I've had both and I'll tell you that the S197 is a raw muscle car experience and it has a lot of character for that. On the other hand the S550 is much more refined experience. The S197 loves to fish tail and it felt like it was trying to get away from me and that's with like 400 whp. My S550 doesn't have problems hooking and it's coming in around 600 supercharged whp.
I can definitely back up what you said. I’m making probably around the same hp as your s197 give or take and it will fishtail even in 2nd gear going 40 with a full throttle stomp..any suggestions to help with this? Obviously stickier tires but anything else? Would rear lower control arms make a difference at all?
The main thing would be control arms and your entire suspension for that matter. The stock S197s has a lot of body roll. I mean A LOT! So I got Eibach Coilovers, control arms, sway bars and panhard rod to correct the geometry of the car and also to reduce wheel hop that causes this fishtail when you floor it.
Of all the questionable design decisions of the S650 that dashboard screen is by far the worst. It's going to age like milk and already looks like an afterthought. Not even pretending to try and integrate it in a cool way like the digital cluster of the later S550s.
@@gaspump feels like something that would be in cyberpunk, the "mustang" in that game has a similar interior with the center dash facing you, so they're going with a futuristic look, instead of a retro/modern
I had an S197 and loved it. I have an S550 and love it. For performance and the Independent Rear Suspension, I like the S550. For looks, I like the S197 slightly better because it combines the best old school with new.
The S197 is just a raw fun car to drive but can get sketchy real quick but manageable. the S550 is more predictable and better planted tone down but still very fun.
@@BC08and I love it 😂 easily the best looking modern mustang. The car feels special because it’s the first of its kind, it’s a sports car with a v8 engine it’s not a muscle car and it’s not trying to be. It’s the most appealing mustang by far to a majority of people who like modern looking cars
@@kingzuna8007 S550 best looking? Nah. GT350/500 look nice - but take a poll based on appearance almost anywhere and a 13/14 GT will beat a 15-23 GT badly. Even the vast majority of S550 guys will admit the last gen S197s had them beat of looks
@@BC08 yeah you’re probably right it depends on the person though. If you want a car that looks more like a traditional muscle car then the s197 delivers that in full but if you want a modern sleek looking sports car with a comfy interior and functional aftermarket body modifications options then the s550 is the better car. It’s a tough debate because hardcore muscle car guys will obviously choose the s197 but I think a vast majority of people who will choose a s550 because it’s just looks like a nicer and more modern car. So it depends on who you ask
Man the 14 interior feels light years ahead of the 05-09 lol yet s550 feels way better than the 14. I own a 05 gt convertible and 14 gt track pack coupe love them both
The fact that the 13/14 is still being compared to todays models is a true testament to how ahead of it’s time the 13/14’s are. Personally I love my 13 gt. It just feels like America driving it while newer models feel more like a BMW. All I can say to that is Merica!!!
13-14’s will be more collectable than most of the other modern generation mustang styles imo. They seem to resonate through all ages of mustang enthusiasts. They’ve aged well and will continue to do so, thanks it’s simple, classic design. Ford perfected the s197. I think they made about 160,000 total of them. That’s a lot of cars but compared s550’s they’re only a drop in the bucket. I go through mustangs like candy but my 1100 hp grabber blue 13 GT I’m keeping. It just looks too damn good and completely scares the shit out of me 👍🏼
I have a ‘14 v6 performance pack mustang and couldn’t be happier with it. Absolutely love the retro inspired styling. My sister has a s550 so I’ve driven both. Definitely a different experience. Both great cars in there own ways.
I've had both. S197 is great for performance and the S550 was more comfortable and great for trip driving. Now , I own a 2010 Gt500 and would not give it up.
So I had a s550 as my first “new” car ever, and I used to take many road trips from NY to FL, and it’s an amazing road companion, interior is a wonderful place to be if you enjoy the bells and whistles, about 5 years later, I sold the s550 and got an amazing deal on an s197 since it was always a dream car and I no longer needed a long distance travel car, you cannot compare how much more fun and raw the s197 is. But that’s just my personal opinion. Still have the s197 3 yrs later, will probably hold onto it until I run it into the ground
Alle Mustangs sind toll, auch wenn die neueren eher Sportwagen als Muscle Car sind. Ganz sicher ist der 2013 & 2014 S197 eines der schönsten Autos der Welt, mit 100% Muscle Car Charakter und der typischen Mustang Seele. S197 ist die absolute Nummer 1, aber der Mustang ist und wird immer awesome sein ob S197, S550 oder jetzt der S650. Ein Mustang ob alt oder jung hat immer eine Seele und ist ein Mustang. Alle anderen Autos auf der Welt sind eine Zeit lang gut, aber irgendwann sind sie nur ein alter BMW, Audi,etc. Ein Mustang ist und bleibt immer ein Mustang👍😍🇺🇸
Great video! Only thing I can’t agree with is the years that they considered to be the best. Between 18 and 20 years you want to stay away from those years, that’s the years they changed the cylinder sleeves and had a TON of engine failures due to that issue primarily. If your gonna buy a mustang gen 2 s550 2017 is your best bet (one of the ones I own) if your buying gen 3 2020 and up is the safest bet. DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE YOU BUY ANY SPORTS CAR
I have owned both 2 s197 and 2 s550 Both great models but like all things they have pros and cons yes, 197 is definitely more of a drag car. It goes straight doesn’t turn the best but it doesn’t enough but the 550 corners a whole lot better some people say the interior is pretty good. I agree the exterior of the 197 looks a lot more Mustang as the 550 is a lot more modern. They were both great cars right now I have the S197.
