Which of these s650's would you rather

[s197richie]

Basically one is a DH close to optionless and the other is a GTPP with a lot of stuff I really don't want or need. Same price.


I have heard great things about Magneride; other than that the AVE pushes the price of a catback exhaust up some, I don't need 360 and I drive with the radio off.

The DH for the same price basically gives you a free transmission upgrade with the TR-3160, a hp bump, a couple of extra coolers. I have serious doubts about the 5" clearance front splitter staying intact for long. Evidently the factory shifter is perfect as opposed to the GT's MT-82 which pretty much e1 swaps out for MGW.

I mean this is just pie in the sky; I can get a mid-mileage s197 GT500 that sounds better, has same hp, looks nicer and doesn't have open recalls for bcm-destroying water intrusion that causes you to suddenly be driving in the dark in the highway in the rain for 35-40k.

TIA preesh

 

[Kev555]

While the S197 GT500,s early years are classic, my pick would be a low mileage S550 GT500 as I personally don't like some of the features/body shapes on the S650. I would also pick the 2013-2014 GT500 second.

 

[GriffX]

My honest opinion is probably off mainstream. Beside I really don't like the dash-surf-board and the look from behind, I would try to figure out how I can get this rolling surveillance thing offline. In the S550 it was possible to cut off all antennas, but with the new cameras watching you, it is probably not possible anymore.
An unknown third party is watching and listening to you, If you think you have nothing to hide, it is like you have nothing to say. All data will be used against you, no matter what they say.
The price is double to mine 2007, is it twice as good? For me a GT500 an easy choice. Sorry for spoiling the party.

 

[fast Ed]

Magneride is a wonderful thing for sure. I would echo the others here saying to look at S550s as well. Maybe a nice Mach I with the handling package which also would get you the fancy dampers? S550 GT500s are beasts but they are really holding their value too. The Mach I would likely be my next Mustang at some point if I move along from my 12 GT500. Prior to it I had a 17 GT PP which was nice but the Magneride would be something I’d want in a newer one.

 

[86GT351]

Basically one is a DH close to optionless and the other is a GTPP with a lot of stuff I really don't want or need. Same price.


I have heard great things about Magneride; other than that the AVE pushes the price of a catback exhaust up some, I don't need 360 and I drive with the radio off.

The DH for the same price basically gives you a free transmission upgrade with the TR-3160, a hp bump, a couple of extra coolers. I have serious doubts about the 5" clearance front splitter staying intact for long. Evidently the factory shifter is perfect as opposed to the GT's MT-82 which pretty much e1 swaps out for MGW.

I mean this is just pie in the sky; I can get a mid-mileage s197 GT500 that sounds better, has same hp, looks nicer and doesn't have open recalls for bcm-destroying water intrusion that causes you to suddenly be driving in the dark in the highway in the rain for 35-40k.

TIA preesh

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I can tell you as a long time Ford Service employee that the water intrusion recall is a preventative thing. I have done hundreds and have absolutely NO BCM failures! If you are shopping for a car and looking at possible recalls, yo u are looking at it the wrong way. Every manufacturer has recalls. Sadly it has gotten worse since Covid. QC is down on all brands. Don't read into it. Just get yourself what you want. IF and I say IF something happens deal with it then. That is what the Warranty is for!

 

[StockishS197]

Personally, there is a reason the S650 is the worst selling mustang of all time. $70k for any non specialty mustang is insane, and the fact that performance really isn’t any different than a S550.

If I had to choose, it would be the DH because of the looks, but I would rather get an S550 GT350 and pocket the $20k savings with a cooler more unique car

 

[ryunker]

Basically one is a DH close to optionless and the other is a GTPP with a lot of stuff I really don't want or need. Same price.


I have heard great things about Magneride; other than that the AVE pushes the price of a catback exhaust up some, I don't need 360 and I drive with the radio off.

The DH for the same price basically gives you a free transmission upgrade with the TR-3160, a hp bump, a couple of extra coolers. I have serious doubts about the 5" clearance front splitter staying intact for long. Evidently the factory shifter is perfect as opposed to the GT's MT-82 which pretty much e1 swaps out for MGW.

I mean this is just pie in the sky; I can get a mid-mileage s197 GT500 that sounds better, has same hp, looks nicer and doesn't have open recalls for bcm-destroying water intrusion that causes you to suddenly be driving in the dark in the highway in the rain for 35-40k.

TIA preesh

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View attachment 115662

None, this is a S197 forum

 

[Kev555]

None, this is a S197 forum

Yes 100%, how did them 550 guys sneak in here

 

[2008_ScarlettGT]

S550 and S650 have nicer interiors in my opinion. That being said I think I’m personally done with buying newer vehicles. Too many frustrating things in them for me. Newest I’d go is S550, and I’d look at a GT350 or something similar before I’d spend $70k on a run of the mill Mustang. Ford has gotten insane with their pricing. The GTD is amazing. However, it doesn’t even make the short list of dream cars for the $325k+ price they’re asking. If Ford keeps going like they are the Mustang will be just like the Camaro. Gone.

