X-S197 owners...opinions wanted..

Hey guys. I am currently looking to purchase either a 13-14 5.0 or 15-17 5.0. I have driven an M6 2011 and a 2016 A6 premium. I really enjoyed driving both in different ways. I did a search on S197/S550 comparisons so most all my questions have already been addressed and the answers consistent with my experience.

My question is a rather subjective one. While the S550 seems to be better in almost every way, if I look back on my test drive between the two, the one thing the S197 "seems to feel" to me, is a bit lighter on its tires. The steering seems much lighter (even compared to comfort mode on the s550) and the car just "feels" a bit more responsive. I know on the edge the S550 is going to be more stable but can anyone else comment on this or share their experience.

I know the S550 is heavier and while it obviously is the superior handler, it doesn't seem as "lively" as the S197. The S550 is more akin to my 2010 SS in feel. Any thoughts?

I know what you're saying, having gone from a 2007 Miata to a 2016 GT. I fixed the liveliness with a set of progressive springs. It really took the mush out of the drive. It's still no go-kart, but handles a lot better.

Went from a 2013 GT to a 2016 GT. The 2016 is better in virtually every way: handling, responsiveness, quality, sound. The only thing better on the 2013 was the leather quality on the steering wheel, which has been fixed for 2018. The exterior looks are subjective, but I do think that the 2013-2014 MY has the best taillights of any Mustang.

I had an 08 GT premium, and that thing felt so floaty at high speeds. My 18 feels great. I also hated the way the 08 would give on turns. The only place I think the 08 had an advantage, was during hard launches. I think this will be more even when I get around to installing my Steeda IRS parts.

I had a 2006 GT, and now have a 2016 GT/PP. There is no honest comparison between the cars, in any objective measure. The S550 wins everything. From a subjective standpoint, the S550 feels way more planted and more willing to do my bidding, from a standstill to the ragged edge. The S197 was set up very, very well for the live axle, but it was unpredictable over rough roads and chattered a lot. I felt like I had to hold the S197 back, whereas the S550 is game for whatever you decide to throw at it.

The only things I liked more about my S197 were the transmission and the exhaust note. As much improved as the MT-82 has gotten since inception, it's still inferior to the TR3650 or the TR6060. I'm going to put an MGW on mine eventually, but I doubt it'll feel better or sound better (there's SOOOO much driveline slack on the S550) than an MGW-equipped TR3650. As for exhaust, the 3V is the best sounding Ford engine. Period. I had MAC Boom Tubes on mine, and the sound was fantastic. There are very few aftermarket exhausts for the Coyote that sound anywhere near as good as the 3V.

JR

13-14 GT is the faster car over the 15-17 GT because the IRS in the newer cars is weighing them down(plus the security and tech features).

15-17 GT handle better
13-14 GT cheaper to buy
13-14 GT back end looks better
13-14 GT seats and steering wheel feel better
15-17 GT all other interior components are better quality
16-17 GT Android Auto and Apple Carplay are awesome
13-15 GT you can add Android Auto with an aftermarket head unit, but it's expensive
15-17 GT have back up camera

There's trade offs to everything

Thanks guys....keep it coming... BTW, I guess I should mention that I definitely want to go A6.

Ebm said:

13-14 GT is the faster car over the 15-17 GT because the IRS in the newer cars is weighing them down(plus the security and tech features).

15-17 GT handle better
13-14 GT cheaper to buy
13-14 GT back end looks better
13-14 GT seats and steering wheel feel better
15-17 GT all other interior components are better quality
16-17 GT Android Auto and Apple Carplay are awesome
13-15 GT you can add Android Auto with an aftermarket head unit, but it's expensive
15-17 GT have back up camera

There's trade offs to everything

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The seats on my 16 are definitely more comfortable than my 2013. The 2013/2014 has a back-up camera and sensors available, it’s just not standard like the S550.

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Spork3245 said:

The seats on my 16 are definitely more comfortable than my 2013. The 2013/2014 has a back-up camera and sensors available, it’s just not standard like the S550.

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Yeah, that's pretty subjective. That was just my list.

I always thought my 12GT was lacking in the steering department. I didn't like the way the car reacted to steering inputs.

I definitely prefer my 17. It's a lot better car.

Only way I'd go back to an S197 would be for a Boss 302 or '13-'14 GT500.

And even then I'm not sure....S550 is such an improvement.

Strokerswild said:

Only way I'd go back to an S197 would be for a Boss 302 or '13-'14 GT500.

And even then I'm not sure....S550 is such an improvement.

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I do miss my S197, and wish I could have kept it. I had one chance to keep her, and my wife sanctioned having two, but I balked.

If I could pick up a Boss 302, I'd probably do it, but I don't even know that I'd go for a GT500. I mean, I probably would, but still...

JR

Ebm said:

Yeah, that's pretty subjective. That was just my list.

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I’m just saying the leather is certainly thicker and softer on the 2016 Premium, I’m not entirely sure that is debatable as reviewers stated the same... buuuuuut, maybe at the base trim with cloth seats the 13/14 offered more comfort, or even with the recaro seats? There’s a lot of options!
The seats on my 2013 had the white race stripe trim and certainly, visually, looked more appealing, though. However, I noticed that at just 18k miles the leather on the driver seat was beginning to show signs of wear, whereas my 2016 still looks practically brand new at 16.5k miles.

There are definitely some things I liked better in my 2013, though!

To the OP: My 2013 and 2016 are both automatics, the 2016 is definitely tuned better from the factory. IIRC, in reviews (at stock), the 2013/2014 A6 strongly lagged behind the manual, slowing a 4.5-second car to a 5.1-5.2 range, where-as the S550 with an auto seems to run the same to 60 as a manual. Throw a tune (Ford Racing Power Pack 1) on the S550 and the thing supposedly becomes a monster.

I have had 4 S197s before the current 2015 auto premium GT. I felt as you did to some extent, but after a tune on my A6 the light quick throttle just came alive. If I wasn't doing the sc install, I believe it was undoubtedly the fastest, funest of all the Mustangs. I strongly agree that the S550 is better in every way. 3 of my S1972 were sticks, one auto. One coyote the rest 4.6. But the S550 is the best.

I totally agree the S550's don't feel nearly as "raw" as the S197's. This seems to happen whenever a new chassis is introduced. The more rigid and superior chassis car will always feel more subdued. Ever been in a 500 hp Fox? They feel crazy and are a chore to drive. Step into a 500 hp S550 and it'll feel like a Lincoln...lol

I think the S550 is a much better looking car and I really like S197's...