Definitely prefer the driving experience of the S197 to the S550. The only thing the S550 has on the S197 imo is the IRS and interior. The S197 feels more raw and the S550 feels like a boat compared to the S197.
Own both a gen 1 and gen 3 5.0, and I LOVED my Gen 1. However, unbiased, the Gen 3 was better in every measurable way, in my opinion. It is just a better car all around.
Not sure why the 11-12 were left out of the comparison. The Boss was avaialable in 12' as well. I prefer the 11-12 front end and the 13-14 rear. The 13-14 front looks way too bobulous and goofy..almost cartoonish. The perfect s197 for me would be a 12 Boss, with 13-14 like rear tails. I have rented...long term rented many 15-17 Gt's back years ago, and I did not find it to be a huge game changer. More power yes, but the seating position and high beltline were very odd to me. The rear diff of either models are fine, I can drive fast with a live axle or IRS, on the street neither make me prefer one over the other.
15-17 gts are slightly slower than 13-14 at least on the street. They make 15 more hp stock but are heavier and the power to weight ratio tips slightly towards favoring the s197 for straight line speed/power. Plus the solid rear axle in the s197 is slightly better at putting straightline power to the ground than the IRS in the 15-17
Definitely sticking with my S550. I think both of these are going to be future classics, but that S650 just looks weird. From a front end that looks like a stepped-on school bus, the Camaro rear haunches, the Pacman cutout in the back end that I guess some intern thought looked cool in a render, to the glued-on tablet in place of a well thought out dashboard... it's going to be divisive at best. For fun go have a watch of the Edmunds look at the S650 where the guy pushes the traction control button (no longer cool aircraft-style toggles) and the whole unit squishes into the center stack. Cool build quality.
The dark horse looks nice tho. The front bumper on it is a lot better than the regular GT, i have a bullit and already prefer the newer dark horses styling. Bet it’ll grow on you too
Leave it to gen 6 owners to hate the gen 7. Gen 6 mustangs are incredibly outdated with quite possibly the worst interior for a sports car. The gen 7 isn't perfect, but it's a million times better than the gen 6.
When the 6th gen mustang came out, A lot of people didn’t like the new front end but it grew on people. Even me myself preferred the 15-17 Gt front ends at first. But like everything else , it grew on people. The story is gonna stay the same for this mustang, most people will have their disappointments but seeing it in person and actually driving will make all the difference.
@@sxrrybro I spent the latter half of the 00s lusting after an S197 but because of my age I could afford the car but not the insurance. I was actually at the Detroit auto show where the 2015MY was unveiled (I think? Unveiled to me anyway) and it blew me away. And while I was there the only cars with a bigger happy crowd around it were the Toyota FT86 and Porsche 918 concepts. To this day it still makes me smile every time I see it before I climb in. You are right that the actual driving may be key but everything known says it's just another iteration of what's already in the post-facelift S550 under the skin. That is great but also... is it worth calling this a "generation"? I don't hate it and I won't engage in what amounts to brand wars (it's the same brand, come on guys) but I remain skeptical. I can't believe I typed this much in a YT comment...
The S197 has the better appearance over all, but the S550 has a better interior. On the premium model, it feels like a luxury car. Honestly the 10-14 S197 was a "transitional model" to warm people up for the S550. Going from the 05-09 S197 to the S550 would have been a HUGE departure. The S197 looks great even without any extra appearance mods. The S550 looks like crap until you put a cool spoiler on it. That's why my 2018 GT is all dressed up. With appearance mods, the S550 looks MEAN. The S197 looks cool ALL the time. I'd happily go back to an S197 5.0, but I think I'm stuck with the S550 for now.
I thought I like the S550 better but now as I look further into the designs I would like to own an S197 with lower miles as they do seem to capture the original design more. Great video.
Question: Only thing I dont like about the 2011 Mustangs and up is the electric power steering....is there a manual steering rack made for any of the 2011 and newer Mustangs?
I have a 2011 GTCS and its the most fun car ive ever had, most reliable too, hard to beat the V8 NA, RWD, manual, coupe experience these days also, very retro experience.
I had a 2012 v6 manual with performance package. It was a fun car and pretty fast after some bolt ons and a tune. Now I own a 2018 GT manual. Both great cars but the s550 is more refined, quieter inside, and more comfortable to drive while it still feels and sounds like a muscle car so best of both worlds.
I love 05-14 in general, I’ve got a 2012 GT/CS I swapped a 13 boss 302 rear bumper and taillights on with the 13-14 gt 500 lower for quads, and that’s my sweet spot. 10-12 front end with 13-14 rear end and I’ve found what I consider the perfect look. Definitely gonna pick up an 05-09 and build a 5.0 for it though. The whole gen 5 platform is just the best looking to me.
Great video. I’ve seen several of your videos and seen others that link to you as a Mustang expert so I want to ask what is it about the 2013-14 S197 5.0, 6spd manual mustangs that has them holding value better than the 2015-2017 Mustangs similarly equipped? At least that what it looks like when I survey prices for mustangs within a 500 mile radius. GT, 5.0, manual transmission, less than 30k miles, usually 1 owner (usually), and clean CarFax. The 2013-14 cars seem to hold value very well. Thanks, BB
I'm satisfied with my 2014 GT convertible. It's fast enough, it sounds good and it looks awesome. S550s are nice, but they're too European looking for my taste. People belly ache about S197s not being luxurious enough inside. I respond by saying, then buy a Lexus🤷
I had a Terminator and crashed it back in December 2021. I purchased a S197 and I kinda like her. No power like that Cobra, but ok. It had a lot already done to her when I got it. Since than, it’s tuned and cold air, that’s all and It dyno’d at 390rwhp and 370rwtq.
