Test Drive: 2011 Mustang GT 5.0

Well, it's been nearly a year since my last post. I would apologize, but my audience has always been non-existent. So that's that.

The other day I swung by a Ford dealer on my way home from work to cash in on a free gift card incentive they had going. It was late, and the lot was dead. A couple of salesmen lurked outside in the shadows, and one approached me as I neared the entrance. I told him why I was there, and he graciously retrieved my free gift card. Through our simple conversation, I realized the kid was new, and a little quirky. I decided to try my luck and asked to drive a 5.0 Mustang with the six speed manual tranny. He was bored, and not yet corrupted to salesman status, and seemed excited by my request.


We found the car at the end of the lot, the last of the manual herd. My sales guy stalled the car half a dozen times before I forced him into the passenger seat. The car was comfortable, and the interior lighting was cool and techy, like visit inside TRON's grid. The clutch was light and soft, but a good amount of gas was needed to prod the 412 horses forward.

I took it nice and easy through the loop at first, enjoying the slight gurgle coming from the twin tail pipes. With giddy anticipation, I then gave the car about half throttle through first and second. A playful trot. The Mustang urged me to let it loose, to open the gates and let it gallop out to the open pasture. I gleefully obliged.

From a standstill, and with a perfect launch, the 'Stang gets up to 60 miles per hour in about 4.5 seconds. By comparison, a Corvette does about the same time, and costs $48,950 base compared to the $29,645 for the Mustang GT, yet the Corvette has always been known as the "best bang for the buck." A reputation that I doubt the Vette will continue to uphold.

I can't describe the awesomeness of the Mustang's acceleration. It's a feeling that must be experienced, and cannot possibly be told. To drive such an iconic American muscle car is an absolute thrill, and something that should be on every American's bucket list.

Thanks for reading.-Biggs