2014 Ford Mustang

Though there are some flaws that the Mustang suffers from, the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to opting for it amidst its pool of rivals. As we will be focusing particularly on the 2014 Ford Mustang Coupe, we’d like to inform you that it competes with the LS variant of the 2014 Chevrolet Camaro, the SXT variant of the 2014 Dodge Challenger, and the Nissan 370Z.

The 2014 Ford MustangCoupe is available in only two variants; a V6 Basic trim and a V6 Premium trim. As standard, the Mustang Coupe uses a 3.7L Naturally Aspirated V6 engine that comes mated to a 6-Speed Manual or a 6-Speed Automatic transmission. The V6 Base trim costs an economical $23,335, while the V6 Premium costs slightly higher at $27,435. The Ford Mustang Coupe can also be optioned with a new Exterior Appearance package that adds black-painted mirror caps and decklid spoiler and body color-painted quarter-window louvers.

Also available for the coupe is a V6 Performance package that includes 19-inch wheels with summer tires, numerous suspension and brake upgrades, a recalibrated stability control system, and a 3.31 rear axle ratio. The V6 Premium trim can also be had with the Pony package and the Mustang Club of America Special Edition packages. Both consist of 18-inch wheels, fog lamps, auto headlamps, and various unique exterior styling enhancements.

Other optional packages include the Comfort Group package (heated mirrors, a power passenger seat, and heated front seats), a Tech package for base V6 and V8 models (fog lamps, Sync, a power driver seat, and an auto-dimming mirror), and the Electronics package for V6 Premium and above (dual-zone automatic climate control, HD radio and a voice-activated navigation system with real-time traffic and other information). Also available on specific models are remote start (requires automatic transmission), rear parking sensors, a glass roof, faux side scoops, a tonneau cover for convertible models, and sporty Recaro front seats.

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Although both the available trims come installed with all essential features, the V6 Premium trim gets hold of few additional stuff. While the V6 Premium trim of the Ford Mustang is pricier by $4,000, it offers a whole lot of convenient features that make it a better package than the V6 Base trim and is thus the trim we recommend you get.

Being the entry-level variant of the Mustang, it isn’t equipped with the most powerful engine on offer. It is equipped with a 3.7L Naturally Aspirated V6 engine that pumps out a healthy 305 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, which is mated to a 6-Speed Manual transmission. The V6 duo can hit 60 MPH in 5.7 seconds from a standstill and can hit a top speed of 135 MPH. Although low on power as compared to the V8, the NA V6 motor is no slouch and is a lot of fun to drive around in.

Its rivals offer similar numbers when it comes to power, torque, as well as other performance figures. The Nissan 370Z, however, is much more expensive than the Ford Mustang V6, Chevrolet Camaro LS, and the Dodge Challenger SXT, whilst offering roughly the same level of performance as others. The 2014 Mustang comes with a price tag of $23,335, making it the cheapest option in the competition.

While the Camaro and the 370Z are more powerful than the Mustang Coupe, the aging Dodge Challenger SXT is limited to a maximum torque output of 268 lb-ft due to the chink in its armor being the weak 5-Speed Manual transmission. When comparing the 0-60 mph and quarter-mile timing, Nissan shoots past its rivals with a lot of ease as it takes the least time of 5.3 seconds and 13.5 seconds, respectively.

The fuel efficiency of fun and peppy cars like the Ford Mustang is never the claim to fame. Although the Ford Mustang V6 averages the highest in-class mileage of 18 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway, the small 16.0-gallon fuel tank does reduce the range of the vehicle as compared to its thirsty rivals. It can only cover 304 miles in the city and 464 miles on the highway, while the thirstier Chevrolet Camaro LS can go on for 532 miles on highway tarmac before running dry.

The Dodge Challenger SXT manages similar fuel efficiency as the Mustang V6, averaging a combined mileage of 21 MPG. The Nissan 370Z, on the other hand, has the lowest fuel efficiency in the segment at 20 miles per gallon of fuel. It features a 19.0 gallons fuel tank, which is the standard norm in this segment. When comparing the overall combined range, the Challenger SXT offers the most at 410 miles.

The Mustang’s cabin feels decent at max if assessed graciously. Most of the interior panels make use of hard plastics, which really let the ambiance of the cabin down and make the cabin feel cheap. A really mandatory feature that Ford has omitted is the absence of telescopic adjustability of the steering column.

The front seats are large and wide and can accommodate tall and heavy drivers with ease. The V6 Premium trim’s 8-way electric adjustability for the driver’s seat is a boon to find a sweet position one wants to sit in. The rear seats are extremely tight and cramped and are best suited for children. The 2014 Ford Mustang Coupe offers a healthy 13.4 cubic feet of cargo space and can be easily loaded for a weekend’s getaway.

