reliability, performance

[vette_7t9]

Hi,

despite my name, im a mustang enthusiast to the heart. Now, I wonder if mustangs reliability are on par with those rice mobiles. How bout the track performance? I've seen one murder an RX7 on a circuit, but the rice kids still insist an RX7 vs. Stang with same driver, RX7 will win.

[tailpipedraggon]

i drive an 88 stang, with and 86 block, as a daily driver. its old, they are reliable.

[SIKCRX]

i hear mustangs are very reliable, rx7s on the other hand last as long as a 15 year old virgin

[flex339]

A mustang vs an RX-7 will probably win stock for stock just because of the power difference considering the RX-7 isn't turboed. If the RX-7 was the turbo model then it would most likely win. In the end it's usually who has the most money in their car.
As for RX-7's being unreliable they are very reliable, but they need to be well maintained and cared for. Overheating is the death of rotaries. The turbo models need even more of a watchful eye. The third gen. RX-7 is the easiest to screw up and they screw up because people don't understand the care a turbo car needs, like proper oil change intervals.

[vette_7t9]

well, can we compare mustang to something else? like general competition such as imports and GM?

[flex339]

lets compare something vette. you pick

[flex339]

The problem with being general is the stereotypes that go with it. You can't compare imports vs mustang, but GM vs. mustang I guess is not to horriable. I don't really care for GM's myself. They are faster being that they have a bigger engine and all, but they are fairly similar to the mustang in their basic design. Between mustangs and camaros, firebirds, and vettes I would say styling is the most important factor.

[SIKCRX]

if you are running any significant ammount of power in a rotary(specifically rx7) you are gonna break more apex seals than youd ever imagine possible.

[flex339]

well everyones idea of good power is different and mileage is important to when making power. tuning is the important part. One knock "can" destory a rotary and piston engine.

[SIKCRX]

if you tune ANY engine properly it will last forever, it just takes less "tuning" to make a piston engine last longer than a rotary.

[vette_7t9]

Ok so now i know the reliability isnt crap because of a stereotype!

I also know that the SVT Cobra '03 is probably one of the best american road cars yet. Sure I've seen it eat vettes for lunch, but how does the stock GT fair? Is it any good at all? I have never seen any 0-60 or 1/4 times so I do not know. Is it worth buying? In GT, i mean 99-current. You can post opinions on fox bodies too.

[StangNut86]

as far as i'm concerned, performance up, reliability/longevity down. that said, any car can be as if not more reliable than the next, it depends on how it's built, how it's repaired, how it's maintained. take care of your car and it will take care of you.

then again, why do you think top fuel guys break so many parts? the sheer power is very nearly too much for the parts. 1 small mistake can tear the entire motor apart. not that the average guy will tear motors apart every run, but you do it wrong and it will break.

[flex339]

This is all the info you want and more
http://www.angelfire.com/pa3/ford/performance1.htm
I can't verify the numbers, but it'll give you a base line.

[vette_7t9]

I think some stats are skeptical. A 2000 Cobra R doing 5.2 0-60? More like 4.7-4.9. I know it can do better.

[CamaroSSBoy346]

from first hand experience: 99 Mustang GT Cold Air Intake, with headlight removal, ran a 13.90.. compared to a 100% stock Camaro SS Oh yeh..thought i'd throw in some pics cause i got nothing better to do (BTW, im not biased, considering im looking for a Mustang to buy..)