The 2016 Ford Mustang’s arrival in Australia is just right to position the model as a muscle car replacement to the Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon – both of which face uncertain futures as GM and Ford prepare to cease all local production over the next two years. The timing is such that, at least for the time being, now is a great time to be a muscle car fan in the Land Down Under.
But which V8 muscle car represents the best bang-per-buck ratio in Australia today? To find out, Australia’s Drive staged a three-car comparison test between the 2016 Ford Mustang GT, the Chrysler 300 SRT, and the homegrown Holden Commodore SS-V. Australia’s other homegrown muscle car – the Ford Falcon – was noticeably absent.
“There are no losers in this contest,” wrote Drive‘s Stephen Ottley. “All three of these V8s are fantastic cars that any muscle car lover would be proud to own. But which one stands ahead of the pack?”
According to Mr. Ottley, the Holden Commodore SS-V takes it. For its part, the 2016 Ford Mustang GT easily attracts the most attention out of the group, according to the author. But the 5.0-liter V8 delivers less torque than the Commodore’s 6.2-liter LS3, and the author found that the Ford Mustang GT had little gusto at all below about 4,000 RPM. Drive also observed that the rear seats are too cramped to be usable, and the presence of cheap plastics in the interior somewhat ruin the ambience.
Finally, while competent in the corners, the Ford Mustang GT simply doesn’t have the same level of composure as the Holden, reports Mr. Ottley.
At $60,115 Australian, the 2016 Ford Mustang GT is narrowly the most expensive of the three cars tested here; the Holden Commodore SS-V costs $56,690, while the Chrysler 300 SRT comes in at $59,000. Nevertheless, Drive did conclude that the Mustang is a better choice overall than the Chrysler.
For the full story, check out Drive.com.au.
No Comments yet