheel locking kit, cargo net and even a full vehicle cover. I would say this sucker is fully loaded. Still with all that, and I know you pay a premium for verts, the price seems a bit steep to me.

13) Very very hot looking car....I mean everone should own a red convertible once in their lives right ? lol

So there it is...I am totally on the fence. There are some things I loved about the car and some things that I wasn't crazy about. The question is...is there enough to love about it to make me give up my 2005 Acura TL that has 39,000 miles and an extended warranty for 6 years 100,000 miles.