The Mustang S650 has sparked plenty of conversation among car fans. As someone who has spent years building and driving many types of cars, it’s clear that this new Mustang generation brings both exciting upgrades and some new challenges. Pricing is higher than before, and while the S650 offers better features and a more refined feel, many still wonder if it’s worth the step up from previous models.
For those interested in customizing their car, the Mustang has always stood out for its easy upgrades. The S650, however, faces some limits with its newer technology, making aftermarket changes more difficult compared to past models. Despite these adjustments, the Mustang community remains strong, with fans eager to share their opinions and experiences at events and online.
Key Takeaways
- Mustang S650 brings updated features and a premium feel.
- Higher prices and tech changes impact its value compared to past models.
- Aftermarket upgrades are more limited but interest in the platform remains strong.
Mustang S650 Quick Facts
Sales Trends and Pricing
The S650 Mustang has not matched the high sales numbers of the earlier S550 model. One reason is the increase in price. For example:
| Model Year | Starting Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2013 Mustang GT | $30,000 |
| S550 (used, premium with features) | $31,000 |
| S650 GT (base) | $42,000 |
| S650 GT (with options) | $47,000 to $55,000 |
This jump in costs comes at a time when prices for other cars are climbing too. The S650 does come with a better interior, more technology, and a smoother ride. But many see it as expensive compared to past Mustangs or used S550s, especially when adding popular features or colors.
How it Stacks Up to the S550
Driving the S650 and S550 back-to-back, the S650 feels like the more refined car. It has an upgraded feel inside and better tech. The ride quality is smoother, giving it more of a “Grand Touring” vibe.
However, a lot of Mustang fans see the S650 as just a slightly improved version of the S550. On paper, they don’t notice a big leap in performance or value. Used S550s hold their value well and are still seen as a better deal to many, especially for people looking to modify their car.
Enthusiast Opinions and Modification Options
Mustang owners love customizing their cars, and the Mustang platform has been one of the easiest to modify. The S197 and S550 both have tons of aftermarket parts that are easy to get and install.
Right now, the S650 has fewer aftermarket options. The engine control unit (ECU) is much harder to access, which limits simple modifications like tuners, cold air intakes, or exhausts. Many parts and tunes have to come from Ford Performance. It’s more complicated for someone who wants to do their own upgrades on a budget.
For forced induction, most options use whipple-based superchargers, and getting a custom tune is more complex. While Ford offers great performance parts, enthusiasts feel the S650 takes away some of the freedom and personality that the Mustang is known for. Used S550s are easier and cheaper to upgrade with parts from many different brands.
In summary:
- S650 costs more than older Mustangs
- Not as easy or affordable to modify
- Owners see it as a fancier but not dramatically different Mustang from the S550
Cost and Value
Price Changes Over Time
In the early 2010s, a Mustang GT cost just over $30,000. For example, a 2013 model had a price tag a little above $30,000. The S550 generation, which came later, remained affordable too. A pre-owned S550 with upgrades like leather seats and a digital dash could be found for about $31,000.
These prices gave buyers a powerful V8, a modern interior, and a lot of value for the money. Buyers could get a car with 400+ horsepower and many features without a steep price.
| Model Year | Generation | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | S197 | $30,000 |
| 2018 | S550 (used, premium) | $31,000 |
Mustang S650: Today’s Price Range
The Mustang S650 is more advanced with a nicer interior, infotainment system, and smoother ride. Its price reflects these updates:
- Base GT starts around $42,000 (before tax).
- Premium GT starts at $47,000.
- Options like a special paint color (Grabber Blue) add ~$250.
- The Performance Pack with better wheels, tires, and brakes pushes the price to $55,000.
- Adding only bigger brakes brings it to about $51,000.
Many shoppers look at these prices and see a big jump compared to earlier years or used models.
Comparing Rival Options
Other car makers are also increasing prices, not just Ford. Inflation has affected the whole industry. Still, if buyers want a sporty V8 coupe, there are options besides the Mustang S650.
- S550 Mustang (used): Still offers strong value. Usually cheaper to buy and keeps its value well.
- Direct competitors: Other sports cars may offer different features or performance for similar or lower prices.
- Aftermarket parts: The S650’s platform is less open to modifications right now, while earlier Mustangs (like S550) are easier and cheaper to upgrade with non-Ford parts.
| Model/Trim | Starting Price | Aftermarket Support |
|---|---|---|
| S650 Mustang GT | $42,000+ | Limited (locked ECU) |
| S650 Premium GT | $47,000+ | Limited |
| S550 Mustang (used) | $30,000+ | Extensive |
| Mach-E (electric) | Lower lease | N/A (Electric) |
Families may notice that alternatives like the Mustang Mach-E four-door electric are cheaper to lease and provide more utility, but this changes what buyers get from a “Mustang.”
Key point: Today’s S650 Mustang has become a more premium car with a matching price tag. Buyers should consider if the new features and feel are worth the price difference compared to older models or rivals.
New Capabilities and Enhancements
Cabin Refinements
The latest Mustang offers a more upscale interior. It uses higher-quality materials and the seats feel more comfortable. Extra details, like a smoother finish, help the cabin feel more like a grand touring car. The premium versions even add features such as leather upholstery and heated or cooled seats.