The s197 is nice as a GT, as a boss, as a gt500 but the s550 is the best mustang design, it seems wider with a more euro feel. And the independent suspension makes it a no brainer. Unless you want to slide around
Have a 2014 GT Track Pack.. MT82 3.73.. issue is mirror vibe at 70, 2nd gear lockout.. 1st gear is near useless.. Required Driveshaft, Hipo Clutch, shifter to make it work right.
I'm a bells and whistle type of guy. I get the ford mustang sound with upgraded inside, with more space. S550 all day for me. After getting a s550 I can't go back to the s197.
So I own an S197 and love it. I also really like the s550 but I honestly think that the 2015-17 mustangs with the gen 2 coyote just look way better than the 2018+ mustangs with the gen 3 coyote. If I were buying an s550 I wouldn't know whether to stick with preferred looks, or go with a more powerful engine.
S197 for me, as a car guy there is NOTHING better than installing some fat tires on muscle car with a SOLID rear axle, ford introduced IRS on the 1999 Mustang SVT Cobra, people hated the idea, so ford brought back the solid axle until 2014. For the longest time people would talk trash about a v6 mustang, so again ford took notes and killed the V6 in 2018 and was replaced by an engine that should of NEVER been in a mustang, what a disgrace to the mustang legacy, but yet again Ford probably had their own reasons and made a choice, a poorly executed choice.. The modern young car enthusiasts are also an issue, they are killing muscle cars in general, I can't count how many mustangs, chargers and challengers I've seen lowered with negative camber all around, unfortunately mustangs are worse when the current car enthusiasts(clowns) try to make their s550's resemble a toy car aka Hot Wheel.. it's a muscle car NOT an import kids! I've owned an s550(lasted 2 weeks), and I'll admit it's better than an 2010-2014 s197 in ways, but unfortunately it doesn't beat the s197 in looks and interior. The BEST s550's are from 2015 - 2017, and lastly the upcoming s650(?) Doesn't exist on my book.
I bought a 6 speed manual transmission 2013 5.0 with 3.73 gears brand new. It was tuxedo black and I kept it clean and polished. It was quick and got compliments all the time. One day a young guy in a BMW wanted to race from a dig. I revved my engine to 1500 RPMs and popped the clutch then floored the gas pedal. That car wheel hopped for forty feet. Never did that again. It was great driving at high speeds. I have a 2018 mustang GT. now. It is a better driving car.
Personally like the 2011-2012 front end so much bettter than the 13-14, rear of the 13-14 is better though, that why I just swapped out my 2012 gt tail lights to the 13-14s
I own a 2011 and 2019. In daily driving I can't tell the difference in the suspension. I think the 65-66 was the best design and the 2011 looks like the modern equivalent of those first 2 years. I replaced the original SYNC1 system (that died) with a two panel touch screen Apple/Android/Bluetooth system that makes the center stack look modern.. I had a 84 and 86, so the plastic in the 2011 does not bother me. The 2011 is white, so I put in modern "ice look" rear tail lights.
Count me as one of those "I'd never buy one of those Camry hybrid Mustangs" when I first saw the S550, then I drove one. While I still think the S197 styling (especially the 05-09 exterior) is the best looking Mustang to come out of Detroit since the 60's, there is no comparison when driving them on the road. As for the S650, I like it overall, I think the interior is great and really the only thing about it I'm not a fan of is the 3 slot headlights. Then again, a lot of people complaining about it probably won't see its headlights often anyway as it'll be showing them taillights most of the time.
I like pulling some G's.. the stock solid axle w/ 3.73 torsen diff on the Track Pack is pretty good. The S197 is a pretty stiff steel chassis.. is the S550 chassis aluminum or steel? Has anybody done an a S197 vs S550 cornering G test?
I thought the 2013 & 2014 5.8L Shelby 1000 edition is the ultimate beast of a machine with a track pack suspension. The last Shelby S197 built by Carrol Shelby. Even today that car is still a beast.
I own a 2007 Mustang GT automatic. I recently got a 2022 Mustang GT 10-Speed and there is no comparison. It's day and night. 2022 feels and runs like a super car, the other feels fun and average. S550 is refined and feels European.
One thing I hate about the s197 interior is the plastic flat silver faux aluminum they plastered all over the F series at the same time, I think it looks soooooo cheesy and cheap. People absolutely slam the SN cars for their interior but I don't see it really, maybe it's because I'm older and grew up in vehicles with plastic laden interiors but my SN cars interior seems fine and the styling is beautiful imo, the door handle trim is a total P. o S. There always flopping around. I really like the SNs because being older they still feel analog an raw, they are a nice mix of old school feel with modern touches like EFI, air bags, as time goes on they seem more n more like sporty luxury cars, well they actually are. I can say having a 95 sn95 is I love it has the legendary 5.0 vs a 4.6 2v but being only a 2 year 5.0 model engine with different accessory drive engine mods are limited, you either have to find 94/95 parts or swap out the accessory drive for a fox which who wants to mongrelize their car. And the T5s input shaft is different than the fox also. Good news ford gave the 94/95 the same not very great E7te heads and HO intake! It still makes me wonder why ford had the GT40 stuff and still only gave it to the cobra (and the explorer?) having way lower units sold vs GT, also the explorer had a distributorless ignition while the mustang still got a distributor, that's weird you would think there performance vehical would get the most modern ignition.
