Is the S550 a disappointment?

[Macfarland]

Sales-wise we all know it hasn't disappointed, but performance-wise the reactions have been mixed at best. The first and foremost disappointment was the weight increase. The second, lots of fans were expecting at least 450hp and more torque (the Camaro has 455 ft-lbs). Then, it was motor trend that gave the title to the gen-5 Camaro vs the S550 GTPP in a duo comparison. Now, the Camaro 6 has hit the streets and according to Automobile magazine, "brings the ponywars to a new frontier"
The truth is of all the reviews I've read, the Cam6 surprised almost everyone and the Stang6 disappointed quite a few fans and critics.
I was going to save $$ for the GT350 in 2017, but now that they say it's almost impossible to get (I'm not paying a dollar over sticker) I'll probably have to settle for the S550 GT, but after the comparison to the Cam6, I'm starting to think twice (no, I will never own a Camaro) of owning one soon. Will Ford counterattack sooner than expected? If so, how?

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[fdl2phx]

Depends on what your priorities are I guess. I love my 2016 GT, and never considered a Camaro, but that's because I'm in my mid 30s and wanted a touring car that was more comfortable around town than my WRX. I never go to the track, so bleeding edge performance doesn't interest me. If track times are a major concern, everything seems to point to the 16 SS being an absolute beast, as long as the engine doesn't brick. Different strokes and all that.

 

[Nine]

There's always something faster, and unless you're spending all your time at the track does it really matter? The S550 looks amazing, has a great interior, is comfortable and fun to drive, handles well, and goes fast.

If specs on paper really matter that much then it might not be the car for you.

 

[505STANG]

There is so much more to a car besides all out performance. Look at the past when the SS had a performance advantage against GT's and still outsold the Camaro and Firebirds combined. The S550 is a sales success and that's all that matters.

 

[brandonsmash]

It's not perfect. Build quality isn't what I'd expect, but for the price it's hard to beat. I paid a tick over $31k for my GT/PP. For a similarly-equipped Camaro I was looking at $42k. That extra ten grand or so buys a lot of go-fast goodies, or, better yet, a lot of training on how to drive the car fast.

The lines of the Mustang are gorgeous: This is the first Mustang I've really enjoyed looking at, and I've been a Camaro guy all my life. The new Camaros just don't do it for me. The interiors are worse than the Mustang, too, and sightlines were uncomfortable.

They're similar cars. For me the Mustang GT won out because it had excellent driving dynamics and looked as good as it went under full stick -- and came in $10k cheaper.

Is it a disappointment? Well, it hits a price point but it does very, very well at that price point.

 

[justinakajuice]

My '15 PP lemoned out, but I still replaced it with a '16 rather than going elsewhere. This one is an auto and I really love both. Each has awesome characteristics.

I'm getting the wife the new Camaro. I think it looks cool. Each camp bags on the other and I just laugh at both.

I also have a '69 Firebird that is getting restored over the course of forever.

 

[rl16v6]

I would say just the opposite and that the S550 was "Surprising" in a positive way. I have owned at least a dozen or more Mustang's with all engines.

I currently have a 2016 EcoBoost Premium and it's everything my '85 Mustang SVO should have been. It rides great, handling is awesome, good power combined with excellent fuel economy. It's the right car for the times!

 

[fionic]

absolutely not

 

[Macfarland]

There is so much more to a car besides all out performance. Look at the past when the SS had a performance advantage against GT's and still outsold the Camaro and Firebirds combined. The S550 is a sales success and that's all that matters.

I should change the title to "S550 GT disappointment"

When it comes to this trio, I think everything matters. The camaro before Gen5 has always outperformed the mustang but undersold it. The gen-5 took care of both, but there was the weight issue. Gen-6 has taken care of that. I think for true fans is important not to rest on your laurels. I'm mostly speaking for V8 owners. The Eco and V6 are all around great sporty cars for the non-enthusiast and the big sellers for Ford, but for the minority owners of V8s Ford should care about performance.
Next year for the first time ever, I'm tracking my car (mine has the track pack) and obviously after I learn how to track, I will want a car that's the best in its segment. Being a Mustang fan, I want Ford to respond appropriately. GM has done a far better job in not disappointing its V8 fans! Imagine what the ZL1 and Z28 have in store?!

 

[fionic]

. GM has done a far better job in not disappointing its V8 fans!

what are you even talking about?

 

[Higgs Boson]

In this price range and performance category/level I would just buy the one that you think looks better.

We are marketed to with race car metrics but which of our cars is a race car? When you travel from A to B in a given amount of time who got there before and after you? (No one) When you get into an acceleration test with another person, what do you win or not win? (Nothing)

The twin turbo or procharged shop cars on the forum aren't race cars, they are advertising tools.

My point is, don't worry about it, buy the one you like. I spent 30 years as a Chevy guy, only Camaros, Silverados, Corvettes, etc.... Honestly, I like the looks of the Mustang better than the Camaro so I daily the Mustang. Ford doesn't have something to compete with the Corvette so I have a C7, modified.....My wife hates the Camaro, Mustang, and Corvette so she drives a Mercedes.

Brand loyalty is ultimately a bad idea. When people post about if "we should be worried about the new Camaro" or stuff like that, it's sad. All we did was buy a car. We aren't on a Ford or Mustang team, we don't share in the profits, we didn't design the car, we don't get paid if they win races or sell more units.

Just relax and be happy with what you have.

 

[jasonstang]

455hp coming out of a 6.2L engine? Now that is a disappointment.

 

[Nine]

Next year for the first time ever, I'm tracking my car (mine has the track pack) and obviously after I learn how to track, I will want a car that's the best in its segment. Being a Mustang fan, I want Ford to respond appropriately. GM has done a far better job in not disappointing its V8 fans! Imagine what the ZL1 and Z28 have in store?!

So you're saying the S550 that has been on the market for a while is a disappointment because much more expensive models that don't actually exist yet will be better at some point in the future?

If you want to worry about track times worry about learning to drive consistently at 10/10ths and watch how many people you beat even though they have superior cars on paper. For the flip-side of that, have fun the first time some guy in a Miata kicks your S550 or gen6 Camaro's ass on a track because he knows how to drive better than you.

 

[5.0 435]

The looks made me buy a Shelby GT350 . Best looking Mustang EVER !!
Both cars are a bang for the buck. $49995. @ MSRP what's out there for this price. ?

 

[jasonstang]

So you're saying the S550 that has been on the market for a while is a disappointment because much more expensive models that don't actually exist yet will be better at some point in the future?

If you want to worry about track times worry about learning to drive consistently at 10/10ths and watch how many people you beat even though they have superior cars on paper. For the flip-side of that, have fun the first time some guy in a Miata kicks your S550 or gen6 Camaro's ass on a track because he knows how to drive better than you.

On a small ish track the RX-8 is super fast. Faster than most stock mustangs.

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