 

[Dino Dino Bambino]

Neither the S550 nor the S650 excite me. Despite having 460-500hp the manual GT, Mach 1, Bullitt, & Dark Horse are still mid 12-sec cars because they're simply too heavy and tech laden.
For me the S197 is the ideal modern Mustang but my favourite of all time is this one:



Perhaps that's why I wanted to give mine some of its DNA.

 

[08TorchRedShelbyGT500]

I have never had an interest in the body style changes of the newer platforms (Post S197). To me, they don't look like Mustangs, even though they are badged that way, or at least the old-school version I best remember. When the S197 came out, it caught my eye and was a viable modern-day retro look that I thought I could enjoy. And to this day, after buying one brand-new 2007 Roush years ago and now owning a 2008 GT500 with only 12,000 miles on it, I guess my interest remains unwavering.

 

[AHaze]

If someone is offering me one of those two at no cost, I'm taking the DH. However, like several others have expressed, there is zero chance I'm ever buying either with my own money.

 

[Kev555]

Neither the S550 nor the S650 excite me. Despite having 460-500hp the manual GT, Mach 1, Bullitt, & Dark Horse are still mid 12-sec cars because they're simply too heavy and tech laden.
For me the S197 is the ideal modern Mustang but my favourite of all time is this one:

View attachment 115696

Perhaps that's why I wanted to give mine some of its DNA.

View attachment 115697

Yes Dino, pure class. Who wouldn't pick a gen 1 for its beauty and rawness. I would also love a Mach 1 SN95 in grabber blue as this body shape has grown on me this last two years.

 

[Kev555]

I have never had an interest in the body style changes of the newer platforms (Post S197). To me, they don't look like Mustangs, even though they are badged that way, or at least the old-school version I best remember. When the S197 came out, it caught my eye and was a viable modern-day retro look that I thought I could enjoy. And to this day, after buying one brand-new 2007 Roush years ago and now owning a 2008 GT500 with only 12,000 miles on it, I guess my interest remains unwavering.

View attachment 115698


View attachment 115699

Yes we joke with the 550 guys in our club calling them the Mondeo drivers as there is a resemblance between the two cars

 

[08TorchRedShelbyGT500]

Yes we joke with the 550 guys in our club calling them the Mondeo drivers as there is a resemblance between the two cars

Ha! Don't get me wrong. I admire the power, technology and aggressive style and the new styles are fun to watch and look at. It's just not the car I would purchase, even if it had 200+ more HP. Mine makes me smile and has plenty of usable HP for what I need and it's paid for.

 

[Dino Dino Bambino]

I would also love a Mach 1 SN95 in grabber blue as this body shape has grown on me this last two years.

A friend of mine in Dubai had a 2003 Mach 1 and we used to drive our cars with the UAE Mustang Club. I do love the way it looks, especially in Grabber Blue, and it sounds intoxicating. It also has a proper Shaker hood. The problems with the SN95 are that the front/rear suspension are nowhere near as good as the S197's, the brakes are merely adequate for the stock power level, the chassis is less rigid, and the steering turning circle is awful. Apart from the unique gauge cluster, the interior is pretty boring and could easily have come from a Crown Vic. Ford really could have put a lot more effort into making it look special. Nevertheless it'll become increasingly desirable as it ages. The same goes for the 2001 Bullitt especially in Dark Highland Green.

 

[ryunker]

Yes 100%, how did them 550 guys sneak in here

The internet is broken with lack of focus.

 

[cavero]

OP, if it were me (but still spending your money ) I'd test drive them back to back if I could to see what's the one that's a nicer to be in, and to drive. You're going to get used to the power on the DH, so those thrills aren't going to make up for a very basic car at some point. But the GT with more options might be a lot nicer of a car to be in overall. I went for the GT premium with the IUP when I bought mine in 06 and it was and still is a lot nicer of an interior than the base GT of the same year. Or base model cars could be a hell of a lot nicer than 20 years ago and anything will be a major upgrade

 

[2008_ScarlettGT]

Doesn’t the DH have a Tremec trans? If so, that’s reason enough to choose it over the regular Mustang.

 

[Dino Dino Bambino]

Doesn’t the DH have a Tremec trans? If so, that’s reason enough to choose it over the regular Mustang.

Yes it has the TR3160 6-speed. The only thing I don't like is that there's a yawning gap from 5th (1.00 ratio) to 6th (0.63:1 ratio). You can accelerate rapidly up to 155mph or 7500rpm in 5th (3.73 axle ratio) but as soon as you shift up to 6th, acceleration is killed stone dead and you might as well read a newspaper if you want to do a top speed run. Fine if 155mph (250kph) is all you need.