S197 for me, I'm sorry but the s550 just reminds of a ford import. All I see is bagged/stanced s550s all over the place. I get the interior is night and day and handling is way better. But the s550 does nothing for me.
I have a chance to own a 2019 s550 with 60k miles 6 speed for 23k or a 2014 s197 6 speed with 50k miles for 21k….which one would you go with? Im liking the look of the s197 better but the s550 is better in every other way
I see twenty s550’s to every single 13-14 s197 car on the road. The 13-14 is a wayyyyyy better looking car and will age way better thanks to its clean, simple and classic lines. This video and comments proves just how well it’s already aging. If you’re not rich enough to afford a shelby or a boss, these cars only needs a few simple cosmetic mods to look perfect (gt500 wing, quad tip valance and a boss 302 splitter), unlike s550’s which end up looking more like a space ship. True mustangs died with the s197. Just one guys opinion who’s owned a crap ton of mustangs since 92’. I do like what I’ve seen so far of the s650. I’m looking forward to seeing one in person. The s550 never grew on me and I didn’t know why exactly until I saw the s650. Skinnier mid section and fatter hips 👍🏼
👊I had a 14' a 17' and just purchased a 21' my first auto ... the 14 was like a Cadillac compared to the 17' and this 21' is like a animal compared to the 17' completely different cars, Ford went to far with cost cutting on the 17,, but the 21 so far is a perfect homerun....
In my opinion I prefer the 2014 because it's lighter and smaller beside stock gen 3 has more hp than gen 1 but the car its heavier........it's a sport car I don't need a beautiful enterior just need the v8 with manual transmission that all😁
For whatever reason, I sold a 2018 gt350 with 3k miles and bought a 2013 gt500. I'm extremely happy I did. For ME, S197 all the way. It feels like it sounds and is a comfortable as it looks. I could not get into the s550 body style and the way it felt driving. I don't know exactly what it was. I just didn't like the s550 at all. I really tried to. Even with the 350, didn't like the euro look and didn't like the feel.
@@cdmills252 nothing is wrong with the 350, it just doesn’t feel like that raw original mustang. Doesn’t look like it either. Cuts corners like a beast, and is 100% amazing on handling. However for me I love the raw feeling and savagery of the live axle. Some of us are weird in that aspect. I know the mustang is considered a pony car but the s197 feels like old muscle. Raw unrefined power with a dash of unpredictability. To me that’s fun.
@@user-pn3im5sm7k agree, as long as you don’t have anything larger than a 12oz can it works fine. Bottles get in the way but a bottle can always be moved into the passenger seat if you need to bang gears.
I got my S197 new on sale when the S550 where in dealers but i just didn't like that european stlyle not a bad mustang just like the S197 looks better and I feel like it looks more of a real mustang.
S197 for life. 13-14 will be a future classic
And the 2005 to 2009
@@Jcp108 the 05-09 body style looks the best.
@@newfie-dean5803 depends on the color, 13-14 looks killer in black.....other than that, 05-09
09-11 brutal
2014 has the best Mustang Front for me 😎👍.. the new Front Looks Like Mondeo Sport sorry …
S197: The most Mustang to ever Mustang
I've had both and I'll tell you that the S197 is a raw muscle car experience and it has a lot of character for that. On the other hand the S550 is much more refined experience. The S197 loves to fish tail and it felt like it was trying to get away from me and that's with like 400 whp. My S550 doesn't have problems hooking and it's coming in around 600 supercharged whp.
I can definitely back up what you said. I’m making probably around the same hp as your s197 give or take and it will fishtail even in 2nd gear going 40 with a full throttle stomp..any suggestions to help with this? Obviously stickier tires but anything else? Would rear lower control arms make a difference at all?
The main thing would be control arms and your entire suspension for that matter. The stock S197s has a lot of body roll. I mean A LOT! So I got Eibach Coilovers, control arms, sway bars and panhard rod to correct the geometry of the car and also to reduce wheel hop that causes this fishtail when you floor it.
You only made 600 with a blower? Strange..
@@MustangGuy1996I’m on a tire and I no longer lose control in second gear I spin but I hook up way better and no longer fishtail
I love them both. I have the S550, but I love that S197. That front end and the rear taillights are just awesome. You can't go wrong with either.
With the launch of the 650 series, this is perfect timing for a review of affordable cars without huge screens 😉
Of all the questionable design decisions of the S650 that dashboard screen is by far the worst. It's going to age like milk and already looks like an afterthought. Not even pretending to try and integrate it in a cool way like the digital cluster of the later S550s.
@@gaspump feels like something that would be in cyberpunk, the "mustang" in that game has a similar interior with the center dash facing you, so they're going with a futuristic look, instead of a retro/modern
That huge screen a total deal breaker. Couldn't bear sitting behind it.
me with my s197 with a 12 inch touchscreen radio unit
Both of those are awesome!
I had an S197 and loved it. I have an S550 and love it. For performance and the Independent Rear Suspension, I like the S550. For looks, I like the S197 slightly better because it combines the best old school with new.
The S197 is just a raw fun car to drive but can get sketchy real quick but manageable. the S550 is more predictable and better planted tone down but still very fun.
