Convertible or Coupe? The 2010 Mustang GT Deserves Much Respect

After years of interiors with haphazard quality and handling that could only be politely described as tricky, the Ford Mustang GT is living up to its iconic reputation. Although the latest 2009 incarnation has been out for over a year it is hard to pass one on the road and not be amazed by how lithe and sexy this little pony car is in the metal.

 

While there is a base V6 model that provides plenty of power in order to get the true Mustang you really have to order the V8 with its basso profundo soundtrack. If Mr. T was an engine it would be this one. I pity the fool who tries to drag race me at the light, he would no doubt say. The 4.6-liter V8 pumps out a healthy 315-horsepower and 325 pound feet of torque.

 

The Camaro may have it beat in the power stakes as far as numbers go but that car is so heavy that it handles with all the precision of a bulldozer. And the styling makes it look like it arose from a swamp somewhere.

 

But what about the live rear axle on the Mustang? Come on now Camaro fans. Ford has been making Mustangs in different guises since the mid-1960s (well just ignore the Mustang 2 years) and just because that sort of axle design is no longer in vogue doesn't mean it doesn't work. You have to give the guys in Dearborn some credit for honing the technology generation after generation and year after year.

 

You know who else does the same thing? Porsche with the 911. You see, Ford and Porsche aren't like Chevy in that they don't bail on iconic nameplates when the going gets rough. And you never hear people complaining that Porsche really needs to put the engine in the front like everyone else, now do you?

 

Do you know how many young and inexperienced drivers are behind the wheel of Mustangs? It isn't that hard to get a squirrelly Mustangs rear end back in line on a wet road and the ease in which you can skid these puppies is why they are so fun. You don't buy a Mustang for safe handling. If you want that then go buy a Subaru. And if you think about it the Porsche 911 is a far trickier beast to keep under control at high speeds.

 

For 2009 Ford shocked the world when it unveiled the new interior of that years Mustang. Where hollow plastics and ill fitting trim once resided were Audi like soft touch plastics, the latest electronic gizmos and panel fits tighter than one of Lady GaGas form fitting outfits.

 

The controls, door handles and leather upholstery are all of such a high level of quality that you have to wonder if someone at Ford kidnapped someone from Audis interior design department. There is one final thing that the interior of the new Mustang has pulled off that no American car has been able to do since the 1950s: the optional red leather interior is stylish and sexy while still maintaining an air of macho bravado. Yes, I said red leather. Dont worry, though, Ford also offers a multitude of other interior colors if you dont think you can pull off a red interior (and not everyone can).