3V owners, how does it stack up against today’s muscle cars?

Discussion Forum
21

Jadiel said:
The S197 just has that classic muscle car feel. It’s all about the engine, the stick shift, and the wheel.

Completely agree. I almost bought an '11 with a 5.0, but this one won me over. It’s all about the look and feel.

22

@Fenix
That look is timeless. People who love the S550 don’t remember the impact of the S197 when it first came out.

23

Jadiel said:
The S197 just has that classic muscle car feel. It’s all about the engine, the stick shift, and the wheel.

I’m torn between this or a 2010-2013 Camaro. They both have that raw feel.

24

@Reeve
Camaro’s windows are tiny; visibility is tough. Mustang’s look is cleaner. But yeah, I’m a Mustang fan.

25

Jadiel said:
@Reeve
Camaro’s windows are tiny; visibility is tough. Mustang’s look is cleaner. But yeah, I’m a Mustang fan.

Same here! I grew up around both but leaning Mustang. Those tiny Camaro windows though… :joy:

26

I think the 3V S197 is unique for being the last with the classic 351W/5.0 firing order and a 5-speed transmission. I haven’t owned anything newer, but I’ve heard the 5.0 feels softer at low revs but pulls harder up top.

Mine’s cammed, tuned, long tubes, and rough around the edges but in the best way. Love it.

27

@Barrett
Yeah, I’ve heard the same about the Coyote’s low end, especially the first gen. I love that my 3V needs to be revved out, though.

What cams are you running, and who’s your tuner?

28

Fenix said:
@Barrett
Yeah, I’ve heard the same about the Coyote’s low end, especially the first gen. I love that my 3V needs to be revved out, though.

What cams are you running, and who’s your tuner?

Cushman Motorsports Stage 1 (by Bullet Cams) and tuned by Lito.

I went with Cushman because they were a bit cheaper at the time. Had them for 8 years now—no complaints!

29

Compared to newer cars, the 3V is slower and lacks modern comforts, but that also means fewer things can go wrong. I miss my ‘07 all the time.

30

Beautiful car. Newer models may be more refined, but the S197 has that raw muscle feel. I’d choose an ‘05-09 over a newer one any day. Just a preference thing.

31

Aldrin said:
Beautiful car. Newer models may be more refined, but the S197 has that raw muscle feel. I’d choose an ‘05-09 over a newer one any day. Just a preference thing.

Thanks! I agree; the raw feel is one of the main reasons I’ve held onto it.

32

In my opinion, the S197 is the best-looking and best-sounding modern Mustang. Sure, it’s slower, but it’s still tons of fun.

33

That’s one great-looking car you’ve got.

34

The 3V has a great exhaust note. It won’t pull like the newer models, but it can still throw the back out on turns and do some mean donuts.

35

With good tires, gears, and driving skills, you can still be quick. I ran 12.9 @ 105 mph with mine, stock except for drag radials and 3.73 gears.

36

Love my 2008!

37

I drove both the 2019 and 2009 Bullitt, and I ended up buying the 2009. Love the S197’s style and feel.

38

Ares said:
I drove both the 2019 and 2009 Bullitt, and I ended up buying the 2009. Love the S197’s style and feel.

My brother has a 2019 Bullitt—it’s amazing, but I’d still prefer my dad’s 2008 GT for the raw feel.

39

Beautiful GT you’ve got there! Bet she’s loud with that cam. I’d love to hear the exhaust!

40

Harlem said:
Beautiful GT you’ve got there! Bet she’s loud with that cam. I’d love to hear the exhaust!

Thanks! Here’s a sound clip at idle.