Love love love my s197 Boss. Last of the raw driving experience imo. That being said I'd love to have an S550 next to it
S550 lost the muscle aspect of Mustang
@@BC08 sure did
@@BC08and I love it 😂 easily the best looking modern mustang. The car feels special because it’s the first of its kind, it’s a sports car with a v8 engine it’s not a muscle car and it’s not trying to be. It’s the most appealing mustang by far to a majority of people who like modern looking cars
@@kingzuna8007 S550 best looking? Nah. GT350/500 look nice - but take a poll based on appearance almost anywhere and a 13/14 GT will beat a 15-23 GT badly.
Even the vast majority of S550 guys will admit the last gen S197s had them beat of looks
@@BC08 yeah you’re probably right it depends on the person though. If you want a car that looks more like a traditional muscle car then the s197 delivers that in full but if you want a modern sleek looking sports car with a comfy interior and functional aftermarket body modifications options then the s550 is the better car. It’s a tough debate because hardcore muscle car guys will obviously choose the s197 but I think a vast majority of people who will choose a s550 because it’s just looks like a nicer and more modern car. So it depends on who you ask
Man the 14 interior feels light years ahead of the 05-09 lol yet s550 feels way better than the 14. I own a 05 gt convertible and 14 gt track pack coupe love them both
As an owner of an s550 i like both platforms equally
The fact that the 13/14 is still being compared to todays models is a true testament to how ahead of it’s time the 13/14’s are. Personally I love my 13 gt. It just feels like America driving it while newer models feel more like a BMW. All I can say to that is Merica!!!
13-14’s will be more collectable than most of the other modern generation mustang styles imo. They seem to resonate through all ages of mustang enthusiasts. They’ve aged well and will continue to do so, thanks it’s simple, classic design. Ford perfected the s197. I think they made about 160,000 total of them. That’s a lot of cars but compared s550’s they’re only a drop in the bucket.
I go through mustangs like candy but my 1100 hp grabber blue 13 GT I’m keeping. It just looks too damn good and completely scares the shit out of me 👍🏼
I have both and both are fun to drive!!
same xD i couldn't decide which was better
Same here as well
I have a ‘14 v6 performance pack mustang and couldn’t be happier with it. Absolutely love the retro inspired styling. My sister has a s550 so I’ve driven both. Definitely a different experience. Both great cars in there own ways.
s197 for life.
Plus 1 for the S197. 👍
I've had both. S197 is great for performance and the S550 was more comfortable and great for trip driving. Now , I own a 2010 Gt500 and would not give it up.
So I had a s550 as my first “new” car ever, and I used to take many road trips from NY to FL, and it’s an amazing road companion, interior is a wonderful place to be if you enjoy the bells and whistles, about 5 years later, I sold the s550 and got an amazing deal on an s197 since it was always a dream car and I no longer needed a long distance travel car, you cannot compare how much more fun and raw the s197 is. But that’s just my personal opinion. Still have the s197 3 yrs later, will probably hold onto it until I run it into the ground
Alle Mustangs sind toll, auch wenn die neueren eher Sportwagen als Muscle Car sind. Ganz sicher ist der 2013 & 2014 S197 eines der schönsten Autos der Welt, mit 100% Muscle Car Charakter und der typischen Mustang Seele. S197 ist die absolute Nummer 1, aber der Mustang ist und wird immer awesome sein ob S197, S550 oder jetzt der S650. Ein Mustang ob alt oder jung hat immer eine Seele und ist ein Mustang. Alle anderen Autos auf der Welt sind eine Zeit lang gut, aber irgendwann sind sie nur ein alter BMW, Audi,etc. Ein Mustang ist und bleibt immer ein Mustang👍😍🇺🇸
Richtig
The S197 looks way better!🐎🐎
Great video! Only thing I can’t agree with is the years that they considered to be the best. Between 18 and 20 years you want to stay away from those years, that’s the years they changed the cylinder sleeves and had a TON of engine failures due to that issue primarily. If your gonna buy a mustang gen 2 s550 2017 is your best bet (one of the ones I own) if your buying gen 3 2020 and up is the safest bet. DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE YOU BUY ANY SPORTS CAR
I have owned both 2 s197 and 2 s550
Both great models but like all things they have pros and cons yes, 197 is definitely more of a drag car. It goes straight doesn’t turn the best but it doesn’t enough but the 550 corners a whole lot better some people say the interior is pretty good. I agree the exterior of the 197 looks a lot more Mustang as the 550 is a lot more modern. They were both great cars right now I have the S197.
Two different cars, one is a muscle car, one is a sports car. I've owned both and it's the 14 down for me.
Definitely prefer the driving experience of the S197 to the S550. The only thing the S550 has on the S197 imo is the IRS and interior. The S197 feels more raw and the S550 feels like a boat compared to the S197.
Thanks for a very informative video comparison
Own both a gen 1 and gen 3 5.0, and I LOVED my Gen 1. However, unbiased, the Gen 3 was better in every measurable way, in my opinion. It is just a better car all around.
Not sure why the 11-12 were left out of the comparison. The Boss was avaialable in 12' as well. I prefer the 11-12 front end and the 13-14 rear. The 13-14 front looks way too bobulous and goofy..almost cartoonish. The perfect s197 for me would be a 12 Boss, with 13-14 like rear tails. I have rented...long term rented many 15-17 Gt's back years ago, and I did not find it to be a huge game changer. More power yes, but the seating position and high beltline were very odd to me. The rear diff of either models are fine, I can drive fast with a live axle or IRS, on the street neither make me prefer one over the other.
