Pros and cons of s197 vs s550 help

Drek08 · Aug 23, 2017

Hey guys I am new here and in the market for either a '13-'14 GT or '15-'16 GT.

I've done some research between the two but still wanting to hear more info. I have searched comparisons between the two models but there isn't much info on it now, only prior to when the s550 was about to first release.

As far as price differences there isn't much, around $3-5k. I know the s550s have a lot more features and gadgets then previous years but being that the 2015 model is the first year(with any car) they tend to have bugs and issues. I am sure some of you guys have had both models of the car by now so just looking to hear some advice from all of you fellow knowleadgable guys. I appreciate any help and advice you can give. Thank you in advance

Ebm · Aug 23, 2017

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Drek08 said:
Hey guys I am new here and in the market for either a '13-'14 GT or '15-'16 GT.

I've done some research between the two but still wanting to hear more info. I have searched comparisons between the two models but there isn't much info on it now, only prior to when the s550 was about to first release.

As far as price differences there isn't much, around $3-5k. I know the s550s have a lot more features and gadgets then previous years but being that the 2015 model is the first year(with any car) they tend to have bugs and issues. I am sure some of you guys have had both models of the car by now so just looking to hear some advice from all of you fellow knowleadgable guys. I appreciate any help and advice you can give. Thank you in advance

That's why there is a glorious thing called a warranty.

As far as differences go, the S550 is worth it. Interior is miles better, technology is miles better, rear independent is better, looks much better (IMO). It's worth the price difference. S550 > S197 in almost every way.

nastang87xx · Aug 23, 2017

S550. No questions asked.

BmacIL · Aug 23, 2017

The S550 is the better car in nearly every way. The only reason to go S197 is if you really, really don't like the S550 styling OR if it's a drag only car. The '15+ 5.0L is also more robust and responds even better to bolt on mods or FI if you so choose to go there.

wireeater · Aug 23, 2017

I think the biggest pro of s197 to the S550 is the interior. I couldn't stand the interior of previous generation Mustangs. I would say aside from thinks like styling which are subjective the S550 is better in pretty much everything than the S197. Its heavier but still as fast. The S197 is still probably the better platform if you want to build a full out drag car but that's about it. S550 you get updated interior, exterior, IRS, better handling, more horsepower with better internals/heads. Cons, IRS possibly, weight possibly, styling possibly.

Five Oh Brian · Aug 23, 2017

S197 = drag car.
S550 = road racer / daily driver.

Drek08 · Aug 23, 2017

Well you guys have definitely confirmed what I had already concluded by my research. So I guess I researched well. Just didn't want to make sure I was missing any key factors. Thank you guys for helping. And for anyone else keep the input coming

NoVaGT · Aug 23, 2017

Drek08 said:
I am.....in the market for either a '13-'14 GT or '15-'16 GT.....I know the s550s have a lot more features and gadgets then previous years but .......they tend to have bugs and issues.

I had a 2012 Premium GT BPP car, and now drive a 2016 Base GT PP car.

There is no comparison between them. The 2016 is miles ahead in suspension, ride comfort and handling.

However; the SLRA 2011-2014 cars, because they had the antiquated rear suspension, and older front suspension, were beasts. They felt alive and scary because the chassis didn't handle the power very well.

The 2015-2017 cars are boring in comparison, because the chassis is light-years ahead. The car stays flat and level under acceleration, braking, and turning. Whereas the 2011-2014 cars nose rears skywards under acceleration, and dives like a submarine under braking.

The 2015-2017 cars are true GT cars. They are quiet, stable and comfortable. The 2011-2014 cars are quiet and comfortable too, no doubt, but the chassis isn't as sorted.

I will say I like both the exterior and interior styling of the 2011-2014 cars a bit better. But that's a very subjective thing.

If you are considering a 2015-2017 car, just go buy a brand-new 2017. They're giving them away right now. And if you buy a 2011-2014 car, it will be at least 4 years old, and in need of many things being done to it.

And keep in mind that the 2015-2017 cars are just a revision of the 2011-2014 cars, so there's nothing to worry about as far as "bugs and issues". All cars have "bugs and issues".

AmericanLegend · Aug 23, 2017

S550:
+1 Styling, Lower & Wider.
+1 Gen 2 Coyote
+1 Independent Rear Suspension
+1 Interior Design & Quality
+1 Chassis Dynamics (Improved)

Only S197 I'd consider over an S550 is the Boss. But the S197 interior would sway me back to the S550.

