Mach 1 vs Dark Horse.

[BrakeFade]

I like new cars too. So my salesman called me and sent me these pics on a dark horse they got in trade. I told him I wasn't interested but I had to find out for myself. I drove a carbon HP. It had 800 miles on it so I was able to really drive it. I don't don't if it's the carbon wheels or the pirrellis but turn in felt quicker lighter. I can't say it was any faster. It felt as fast. I can see where the screens could be set up for track and have lots of information easily readable for the focal impaired. I don't mind saying after driving I'd own one. If only it was a few grand less. The carbon on this one is 9k.

I do not like the DH carbon wheel design. Not sure what ford was thinking there?

Sponsored

 

[SBR70.3]

The Trofeo tires that come with the Dark Horse HP are stickier. I suspect that's what accounts for most, if not all, the difference. The rear brakes are clearly better, too, but Ford really didn't upgrade the platform in a material way for the S650.

I think every original S550 owner is anti-Pirelli. We couldn't wait to dump the P-zero tires. Ya, the Trofeos spec well, but for how many miles? 2k?

 

[MidwayJ]

I think every original S550 owner is anti-Pirelli. We couldn't wait to dump the P-zero tires. Ya, the Trofeos spec well, but for how many miles? 2k?

Poor P-Zero all season tire performance isn't really relevant but I understand the sentiment. I doubt Ford cares how long the Trofeos last as long as somebody gets good lap times with them.

 

[Mikepol2]

I do not like the DH carbon wheel design. Not sure what ford was thinking there?

Kinda plain-Jane for a $9K option, right??!

Around my area, there are a lot more DH's available than Machs/Shelbys... within 100 miles there are 18 DH's, 1 Mach, 6 350's, and 3 500's.

 

[BrakeFade]

Kinda plain-Jane for a $9K option, right??!

Looks don’t fit the DH design. Reminds me of them old charger SRT wheels.

 

[Johnny maverick]

The wheels turned me off immediately. So blah. Especially for 9k

 

[BrakeFade]

The wheels turned me off immediately. So blah. Especially for 9k

To me it looks like Ford was going for the “hey I have carbon fiber wheels” look. Make the spokes as wide as possible to show off the weave. I’m guessing there are people out there who like them? I certainly don’t.

 

[RobZ71LM7]

Sorry Ford, but those wheels are disgusting, CF or not.

I’d imagine the take rate on those has to be very small. Unlike the GT350 and 500 they aren’t packaged with other options so I can’t see someone spending nearly $10k to be hardly any lighter than a set of forged or even flow formed wheels (not to mention they are ugly). It’s crazy they couldn’t have offered another option for 9k that would have bigger performance improvements. And who would want to risk those wheels on the track? Look at the cost of a 700A, handling package, appearance package, recaro, painted stripe and carbon fiber wheels: $97,205 MSRP!!!!

 

[SBR70.3]

Look at the cost of a 700A, handling package, appearance package, recaro, painted stripe and carbon fiber wheels: $97,205 MSRP!!!!

F That!!!!

Used, low mileage Mach 1 w/HP ~$50-55K
2 piece rotors with G-Loc pads ~$2k
Wengerd E85 tune ~1k

With this setup, I'd 100% believe this car would be as fast, if not faster than a DH (given the same dirver). I now have a crap ton of money left over for track days, spare set of Apex wheels and Potenza RE71-RS tires, PPF, etc. Hell, you could throw in a used F-150 and a trailer and still be under this DH build cost.


Mach 1 wins this argument.

 

[RobZ71LM7]

F That!!!!

Used, low mileage Mach 1 w/HP ~$50-55K
2 piece rotors with G-Loc pads ~$2k
Wengerd E85 tune ~1k

With this setup, I'd 100% believe this car would be as fast, if not faster than a DH (given the same dirver). I now have a crap ton of money left over for track days, spare set of Apex wheels and Potenza RE71-RS tires, PPF, etc. Hell, you could throw in a used F-150 and a trailer and still be under this DH build cost.


Mach 1 wins this argument.

Used versus new pricing I would buy a Mach 1. I've seen low mileage 700A (<10k miles) HP's for $50k even.

 

[Charlemagne]

I think every original S550 owner is anti-Pirelli. We couldn't wait to dump the P-zero tires. Ya, the Trofeos spec well, but for how many miles? 2k?

Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R 305/30 R19 102Y cost $1400 per tyre here in EU. That's 3x more than Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2. Nonsense, they can keep the Trofeos for Lambos, LOL. I had all 4 tyres (285/35 PS4S and 305/35 PSS) for $1300.

 

[MAGS1]

Guess I’m in the minority, I like the DH CF wheel design. $9k for CF wheels is a pretty decent price. Design is subjective but as I understand it, there’s only so much you can do with CF wheels to maintain structural integrity. I’m not an expert in composites though

 

[WD Pro]

Guess I’m in the minority, I like the DH CF wheel design. $9k for CF wheels is a pretty decent price. Design is subjective but as I understand it, there’s only so much you can do with CF wheels to maintain structural integrity. I’m not an expert in composites though

I think you have partially hit the nail on the head there

Im no expert in carbon either, but I have always suspected that they have purposely picked a design that’s A) an ‘easy’ style to manufacture, and B) one that gives least possible chance of ‘cosmetic’ flaws (especially as they have gone with an exposed weave).

But yeah, in my opinion and likely because of that, they look a bit ‘meh’ (being polite … lol).

Stick one at the side of one of the other offerings that Ford chose for the Mustang (I daren’t mention the S word lol), and in my opinion, there’s no comparison

WD

 

[murick]

If I was shopping for Mustang today, DH would definitely be on the table. I know, I like the body lines of S550 better, but it would not probably stop the deal.
What I cannot stomach however are the internal displays and to convince myself that I want them will be very difficult. Buying used Mach 1 will also be difficult as the used Mustangs market here is mostly repaired cars (and quite few times even totalled). Buying "just used" Mustang is quite difficult.

 

[Schwerin]

Only way I'd get a DH would be in a dark gray or black to hide that ugly "fat goth girl mascara" look.

The S650 is probably the first mustang I think the base model front end looks best.

Sponsored