2017 Ford Mustang GT Coupe

The 2017 Ford Mustang GT is available in two trims where both variants are powered by the same 5.0 L V8 engine mated to a manual transmission as standard while an automatic is optional. The Mustang GT starts at around $33,195 and climbs up to more than $37,195 for the top-end trim. The 2017 GT competes with the usual prime competitors, the Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe and the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Coupe while the Nissan 370Z is also an extremely capable non-muscle competitor in the price range. 

The 2017 Ford Mustang GT is offered in two main trim levels that are the standard GT trim and the more luxurious GT Premium. Both have the same powertrain and underpinnings while the feature set differs. As for optional packages, there are many packages commonly available for both trims and the most prominent one among them is the GT Performance Package that comes with some major performance enhancements. 

The Enhanced Security Package adds more safety features while the Black Accent Package adds stealthier and sportier exterior features. There is also the California Special Package exclusive with the GT Premium trim that comes with extra features inside out. The following table shows the detailed list of features in each trim of the 2017 Ford Mustang GT-

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The base GT is as powerful as the more expensive GT Premium and it is also offered with a lot of packages to choose from. So for higher power and better performance over the base Mustang options the GT offers great value for money. However, if you are ready to spend a little more money for added features and more luxury, the GT Premium is also a great option. 

The 2017 Ford Mustang GT is powered by a 5.0L Ti-VCT V8 mated to a 6-speed manual transmission putting out 435 hp and 400 lb.-ft. of maximum power and torque. This potent powertrain is sane and aggressive at the same time with a linear and smooth power delivery. Although there is a slight vibration while the GT hits its redline, the overall performance of the engine is pleasant and lively. But something that could be considered as a downside of this engine is that it doesn’t sound as impressive as it should. 

The V8 powertrain enables the Mustang GT to achieve a speed of 60mph in 4.3 seconds and cross the quarter-mile mark in 12.9 seconds while it is limited to a top speed of 155mph. The GT Performance Package further enhances the capabilities of the GT by adding a Torsen limited-slip rear end, summer tires, extra body bracing and even stronger brakes thus boosting performance slightly. 

The 2017 Chevy Camaro SS is the top-dog among these machines as it is the fastest while the Challenger is the most powerful one. The Chevy, however, is not fast enough to justify the higher price it is offered at. The Challenger R/T Scat Pack closely follows the Camaro with a 0.1-second difference in speed runs while it has the highest top speed of 176mph. Overall the Challenger offers the most value for money with its mind-blowing performance. 

How well does the 2017 Ford Mustang GT Coupe Drive and Handle?

The Mustang GT is renowned for being well-mannered while taking on tight curves and being stable while doing so. The 2017 GT models are also engaging and pleasant to drive around with their agile handling and impressive cornering capabilities. The stock suspension setup of the Mustang GT is tuned to be more stable at high speeds while also delivering a comfortable ride quality. 

The GT Performance Package, however, changes things drastically as it comes with heavy-duty front springs and unique chassis tuning in order to make the ride stiffer, more stable, and composed around corners while sacrificing ride quality. And this is a great option if you plan on pushing your GT to the limits and intend to use its full potential, rather than casually cruising around in it. Overall, the 2017 Ford Mustang GT is an impressively handling machine with great ride quality. 

How efficient is the braking performance of the 2017 Ford Mustang GT Coupe? 

The 2017 Mustang GT models compared to the base Mustang trims come fitted with larger 13.9-inch rotors with 4-piston calipers in the front. The Mustang GT comes to a stop from a speed of 60mph at a distance of 118ft in the standard, stock condition while equipped with the optional Performance Package, it stops from 60 mph in a shorter 108 feet. Overall the braking performance is satisfactory and is on par with the rivals. 

*70-0mph

The muscle cars here are more or less in the same row in terms of braking power and stopping distance. However, the Nissan 370Z with the lower curb weight stops at the shortest distance. The Mustang could be considered as the least capable performer in the braking department but the difference is very much negligible and subject to road and driving conditions. Hence the 2017 Ford Mustang GT is an impressive performer based on braking performance. 