15-17 gts are slightly slower than 13-14 at least on the street. They make 15 more hp stock but are heavier and the power to weight ratio tips slightly towards favoring the s197 for straight line speed/power. Plus the solid rear axle in the s197 is slightly better at putting straightline power to the ground than the IRS in the 15-17
Love my 07 gt. I do wish i had a 5.0 s197 though. 2012-2014 would be nice
Definitely sticking with my S550. I think both of these are going to be future classics, but that S650 just looks weird. From a front end that looks like a stepped-on school bus, the Camaro rear haunches, the Pacman cutout in the back end that I guess some intern thought looked cool in a render, to the glued-on tablet in place of a well thought out dashboard... it's going to be divisive at best.
For fun go have a watch of the Edmunds look at the S650 where the guy pushes the traction control button (no longer cool aircraft-style toggles) and the whole unit squishes into the center stack. Cool build quality.
The dark horse looks nice tho. The front bumper on it is a lot better than the regular GT, i have a bullit and already prefer the newer dark horses styling. Bet it’ll grow on you too
Leave it to gen 6 owners to hate the gen 7. Gen 6 mustangs are incredibly outdated with quite possibly the worst interior for a sports car. The gen 7 isn't perfect, but it's a million times better than the gen 6.
When the 6th gen mustang came out, A lot of people didn’t like the new front end but it grew on people. Even me myself preferred the 15-17 Gt front ends at first. But like everything else , it grew on people. The story is gonna stay the same for this mustang, most people will have their disappointments but seeing it in person and actually driving will make all the difference.
S650 wipes the freaking floor with the S550.
@@sxrrybro I spent the latter half of the 00s lusting after an S197 but because of my age I could afford the car but not the insurance. I was actually at the Detroit auto show where the 2015MY was unveiled (I think? Unveiled to me anyway) and it blew me away. And while I was there the only cars with a bigger happy crowd around it were the Toyota FT86 and Porsche 918 concepts. To this day it still makes me smile every time I see it before I climb in.
You are right that the actual driving may be key but everything known says it's just another iteration of what's already in the post-facelift S550 under the skin. That is great but also... is it worth calling this a "generation"?
I don't hate it and I won't engage in what amounts to brand wars (it's the same brand, come on guys) but I remain skeptical.
I can't believe I typed this much in a YT comment...
S197 all day!!. The last model Shelby designed. Will soon be a classic. Love my Coyote 🐺 5.0
The S197 has the better appearance over all, but the S550 has a better interior. On the premium model, it feels like a luxury car.
Honestly the 10-14 S197 was a "transitional model" to warm people up for the S550. Going from the 05-09 S197 to the S550 would have been a HUGE departure.
The S197 looks great even without any extra appearance mods. The S550 looks like crap until you put a cool spoiler on it. That's why my 2018 GT is all dressed up. With appearance mods, the S550 looks MEAN. The S197 looks cool ALL the time.
I'd happily go back to an S197 5.0, but I think I'm stuck with the S550 for now.
I thought I like the S550 better but now as I look further into the designs I would like to own an S197 with lower miles as they do seem to capture the original design more. Great video.
Question: Only thing I dont like about the 2011 Mustangs and up is the electric power steering....is there a manual steering rack made for any of the 2011 and newer Mustangs?
I have a 2011 GTCS and its the most fun car ive ever had, most reliable too, hard to beat the V8 NA, RWD, manual, coupe experience these days also, very retro experience.
Prefer the s197 but if the opportunity presented itself I'd grab a s550. They have grown on me.
Love the green S197. Would like to buy one just like it.
I had a 2012 v6 manual with performance package. It was a fun car and pretty fast after some bolt ons and a tune. Now I own a 2018 GT manual. Both great cars but the s550 is more refined, quieter inside, and more comfortable to drive while it still feels and sounds like a muscle car so best of both worlds.
Which one is better for drifting and or track
Do you know which Mustang is the best? Yours!
Terminator Cobra
I like the both over the s650.
What’s an s 560????
@@larrypruitt3919 typo
05-09 will always be the best looking inside and out
I love 05-14 in general, I’ve got a 2012 GT/CS I swapped a 13 boss 302 rear bumper and taillights on with the 13-14 gt 500 lower for quads, and that’s my sweet spot. 10-12 front end with 13-14 rear end and I’ve found what I consider the perfect look. Definitely gonna pick up an 05-09 and build a 5.0 for it though. The whole gen 5 platform is just the best looking to me.
Outside? Yes. Inside? Hell no.
As an owner of a 2014 Jeep Wrangler, previously, the rear end hops in my 2014 Mustang GT are very familiar. I don't mind it at all.
Great video. I’ve seen several of your videos and seen others that link to you as a Mustang expert so I want to ask what is it about the 2013-14 S197 5.0, 6spd manual mustangs that has them holding value better than the 2015-2017 Mustangs similarly equipped? At least that what it looks like when I survey prices for mustangs within a 500 mile radius. GT, 5.0, manual transmission, less than 30k miles, usually 1 owner (usually), and clean CarFax. The 2013-14 cars seem to hold value very well.
Thanks,
BB
Both are nice 👍🏼
I'm satisfied with my 2014 GT convertible. It's fast enough, it sounds good and it looks awesome. S550s are nice, but they're too European looking for my taste. People belly ache about S197s not being luxurious enough inside. I respond by saying, then buy a Lexus🤷
green looks like a straight line demon while the yellow one looks more like a track monster
I have both and love them. S550 looks better and faster. S197 looks meaner and classic.
