Materials, Fit and Finish compared to the S197 ?

I haven't been able to see one in person yet but I'd like to hear your thoughts of the fit and finish of the new Mustangs. Are they now starting to approach a higher level of quality like that of Audi, BMW, Merc etc?

Not quite up to MB etc but a very significant jump.

Leaps and bounds over the S197. The base trim for the S550 comes with more standard features than the 11-14 S197 Premiums had standard.

From my experience owning Fords, I agree with STAMPEDE. There is a huge improvement on the S550.

Like everything else, it's a huge improvement. Like going from a yugo to a yota

The higher fastback chassis stiffness imparts a improved sense of quality. The interior materials feel and look nicer than what was in the '10-'14 model years by a factor of 50%. The carpet is comparable. The doors close with a solid thunk. Body panel fitment is equivalent to the S197s, although the front fenders and hoods in some cases needed adjustment post delivery. Overall, I feel like the improvements step it up nicely toward those levels.

All of this is good to hear. My B302 is fine by me quality wise but if the Americans can close the gap compared to the Euro cars it bodes well for our economy. I'm at the point now that offerings from the big 3 (mainly Ford) are reaching par with Audi, Merc and BMW. Especially on the performance side of the market...

Comparing my 2008 Bullitt s197 to my 2015 GT s550, the fit of the sheet metal is not quite as good on the s550. I think this partly a result of the sharp creases on the s550 providing reference points that require sub millimeter tolerances. The interior fit and finish is vastly improved on the s550.

I personally like the body design on the S197 over the 550. Yes technically the 550 is a better car though.

Randy M said:

All of this is good to hear. My B302 is fine by me quality wise but if the Americans can close the gap compared to the Euro cars it bodes well for our economy. I'm at the point now that offerings from the big 3 (mainly Ford) are reaching par with Audi, Merc and BMW. Especially on the performance side of the market...

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Car and Driver called the EcoBoost Mustang an American Audi A5....thats really saying something.

I've had my car less then a week, and I had 3 S197s before this, and I don't miss any of those cars even a little bit!

^^^ Best comment yet^^^

The interior is far nicer than any of the S197s I owned. Still a lot of hard plastic on the doors and center console though.

Tamadrummer88 said:

Car and Driver called the EcoBoost Mustang an American Audi A5....thats really saying something.

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The Mustang far surpasses the Volkswagen with Audi badging.

Apples and oranges.

I finally had a chance to check one out and have to agree the interior is no contest. Far better than my '11, if just a little busier than I'm used to. I think it's just all the extra tech.

I didn't spend a lot of time in it but I wouldn't say it is Audi/BMW quality. It's not up to that level of refinement and quality of materials, but for the price nothing comes close IMO. The one thing I didn't like are the toggle switches feel cheaper than I would like and don't have a satisfying weight to them that they should.

I'm hoping someone will come up with a good aftermarket alternative to it.