Test drove an '03 GT - SLOW AS A DOG - what gives?? 87 octane?

I test drove a very nice 2003 GT yesterday at a local dealer. It was a 5 speed and was all original. At one point I rolled out from a stop up to about 15 MPH and then jumped on it. It crawled away like a V6 without even a hint of getting close to breaking the tires loose.

What gives? Anyone ever run 87 octane in their GT? I'm thinking the crappy dealer gas has the car pulling the timing way back. Otherwise I'm very sad.

I haven't had a Mustang since I sold my '89 several years ago. I was expecting similar performance.

[Mr 5 0]

That's too bad.

Sounds as if the '03 might have had the traction control engaged. Remember, it's a 3,300 pound car with only 260 HP under the hood so it probably isn't going to be quite as fast as the near-legendary O.H.V. 5.0., now long gone from the scene.

The weak performance you've described could have been a result of a cheesy dealer using low-octane gas in the 'Stang and the resultant computer-pulled timing causing limp performance - or else it was just a slow Mustang. It happens.

While not as satisfying an engine as the well-remembered 5.0, the OHC 4.6 is still ripe for modifications, especially a supercharger - or, just look for a Cobra, instead.

Thanks for the reply.

It certainly wasn't a traction control issue. The car pulled like it was no better than a hi-15 sec car and it did this at all speeds. This car is rated at 14.1 quarter and low 5s to 60 MPH. I would definitely feel that difference.

This was actually at a huge Ford dealership, not just some cheesy place. It doesn;t matter though. Almost zero dealers use anything but than 87 in their cars. It's jsut the way it is. there's typically only one pump in the back, so that's all they've got.

I'd just really like to hear from someone that's actually done this experiment. It might be just what happened!

[Unit 5302]

My 87GT with 160k on the clock was more than a match for my brand new 02GT right after I got done with the break in period so I'm not terribly surprised by your seat of the pants feeling. The 1999-2004 Mustang GT's are rated for 87 octane fuel so it shouldn't have anything to do with that.

That being said, my 02GT wasn't really a "dog" but it could certainly turn into one with the traction control engaged. Even a hint of wheelspin and it would totally kill the power.

Thanks guys. Sounds like I must have found a broken Stang. It certainly wasn;t a traction control issue. Like I said, it did the same thing at all speeds.