I had a Terminator and crashed it back in December 2021. I purchased a S197 and I kinda like her. No power like that Cobra, but ok. It had a lot already done to her when I got it. Since than, it’s tuned and cold air, that’s all and It dyno’d at 390rwhp and 370rwtq.
The s197 is nice as a GT, as a boss, as a gt500 but the s550 is the best mustang design, it seems wider with a more euro feel. And the independent suspension makes it a no brainer. Unless you want to slide around
Have a 2014 GT Track Pack.. MT82 3.73.. issue is mirror vibe at 70, 2nd gear lockout.. 1st gear is near useless.. Required Driveshaft, Hipo Clutch, shifter to make it work right.
I'm a bells and whistle type of guy. I get the ford mustang sound with upgraded inside, with more space. S550 all day for me. After getting a s550 I can't go back to the s197.
They're both beautiful cars.
So I own an S197 and love it. I also really like the s550 but I honestly think that the 2015-17 mustangs with the gen 2 coyote just look way better than the 2018+ mustangs with the gen 3 coyote. If I were buying an s550 I wouldn't know whether to stick with preferred looks, or go with a more powerful engine.
Forgot about the boss 302 and boss 302 leguna seca. Very nice and special car
I forgot about them too
Lol, remote mounter shifters definitely weren’t an upgrade over direct mounted shifters at all
S550 GT350 is the best-looking and preforming Mustang IMO, but I do like the S197s a lot still.
I got room in my 07 mustang GT for being 6'11. Haven't had a chance to drive a s550 to see what the difference is.
S197 Till I Die 💪🏾💪🏾Defines Muscle Car
Best mustang is a paid one, in your garage :-) My Boss is staying in my stable :-)
Solid axle still the way of life lile a sturdy suV feel
S197 for me, as a car guy there is NOTHING better than installing some fat tires on muscle car with a SOLID rear axle, ford introduced IRS on the 1999 Mustang SVT Cobra, people hated the idea, so ford brought back the solid axle until 2014.
For the longest time people would talk trash about a v6 mustang, so again ford took notes and killed the V6 in 2018 and was replaced by an engine that should of NEVER been in a mustang, what a disgrace to the mustang legacy, but yet again Ford probably had their own reasons and made a choice, a poorly executed choice..
The modern young car enthusiasts are also an issue, they are killing muscle cars in general, I can't count how many mustangs, chargers and challengers I've seen lowered with negative camber all around, unfortunately mustangs are worse when the current car enthusiasts(clowns) try to make their s550's resemble a toy car aka Hot Wheel.. it's a muscle car NOT an import kids!
I've owned an s550(lasted 2 weeks), and I'll admit it's better than an 2010-2014 s197 in ways, but unfortunately it doesn't beat the s197 in looks and interior. The BEST s550's are from 2015 - 2017, and lastly the upcoming s650(?) Doesn't exist on my book.
I bought a 6 speed manual transmission 2013 5.0 with 3.73 gears brand new. It was tuxedo black and I kept it clean and polished. It was quick and got compliments all the time. One day a young guy in a BMW wanted to race from a dig. I revved my engine to 1500 RPMs and popped the clutch then floored the gas pedal. That car wheel hopped for forty feet. Never did that again. It was great driving at high speeds. I have a 2018 mustang GT. now. It is a better driving car.
I have a 2012 MCA v6 Premium and I love it. Added some slight mods but I love the muscle look.
Personally like the 2011-2012 front end so much bettter than the 13-14, rear of the 13-14 is better though, that why I just swapped out my 2012 gt tail lights to the 13-14s
The best N/A mustang for the s550 I think would be the mustang mach 1...
I own a 2011 and 2019. In daily driving I can't tell the difference in the suspension. I think the 65-66 was the best design and the 2011 looks like the modern equivalent of those first 2 years. I replaced the original SYNC1 system (that died) with a two panel touch screen Apple/Android/Bluetooth system that makes the center stack look modern.. I had a 84 and 86, so the plastic in the 2011 does not bother me. The 2011 is white, so I put in modern "ice look" rear tail lights.
Count me as one of those "I'd never buy one of those Camry hybrid Mustangs" when I first saw the S550, then I drove one. While I still think the S197 styling (especially the 05-09 exterior) is the best looking Mustang to come out of Detroit since the 60's, there is no comparison when driving them on the road.
As for the S650, I like it overall, I think the interior is great and really the only thing about it I'm not a fan of is the 3 slot headlights. Then again, a lot of people complaining about it probably won't see its headlights often anyway as it'll be showing them taillights most of the time.
I like pulling some G's.. the stock solid axle w/ 3.73 torsen diff on the Track Pack is pretty good. The S197 is a pretty stiff steel chassis.. is the S550 chassis aluminum or steel? Has anybody done an a S197 vs S550 cornering G test?
Can you swap an s550 dash into the s197 or due to width differences is it not possible?
Can we take a moment to remind ourselves about how much deeper and meaner that 4.6 3V sounds over the Coyote?
I thought the 2013 & 2014 5.8L Shelby 1000 edition is the ultimate beast of a machine with a track pack suspension.
The last Shelby S197 built by Carrol Shelby. Even today that car is still a beast.
I’ve had both gens def the s550
I own a 2007 Mustang GT automatic. I recently got a 2022 Mustang GT 10-Speed and there is no comparison. It's day and night. 2022 feels and runs like a super car, the other feels fun and average. S550 is refined and feels European.
Owned a 13 gt and now an 18 gt the s550 is so much better
S197s look cute. Just look at it smile! :D
S550 for its cornering aspects.