Nissan 370Z offers the least practicality by only offering seating for 2, whereas the Chevrolet and Ford offer seating for 4. The Challenger SXT stands at the top with seating for 5. The Dodge Challenger SXT, physically being the largest in the segment, also offers the maximum interior space. It also has rear seats that can fit real adults, as well as the biggest boot, offering 16.2 cubic feet of cargo space. The Nissan 370Z has the tightest and smallest boot in the segment, with the boot offering 6.9 cubic feet of cargo space. Major interior features include:

• 8-Way Driver Seat w/Manual Recline and Manual Rear Seat Easy Entry
• Leather Front Bucket Seats
• 50-50 Folding Bench Rear Seat
• Leather and Aluminum Steering Wheel
• Garage Door Transmitter
• Optional Recaro Leather Sport Seats
• Remote Keyless Entry w/Integrated Key Transmitter

How intuitive is the 2014 Ford Mustang Coupe’s infotainment unit?

The infotainment system on the Ford Mustang is both practical and modern. The SYNC 3 infotainment system is a boon to use with its intuitive media abilities. The voice activation commands are extremely easy to use and get the job done really well. While the V6 Base trim is equipped with a four-speaker sound system, the V6 Premium trim gets you a rocking 8-speaker 370W Shaker Sound System that does the car justice. The large centrally housed screen also supports built-in turn-by-turn navigation with real-time traffic updates. The usual array of FM/AM, Satellite Radio, Auxiliary Input, USB, and Bluetooth are all standard. Some of the features of the infotainment system are:

• Ford SYNC 3 Infotainment System
• 8-speaker 370W Shaker Sound System
• SiriusXM Satellite Radio with 6 months complimentary subscription
• Built-In Voice-Activated Navigation System
• Bluetooth Wireless Audio Streaming and Phone Connectivity
• AppLink and SYNC Services w/ 911 Assist

Since this is the last model year of the Ford Mustang before the generation changes and an entirely new car is introduced, the 2014 model year doesn’t receive any cosmetic updates. Even though the design is 9 solid years old, it has really aged well and still looks relevant. The imposing bubbled hood with the sleek headlamps is a perfect balance between brute and stylish. The low-slung design of the Ford Mustang screams dynamic.

There are tons of customization options available even from the factory floor, which includes Hood & Side Stripes, Over-The-Top Racing Stripe, a GT Spoiler, and hundreds of other third-party accessories to choose from. The 2014 Ford Mustang Coupe is the second most compact coupe when compared to its rivals, only larger than the uber-compact Nissan 370Z. While the ground clearance is not much since it is a true-bred sportscar, it is enough for the mighty Mustang to trot along anywhere you feel like taking it, as long as it’s on the tarmac.

In comparison, the Dodge Challenger SXT is the longest and the heaviest car in the segment at 197.7 inches and 3,834 lbs, respectively. The Nissan 370Z has a very small footprint and is significantly smaller than its other rivals in every physical dimensioning capability. When comparing the curb weight, Nissan 370Z is the lightest option in the segment, which must be of help in real-world performance. Few major exterior features include:

• Projector Beam High-Intensity Low/High Beam Headlamps w/Delay-Off
• LED Brakelights
• Powered Side Mirrors w/Convex Spotter
• 17-inch Machined Aluminum wheels w/BSW AS Performance tires
• Optional GT Spoiler
• Optional Hood & Side Stripes and Over-The-Top Racing Stripe

The Mustang has a host of standard safety features like antilock disc brakes, front-seat side airbags, traction and stability control, blind-spot monitors, rear parking sensors, hill-start assist, as well as Ford's MyKey system, which allows owners to limit speed and audio volume levels for young drivers. The vehicle is pretty secure as it has earned an overall safety rating of four stars, with four stars for total front-impact protection and four stars for total side-impact protection from the NHTSA. In the tests conducted by the IIHS, the Mustang coupe earned a top score of "Good" for frontal-offset collision protection and a second-best "Acceptable" for side-impact protection. Other salient safety features include:

• AdvanceTrac Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
• Driveline Traction Control
• Dual Stage Driver And Passenger Front Airbags, Seat-Mounted Side Airbags, and Side Airbag Head Extension
• Airbag Occupancy Sensor
• Low Tire Pressure Warning
• Mykey System w/Top Speed Limiter, Programmable Sound Chimes and Beltminder w/Audio mute

The 2014 Ford Mustang Coupe is an affordable way of getting into the American sports car world and lifestyle whilst keeping the running costs low. Although it does face serious heat from its other two American rivals, the cult of this vehicle is enough to rule in favor of the pony. The only drawback we feel is the cheaply built interiors, apart from which, the vehicle is a great proposition to have for as low as $23,335. It does conjure up memories, associations, and nostalgia for most Americans, and coupled with the cozy cabin and surprisingly confident handling, we would definitely recommend having a look at the Ford Mustang if you’re out in the market for a sports coupe.