Tech Upgrades
For technology, the newest Mustang includes advanced infotainment features powered by Unreal Engine. The digital dashboard is clear and easy to use, and the system responds quickly. Options like a larger digital display and improved connectivity are now available, making it easier to access maps, music, and car settings.
| Feature | S650 Mustang | Previous Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Digital Dashboard | Yes | Yes (on premium) |
| Infotainment Power | Unreal Engine | Standard |
| Seat Options | Heated/Cooled | Heated/Cooled |
On-Road Feel
Driving the newest Mustang is smoother and more refined. Improvements in the suspension make the ride quieter and more composed at all speeds. The car still keeps its sporty character, but it now feels more stable and comfortable whether on highways or twisty backroads. These changes help the Mustang stand out among muscle cars for both daily drives and spirited runs.
Custom Upgrades and Modifications
Mustang Modification Scene
The Mustang has one of the most active modification communities in the country. Owners can order nearly anything to personalize their cars, from performance parts to appearance upgrades. Parts are widely available online. Even with a brand new, factory-stock Mustang, it is easy to find upgrades and get them shipped quickly. This makes customizing a Mustang much simpler compared to other cars.
Coyote V8 Foundations
The Coyote V8 platform is known for its strong aftermarket support. It runs with over 400 horsepower from the factory and is reliable for both everyday driving and big power builds. In earlier Mustangs, the Coyote worked well with stock computers for big upgrades. People have added superchargers or turbo kits and easily gained hundreds more horsepower. With proper tuning, some builds reached around 700 wheel horsepower without changing much else.
Locked Down Electronics in New Models
The latest Mustang model, known as the S650, has an engine control unit (ECU) that is much harder to access. Aftermarket companies have found it difficult to unlock this ECU for tuning. For many simple upgrades, like a cold air intake or exhaust, the car now needs a special tune. These tuning tools are limited, and options for using non-Ford Performance parts are restricted right now.
Table: Tuning Differences
| Older Mustangs (S550) | New Mustang (S650) | |
|---|---|---|
| ECU Access | Easy | Very Difficult |
| Parts Selection | Wide Range | Limited Right Now |
| Simple Tunes | Yes | Rare |
Forced Induction Choices and ECU Tuning
Owners who want to add a supercharger or make big power increases on the S650 have only a few choices. Most supercharger kits that work with the new ECU use systems related to Whipple, with tuning from Ford Performance or select companies like VMP. Other brands or custom engine control setups are not supported at this time. This means most owners have just a couple of trusted options if they want safe, high horsepower setups.
Supercharger Options:
- Ford Performance supercharger
- Whipple-based kits
- VMP kits
Changes in Mustang Identity
The Mustang has always been known for being easy to make unique. In the new S650, restrictions on tuning and limited compatibility with outside parts can make it more difficult for owners to give their car its own style. Many basic upgrades now cost more and require parts from the official catalog. This can make the car feel less personal compared to older models where owners had more freedom to choose from many brands and styles.
Views from the Mustang Community
How Fans Feel
Many fans consider the S650 Mustang a refined and smoother ride compared to older models. Drivers agree that the car’s new interior features and infotainment system make it feel more high-end. However, people also point out that the price has gone up a lot. Some say the older S550 Mustangs are a better value because they offer similar performance for less money. For many, the extra cost of the S650 is hard to justify, even with the added features.
Key points fans mention:
- S650 is smoother to drive and feels nicer inside.
- It costs a lot more than previous models.
- Older Mustangs still hold value and are easier to get used.
Barriers to Custom Upgrades
A big part of Mustang culture is making changes and upgrades. Right now, owners find the S650 harder to modify because of its advanced and more locked-down computer system. Getting into the car’s ECU for things like forced induction (adding a supercharger or turbocharger) is tough unless you use certain approved brands. This makes some upgrades and tunes harder to do than in the past. People who could quickly upgrade older Mustangs in their own garage find the new process less simple and more limited.
Common issues faced:
- Computer (ECU) is hard to access for custom tune jobs.
- Only certain superchargers and brands work without major effort.
- Basic upgrades like air intake and exhaust usually need special approval and parts.
Selection of Aftermarket Parts
When shopping for parts, past Mustangs made it easy. Owners could get everything they needed from lots of brands, often delivered in just a week. The S650’s new design means there are fewer compatible aftermarket parts right now, especially from smaller brands. Much of what’s available comes straight from Ford Performance or the biggest names, with smaller suppliers having a harder time getting in. Shoppers looking for budget parts or unique styles find fewer choices than before.
| Mustang Model | Aftermarket Part Options | ECU Access | Upgrade Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| S197/S550 | Many brands, easy to find | Open | Simple, fast |
| S650 | Mostly big brands, fewer | Limited | More complex, slower |
What buyers are seeing:
- Most upgrades must come from official or approved vendors.
- Fewer low-cost or off-brand parts are available right now.
- The process of building a unique Mustang is not as quick or simple as with older models.
Event Participation
Upcoming Appearance at Atlanta Automotive Event
He will be attending an automotive festival in Atlanta this Saturday.
Visitors can look forward to meeting him at the event and watching the action up close.
Event Details:
- Date: Saturday
- Location: Atlanta
- Activity: Read below for more about the ride alongs
Ride Along Sessions in the V8-Powered 240SX
He will be providing ride alongs in his Nissan 240SX, which has been upgraded with a Coyote V8 engine.
Fans have a chance to sit in the passenger seat and experience the power of the swapped motor firsthand.
Seats are limited, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Features:
| Car | Engine | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| Nissan 240SX (S13) | Coyote V8 | Ride Alongs |
Collaboration with Tuning Specialists
He is teaming up with a tuning company to make these ride alongs possible.
Their technical support helps the Coyote-swapped 240SX perform at its best during the event.
This partnership is key to making sure the car runs smoothly all day.
