GT350 Mustangs | '16 vs '19 | My Take

gasyone

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I was one of the fools that purchased the '16 tech cars when the 350s first arrived. I was not planning to track the car therefore wasn't concerned about the additional coolers. As we all know the negative publicity on the tech cars along with the class action killed their value. Luckily I was able to unload the '16 before that happened.

The '16 had roughly 3300 miles before being sold. At that time I was impressed with many handling features, exhaust, steering and how planted the car was. I have owned every type of mustang made including several 03-04 cobras, '13 Boss, '07 GT500, '12 Roush stage 3, 2 '14 GT500s, '18GT PP1 and a '19 Bullitt. The '19 Bullitt was the closest however still the '16 edged it out.

3 weeks ago I decided to sell my '70 therefore purchased a new '19 350. I have wanted one since I sold the '16 however have been following the engine issues that are hit or miss. I looked at the '17s and '18s and drove both. Neither really separated themself from the '16 from performance and handling.

After seeing the changes made to the '19s hopefully addressing some of the reoccurring issues I decided to take a closer look. On my first drive I clearly and immediately felt the difference in steering. The steering is literally effortless. While the '16 was good, I can tell a significant difference with the changes that were made. After a short drive it did seem much more planted. With the small changes made and the new tires, the ride was noticeably better. We got a below invoice deal and bought the car. The rear wing is clearly upgraded and in my bias opinion looks 100% better than prior years.
I did not get the optional gurney flap as I don't track the car.

Now that I have had more time behind the wheel, there is a small but noticable difference in the performance. Unlike the '16 you feel the torque sooner than you did with prior years. Moving to sport and track modes again without question you can clearly feel the differences. While not related to performance, the small changes.to the interior are nicer. I do have the exposed carbon fiber insert along with the stitched dash and center console (looks like they took that from the Bullitt) are a bit nicer to see. Lastly the B&O sound system is without a massive upgrade from the '16s.

I've seen a lot of posts questioning the differences from prior years to the '19. Now having both I clearly can attest to the differences. Those looking to possibly buy a used '16-'18 should really do their research here. While too soon to tell, the changes made to the engine will hopefully address the oil consumption issues and blown motors. Added bonus here, with the block coming from the 2020 GT500 what I understand the engine can now withstand up to 12psi boost.

Not sure if this will help anyone looking currently however if you do I strongly encourage you minimally drive the '19 after driving the prior years. My guess is you will see the differences that I have seen and maybe change your minds on buying below the '19 year with all the changes.
20191108_152142.jpeg


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ATX5.0

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Good read. I’d consider a ‘19 and up 350 in the next few years. I hear the transmission does not hold up when throwing boost at them? Ty
 

Drewsky65

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Good read. I’ve heard the steering is upgraded and different. As far as lower or more tq down low. Not sure about that much. Same engine, same everything. Head bolts and gaskets from what I understand are different in the blocks ( being able to handle boost) I like a ton of the small upgrades ford has done. After 3 years of testing the same car I’d figure they can only improve. Slotted rotors look better but have been proven not to actually work better haha.

One thing that bugs the crap out of me in the new 350’s is the start/stop button. It’s the same as all mustangs now. WHY?! Why would you change one of the coolest little features on the car.. the bright red start/stop is too cool and one of the first things I noticed when seeing a 350 for the first time. It’s a 5 dollar part you can get online and not a big deal to change out. But why stop doing it for a silver switch.. stop being cheap ford! It cannot cost more than the standard one. Sorry for the rant on a 5 dollar plastic button
 

Willie2

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great write up, thanks. Now bring back Avalanche Grey and I'll be ready!
 

DAVESVT2000

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I had a 2017 on order a few years ago, long story short, car got messed up in transit and I passed on it.

Fast forward to this spring, reading about the changes to the 19-20, and then talking to Jim Owens at the Fords at Carlisle show, and I was sold on a new one. Placed my order in June, car was built October 1, got it Friday November 1, just in time to put it away for the winter.

having driven a 16 and 17, I’m looking forward to next spring and seeing / feeling / hearing the improvements that have been made.

2020
Twister orange
Black roof
Handling package
Car number 0097

CA18D197-4C3C-4B5D-B787-89985361EF01.jpeg
 
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gasyone

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Love that color!!! You will love the difference!! My number is 0071
I had a 2017 on order a few years ago, long story short, car got messed up in transit and I passed on it.

Fast forward to this spring, reading about the changes to the 19-20, and then talking to Jim Owens at the Fords at Carlisle show, and I was sold on a new one. Placed my order in June, car was built October 1, got it Friday November 1, just in time to put it away for the winter.

But having driven a 16 and 17, I’m looking forward to next spring and seeing / feeling / hearing the improvements that have been made.

it’s a 2020
Orange fury
Black roof
Handling package
Car number 0097

View attachment 1612869

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Drewsky65

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I haven’t done research yet.. what’s the “handling package” ? Gurney flap? Adjustable strut mounts?
 
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DAVESVT2000

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Correct, adjustable caster camber plates and the gurney flap for the rear spoiler.

the plates get shipped thru the parts department, the flap comes in the trunk of the car.
 

HI RPM

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Anybody know when the actual upgraded 5.2 went into production?
Would hate to pay more for an early 2019 Shelby GT350, but not get the latest version/upgraded engine.
 

HI RPM

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I don't want to hijack the thread, but post #6 kind of opened up the door as far as differences in early vs later 5.2's go.

Does some one have a production date that is known to be the intro of the updated 5.2?
I am hearing rumor, that even later production 18's may have the updates?
Can anyone confirm?
 

ANGREY

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I don't want to hijack the thread, but post #6 kind of opened up the door as far as differences in early vs later 5.2's go.

Does some one have a production date that is known to be the intro of the updated 5.2?
I am hearing rumor, that even later production 18's may have the updates?
Can anyone confirm?

The appreciable difference would be the radiator support. If you're not boosting the motor, there wouldn't be an appreciable difference, but you'd have to check if the new block and the new radiator supports happened at the same time. If so, an external way to verify would be to simply look for the depressions where the hood pin posts go.
 

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