Drek08 · Aug 23, 2017

NoVaGT said:
I had a 2012 Premium GT BPP car, and now drive a 2016 Base GT PP car.

There is no comparison between them. The 2016 is miles ahead in suspension, ride comfort and handling.

However; the SLRA 2011-2014 cars, because they had the antiquated rear suspension, and older front suspension, were beasts. They felt alive and scary because the chassis didn't handle the power very well.

The 2015-2017 cars are boring in comparison, because the chassis is light-years ahead. The car stays flat and level under acceleration, braking, and turning. Whereas the 2011-2014 cars nose rears skywards under acceleration, and dives like a submarine under braking.

The 2015-2017 cars are true GT cars. They are quiet, stable and comfortable. The 2011-2014 cars are quiet and comfortable too, no doubt, but the chassis isn't as sorted.

I will say I like both the exterior and interior styling of the 2011-2014 cars a bit better. But that's a very subjective thing.

If you are considering a 2015-2017 car, just go buy a brand-new 2017. They're giving them away right now. And if you buy a 2011-2014 car, it will be at least 4 years old, and in need of many things being done to it.

And keep in mind that the 2015-2017 cars are just a revision of the 2011-2014 cars, so there's nothing to worry about as far as "bugs and issues". All cars have "bugs and issues".

Thanks for your input. I would love to get the 2017 but in my area the base model GT is still going for about $35k out the door. I'm trying to stay around the $25-28k range and there is 15-16s GT premiums for that price right now with around 10-25k miles. If I could get '17 for maybe $30k OTD I would do it

BmacIL · Aug 23, 2017

Drek08 said:
Thanks for your input. I would love to get the 2017 but in my area the base model GT is still going for about $35k out the door. I'm trying to stay around the $25-28k range and there is 15-16s GT premiums for that price right now with around 10-25k miles. If I could get '17 for maybe $30k OTD I would do it

You really need to shop around. You should be able to get a base w/ the PP for well under $35k OTD. That said I'd rather a 15-16 low mileage Premium w/ PP for the same money.

Blue Horse · Aug 23, 2017

Drek08 said:
Well you guys have definitely confirmed what I had already concluded by my research. So I guess I researched well. Just didn't want to make sure I was missing any key factors. Thank you guys for helping. And for anyone else keep the input coming

If you want a TRUE response to your question,check out the many other Mustang forums on the internet,I think you will find a much different response to your question. S550 looks like every other Euro box on the street,has had MANY QC issues,S197 looks and drives like a real Mustang.

NoVaGT · Aug 23, 2017

Drek08 said:
Thanks for your input. I would love to get the 2017 but in my area the base model GT is still going for about $35k out the door. I'm trying to stay around the $25-28k range and there is 15-16s GT premiums for that price right now with around 10-25k miles. If I could get '17 for maybe $30k OTD I would do it

Brand new 2017 GT Base with Performance Pack, less than $30K.

https://www.tedbritt.com/inventory/new-ford-mustang-gt-stock-75421/

Search around your area, in the largest market close to you, you'll find a similar deal.

Drek08 · Aug 23, 2017

BmacIL said:
You really need to shop around. You should be able to get a base w/ the PP for well under $35k OTD. That said I'd rather a 15-16 low mileage Premium w/ PP for the same money.

I have been searching within 100 mile radius and cheapest so far is $31,495

Drek08 · Aug 23, 2017

NoVaGT said:
Brand new 2017 GT Base with Performance Pack, less than $30K.

https://www.tedbritt.com/inventory/new-ford-mustang-gt-stock-75421/

Search around your area, in the largest market close to you, you'll find a similar deal.

I'm two hours from Los Angeles so I've searched in that area and cheapest I've found is $31,495

http://www.galpinford.com/inventory...8CF8H5344619/2017-Ford-Mustang-North-Hills-Ca

Pros and cons of s197 vs s550 help

Drek08

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Ebm

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nastang87xx

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BmacIL

Enginerd

wireeater

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Five Oh Brian

Mustang Guru

Drek08

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NoVaGT

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AmericanLegend

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Drek08

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BmacIL

Enginerd

Blue Horse

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NoVaGT

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Drek08

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Drek08

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