The Mustang GT excels not just in terms of outright performance and handling but also delivers respectable fuel efficiency numbers. The GT puts out a fuel economy of 15mpg in the city which is among the least and this shows that the GT, although is easily maneuverable in the city environment, it is not meant for the urban jungle. Things however get much better when it comes to cruising on the freeway. The GT provides an efficiency of 25mpg on the highway and a combined efficiency of 18mpg which is pretty good by segment standards. The fuel capacity of the Mustang GT is minuscule and that results in a shorter range compared to the rivals. 

The 370Z with the smaller capacity engine is the most efficient coupe here while the heaviest and most powerful Challenger provides the lowest efficiency. The Camaro, although it is slightly more efficient than the Mustang, based on numbers, in real life they are in similar charts. The Nissan again dominated with a large 19-gallon fuel capacity delivering a combined range near to 400 miles while the Mustang GT disappoints with the lowest fuel capacity and shortest range.

The Mustang GT regardless of the trim chosen comes with a good quality interior constructed out of high-quality materials and everything in the dashboard has been laid out nicely. The view outside of the cabin is also good unlike some of the rivals that come with a confined cabin. The seats are covered in cloth in the base trim while the higher-end GT Premium gets leather upholstery. You could also opt for sportier front RECARO sport Ebony cloth seats in the GT base trim or sport leather-trimmed seats from the same brand in the GT Premium trim. 

The seats are comfortable and there is an ample amount of space for the front row occupants while the second row is cramped as expected and adults wouldn’t be able to sit here comfortably. There is also a pretty good amount of space for luggage in the GT and it would be adequate for long highway cruises. You could also opt for the California Special Package in the GT Premium trim to make it look and feel more luxurious as it adds leather-trimmed seats with Miko suede cloth inserts and red stitching, Diamond Plate aluminum instrument panel trim and premium carpeted front floor mats with red stitching. 

The 2017 Dodge Challenger undoubtedly has the best in the interior segment as it comes with the most spacious cabin that could accommodate adults in the rear. The Challenger also offers the most cargo capacity while the Nissan offers the least. The Mustang has the second-best interior as the Nissan is a two-seater and the Camaro lacks outward visibility significantly. Overall the Mustang has an impressive interior while the Challenge is unbeatable and is the true winner in the interior department. The following are the main interior features of the 2017 Ford Mustang GT-

• 6-way power driver’s seat with power lumbar support
• 6-way power front passenger seat
• Leather upholstery
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control

How intuitive is the 2017 Ford Mustang GT Coupe’s infotainment unit?

The 2017 Ford Mustang GT comes equipped with a Ford SYNC infotainment unit with a 4.2-inc color LCD screen in the center stack, along with features including 911 Assist, AppLink, and 2 smart-charging USB ports. This unit, however, is not impressive and the upgraded SYNC 3 infotainment unit that comes standard in the GT Premium consists of an 8-inch color LCD capacitive touchscreen. This could be further upgraded with the optional voice-activated navigation system with pinch-to-zoom capability and integrated SiriusXM Traffic and Travel Link

with a 5-year subscription. The following are the standout infotainment features in the 2017 Ford Mustang GT-

• SYNC 3 with 8-inch color LCD capacitive touchscreen in the center stack 
• Swiping capability
• AM/FM stereo/single-CD player with 9 speakers and amplifier
• 911 Assist
• AppLink
• 2 smart-charging USB ports

The Mustang GT has a breathtaking design that is classy, beautiful, and sporty at the same time. The iconic projector headlamps and the overall front-end design of the car remain the same while some others got a refreshed exterior. But still, the Mustang GT holds up against the competition with the signature looks that are loved by fans as well as others. It is offered in 14 color options while the wheels are 18-inch Magnetic-painted Machined aluminum wheels as standard while you could upgrade them to Foundry Black-painted wheels for an extra cost. 