Boss was also 2012 not only the 2013.
One thing I hate about the s197 interior is the plastic flat silver faux aluminum they plastered all over the F series at the same time, I think it looks soooooo cheesy and cheap. People absolutely slam the SN cars for their interior but I don't see it really, maybe it's because I'm older and grew up in vehicles with plastic laden interiors but my SN cars interior seems fine and the styling is beautiful imo, the door handle trim is a total P. o S. There always flopping around. I really like the SNs because being older they still feel analog an raw, they are a nice mix of old school feel with modern touches like EFI, air bags, as time goes on they seem more n more like sporty luxury cars, well they actually are. I can say having a 95 sn95 is I love it has the legendary 5.0 vs a 4.6 2v but being only a 2 year 5.0 model engine with different accessory drive engine mods are limited, you either have to find 94/95 parts or swap out the accessory drive for a fox which who wants to mongrelize their car. And the T5s input shaft is different than the fox also. Good news ford gave the 94/95 the same not very great E7te heads and HO intake! It still makes me wonder why ford had the GT40 stuff and still only gave it to the cobra (and the explorer?) having way lower units sold vs GT, also the explorer had a distributorless ignition while the mustang still got a distributor, that's weird you would think there performance vehical would get the most modern ignition.
Wait, what about the Shelby Supersnake mustang? 🧐
Especially on the S550?
It’s overpriced for the general market of Mustang owners.
@@169abr yeah, priced out of existence is facts.
S197 for me, I'm sorry but the s550 just reminds of a ford import. All I see is bagged/stanced s550s all over the place. I get the interior is night and day and handling is way better. But the s550 does nothing for me.
S197 all day. Not a fan of digital gauges either. Honestly hate them
I have a chance to own a 2019 s550 with 60k miles 6 speed for 23k or a 2014 s197 6 speed with 50k miles for 21k….which one would you go with? Im liking the look of the s197 better but the s550 is better in every other way
I see twenty s550’s to every single 13-14 s197 car on the road. The 13-14 is a wayyyyyy better looking car and will age way better thanks to its clean, simple and classic lines. This video and comments proves just how well it’s already aging. If you’re not rich enough to afford a shelby or a boss, these cars only needs a few simple cosmetic mods to look perfect (gt500 wing, quad tip valance and a boss 302 splitter), unlike s550’s which end up looking more like a space ship.
True mustangs died with the s197. Just one guys opinion who’s owned a crap ton of mustangs since 92’.
I do like what I’ve seen so far of the s650. I’m looking forward to seeing one in person. The s550 never grew on me and I didn’t know why exactly until I saw the s650. Skinnier mid section and fatter hips 👍🏼
2013-2014 S197 is the best looking modern Mustang. They have gone downhill since.
Agree the s197 looks like the mustang. Got news for you also, the newer mustang looks like a Tesla interior
My 1st mustang was the 2016 v6 then I upgraded to the 2020 GT PP1. But when I decided I wanted a mustang was the 2014 models. The taillights was sick
Big upgrade
👊I had a 14' a 17' and just purchased a 21' my first auto ... the 14 was like a Cadillac compared to the 17' and this 21' is like a animal compared to the 17' completely different cars, Ford went to far with cost cutting on the 17,, but the 21 so far is a perfect homerun....
In my opinion I prefer the 2014 because it's lighter and smaller beside stock gen 3 has more hp than gen 1 but the car its heavier........it's a sport car I don't need a beautiful enterior just need the v8 with manual transmission that all😁
The IRS on the S550 is a game changer. Standard LSD too, come on! 15-17 all day!
Any mustang but always with v8
For whatever reason, I sold a 2018 gt350 with 3k miles and bought a 2013 gt500.
I'm extremely happy I did. For ME, S197 all the way. It feels like it sounds and is a comfortable as it looks.
I could not get into the s550 body style and the way it felt driving. I don't know exactly what it was. I just didn't like the s550 at all. I really tried to. Even with the 350, didn't like the euro look and didn't like the feel.
What was wrong with the gt350?
@@cdmills252 nothing is wrong with the 350, it just doesn’t feel like that raw original mustang. Doesn’t look like it either. Cuts corners like a beast, and is 100% amazing on handling. However for me I love the raw feeling and savagery of the live axle. Some of us are weird in that aspect. I know the mustang is considered a pony car but the s197 feels like old muscle. Raw unrefined power with a dash of unpredictability. To me that’s fun.
The s197 feels more raw and violent especially when they make power where the 550 feels cushioned.
I like my s550 more any how, the s197 didn't convince me to buy one so that's kind of objective?
What S197s need is a solution to that gawd awful cup holder. Carpal Tunnel anyone?
Honestly no, they're decent and I dont run into issues with my 14 GT. I have a '98 Silverado and those cupholders are not the best...
@@user-pn3im5sm7k agree, as long as you don’t have anything larger than a 12oz can it works fine. Bottles get in the way but a bottle can always be moved into the passenger seat if you need to bang gears.
S197 cars just look better externally. Interior is better on S550 cars but you can always mess with the interior with little effort.
S197 forever 🦾
Always s197
11-14 S197s are the best mustangs
as the owner of a RS3 14 s197 i gotta say i much prefer the s197s the s550s are nice but the the 197 body is too many nods to the old school body
s197 gang!
I got my S197 new on sale when the S550 where in dealers but i just didn't like that european stlyle not a bad mustang just like the S197 looks better and I feel like it looks more of a real mustang.