Ford Mustang: pros and cons

The next-generation Ford Mustang was launched for the Philippine market in April 2024. So, with the local entry of the Blue Oval’s latest pony car, buyers on the hunt for an American-flavored high-performance coupe have received another alternative to the Nissan Z, Toyota GR Supra, and Chevrolet Camaro. 

The American-made sports car also priced its top-spec GT Premium V8 variant at P3.999 million. Considering its reasonable pricing, there is no doubt that plenty of folks will shortlist the aforementioned model. 

However, does the all-new Mustang have weaknesses? Also, what are its greatest strengths? Let’s find out. 

Ford Mustang: Pros

Exciting performance, sound

For reference, the Mustang GT’s 5.0-liter Coyote V8 engine can produce up to 486 horsepower (hp) and 567 Newton-meters (Nm) of torque. 

Thanks to its power output, Ford says that the pony car can accelerate from zero to 100 kilometers per hour (kph) in just 4.3 seconds. The said time is quite quick considering the vehicle’s rather heavy curb weight of 1,735 kilograms. 

On top of its peppy engine, the Ford coupe also advertises what it is capable of via pleasing gurgling, pops, and bangs from its quad chrome tailpipe. 

To note, the entry-level EcoBoost Premium won’t sound as grunty as the V8 version, but its turbocharged 2.3-liter inline-4 mill can make a respectable 314 hp and 475 Nm of torque. 

Sharp handling

Unlike its unruly predecessor, Ford made sure to provide the S650 Mustang with the handling characteristics of a true track-ready car. 

Ford achieved the aforementioned quality of the two-door model thanks to a faster steering rack, a limited-slip differential, and the new MagnaRide electronic adaptive dampers. The vehicle also received an impressive amount of stopping power courtesy of Brembo brakes. 

Lots of features

Despite being designed as a high-performance ride, the Ford Mustang was kitted out with plenty of convenience and comfort features. 

On the outside, the vehicle comes standard with heated power-folding side mirrors, LED lighting fixtures, rain-sensing wipers, puddle lamps, and an active exhaust system. Notably, the active exhaust can help in making the car quieter, which is useful for driving at night or in the early mornings. 

The interior of the model is a bastion of comfort as well. For starters, its Recaro sports seats and most of its dashboard are clad in soft leather. It also features an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a wireless smartphone charging pad, dual-zone automatic air-conditioning, ambient lighting, and cruise control, among others. 

It also goes heavy on the tech as well. Situated on its dashboard is a considerably large 13-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The driver, meanwhile, gets a 12-inch digital instrument cluster. 

Ford Mustang: Cons

Faux carbon fiber

The interior of the Mustang was designed to look sharp and appealing, but some may not like the faux carbon fiber finish found on its flat-bottom steering wheel and around its air-conditioning vents. 

Sure, the aforementioned design makes its cabin appear sportier, but the Recaro seats, the manual “drift” hand brake, and the flashy digital instrument cluster are more than enough to convey the car’s athleticism. 

Final thoughts

To conclude, there is plenty to like about the Ford Mustang, especially for buyers who want a reasonably-priced coupe that’s ready to go straight to the race track. 

For serious buyers, however, we highly advise giving the pony car a good old test drive. In doing so, one can get a better picture of what they’re getting. It will also make for a more informed car-buying choice in the end. 

Also read: 

Check out the Ford Mustang’s 2 available trims

Here are the Ford Mustang’s 7 color options

Cabin check: What’s inside the Ford Mustang?