Motor Trend Pits Ford Mustang V6 Versus Subaru BRZ

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Motor Trend had Randy Pobst take the Ford Mustang V6 and the Subaru BRZ out on track. With predictable results.

I’ve yet to drive the BRZ, but I have driven all versions of the Mustang. I love the look, the sound and the performance, but I’ve never been entirely comfortable driving them at speed. It’s more likely a reflection of my own limitations and biases than the car’s capabilities, but I the Mustang’s steering feel and overall heft never really gelled with me on track, though the power has always been there. I feel far more comfortable behind the wheel of a Hyundai Genesis or BMW 3-Series in those environments. That said, the Mustang is far and away my favorite pony car. A V6 Mustang, despite its quantitative superiority over many similarly-priced cars, would never make my list of “must haves” but add two cylinders, and the extra expense, fuel consumption and weight over the front tires suddenly becomes worth it just for the sound alone.


Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Panzerfaust Panzerfaust on May 05, 2012

    You know if you're going to use aviation metaphors, maybe it should be the Kawanishi N1K-J Shiden (Violet Lightening) vs. the P-51D eh.... Mustang?

    • See 1 previous
    • Adam Adam on May 05, 2012

      @jetcal1 I'm an engineer and I agree 110% jetcal1. There are many smart folks all over the globe with different, effective solutions to the same problems.

  • PrincipalDan PrincipalDan on May 05, 2012

    On the plus side I like the colors of both vehicles. I said it once (a few months ago) and I'll say it again, anyone shopping in the $20,000 to $30,000 price range is really spoiled for choice...

  • Roadscholar Roadscholar on May 05, 2012

    As is usual with American car or motorcycle magazines, an exercise in stating the obvious. I'm 48-years-old. I'll buy the 'Stang and leave the BRZ for the 20-year-olds (physical or mental age).

  • Amca Amca on May 05, 2012

    Just watch for the next Mustang. Ford engineering has had a good run lately, and with a brief to throughly modernize the Mustang, I'm expecting good things. If they just watch weight, which if the CAdillac ATS is any indication, Detroit is learning to do, it'll have a shot at being brilliant.

    • Hubcap Hubcap on May 06, 2012

      I'm expecting great things from the next gen Mustang. I really like the Evos design language and we're all aware of the performance gains. Ford has also said the next car will be smaller and lighter. Throw in a better and interior and methinks good things are coming.

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