The 2021 Mustang GT is one hell of a sports car (although someone from Lexus should teach Ford about interiors). But is a maxed-out GT worth $55,000 when you could get yourself an entry-level Mach 1? My thoughts on the GT:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...mance-package/

Mach 1 review is coming up next...and we're only ten days away from testing out the IS 500! Cheers.

 

i skipped through some, but no test drive?

 

No, not for this one. I drove and tested everything on it, but the video is supposed to be more of a vehicle tour style review.

But the Mach 1 and IS 500 reviews will be more like my Shelby GT350 review -- https://www.ford-trucks.com/articles...dition-review/

 

The Mach 1 I recently checked out at my local dealer had horrendous build quality with severely misaligned body panels. Huge turn off especially considering the sticker on it was $58k.

Can’t they hire a former Toyota employee to run QC for them?!

 

Having spent the year jumping between Lexus and Ford products, I agree. It's shocking how sloppy many Mustangs appear, even ones costing $80K plus (the trucks and SUVs are a little cleaner, IMHO). Simply put, a $40K Lexus ES has better fit and finish than most $80K+ Fords (although Lincoln seems to be doing a nice job).

That said, having driven both the Mach 1 and RC F, I'd trade the RC's superior interior and panel gaps for the Mach 1's handling and performance. But that's just one guy's opinion. I'm kinda hoping the IS 500 hits a sweet spot of V8 glory and well-made materials. And funny enough, it weighs about the same as the Mach 1 with the auto trans.

 

just curious MPalmer, have you driven an LC500?

 

Yes, three of them. The coupe on track at Lexus Performance Driving School -- https://www.clublexus.com/articles/r...riving-school/ And two convertibles. One for this review -- https://www.clublexus.com/articles/5...blexus-review/ -- where in retrospect I didn't quite get the full intention of the car. And I'll have another quick tour and driving impressions video coming up soon of the yellow LC 500 you can see in my Driving School review.

I have to say that the LC has my heart. Especially the convertible. In my humblest opinion, the 2UR-GSE 5.0 has never sounded better than in the LC, especially paired with that terrific 10-speed auto. The rev-matching downshifts make commuting a joy -- and forget it in the canyons! And even though it's slower (4,500lbs for the convertible), I prefer the LC 500 over the RC F for a total driving experience (balance, engagement, sound, comfort, luxury, specialness.)

The only things I don't like about the LC are the radio and the price (sadly, it's way above my pay grade, but I feel lucky to have driven a few).

Cheers.