To make the Mustang GT look more aggressive, the available packages could help. The GT Performance Package, while boosting performance, also adds exterior elements such as a unique front air splitter while deleting the rear spoiler. To get a more stealthy and bolder look you could also opt for the Black Accent Package that comes with larger 19-inch Ebony Black-painted aluminum wheels, and Black-painted raised blade-style decklid spoiler along with some other perks. 

Hands down, all these machines are impressively beautiful. They are also extremely sporty as they are all specced up above their respective base trims. The Nissan obviously is the lightest and the Challenger is the heaviest. The Ford Mustang offers the best ground clearance while the Chevy has the least. The Challenger is the overall larger one and has the biggest exterior dimensions and that does affect its handling. The following are the main exterior features of the 2017 Ford Mustang GT-

• 18-inch Magnetic-Painted Machined Aluminum wheels
• Dual bright rolled and polished exhaust tips
• LED fog lamps
• Hood vented extractors
• Raised blade-style decklid spoiler
• LED taillamps with sequential turn signals
• Pony projector lamps 

The 2017 Ford Mustang GT comes with a comprehensive set of safety features that ensure that the occupants inside the car are safe. You could also further opt for the Enhanced Security Package that comes with an electronic-locking center console, Active Anti-Theft System, electronic steering column lock, and wheel locks for added safety. The 2017 Mustang was crash-tested by both NHTSA as well as IIHS and it received an impressive rating from both the agencies further ensuring that the Mustang is safe. It comes equipped with the following safety and driver assistance features-

• Adaptive cruise control and collision warning with brake support, and rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Reverse Sensing System
• Rearview camera
• Remote Keyless Entry System
• Safety belt restraint system – Manual 3-point shoulder and lap safety belt 
• system for all seating positions
• SecuriLock Passive Anti-Theft System
• SOS Post-Crash Alert System

2017 Ford Mustang GT Coupe vs 2017 Chevrolet Camaro SS Coupe

The 2017 Chevy Camaro SS is a worthy opponent that competes for head to head against the Ford Mustang GT. The Chevy is more powerful and slightly faster than the GT while also being a little more agile and better handling. The Mustang however comes with a better, more spacious interior with a larger cargo area and a lot more outward visibility. Both models suffer from a cramped second-row issue while the Mustang is the overall better one. But, still, the overall choice between these machines is subjective and is a matter of taste. 

2017 Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe vs 2017 Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack Coupe

The Dodge Challenger R/T Coupe is the most powerful option among these machines while also being the most spacious one with a second row that can accommodate adults comfortably. The Ford Mustang GT does have some advantages over the Challenger as it is more engaging to drive with its nimble and more agile driving dynamics and better city maneuverability. Overall, choose the Mustang for drivability and the Challenger for more comfort, space, and drag races. It’s as simple as that. 

2017 Ford Mustang GT Premium Coupe vs 2017 Nissan 370Z Sport Tech Coupe

These are breeds of excellent performers and even though they belong in a similar price range, they are worshipped by two entirely different cult fans. The Nissan 370Z lacks a rear row which doesn’t matter as the rear row of the Mustang is not of much use, but it has a larger and usable cargo area, unlike the Nissan. The 370Z offers better handling and fuel efficiency numbers at the cost of its lack of refinement and noise isolation while the Mustang is faster, more comfortable, and refined. Overall, the choice between these machines should be made according to your taste and preference.

The new Ford Mustang GT is a capable, value-for-money option in the segment and price range. It comes with a powerful, smooth, and refined V8 under the hood and accelerates fast with sufficient power at its disposal all the time while also delivering impressive fuel efficiency. It also has a high-quality interior with all the features and luxury you could expect for the price paid. The cons include a cramped rear row and a disappointing range. But despite these shortcomings, the 2017 Ford Mustang GT is an excellent choice and you should get one if you are interested.