I'm really impressed with the Roush chassis modifications. The car is well damped and offers a level of (relative) refinement that is better than any other Mustang I've driven. As with the Roush 427R we had last week, the cosmetic modifications are a matter of taste but the styling does fit the performance. This Stage 3 had about 1000 or 1200 more miles than the 427R test car and it felt better for it. The shifter was smoother and the engine felt crisper. I like muscle cars and the Roush products have a nice balance of raw fun and, again, relative comfort. For me, I would take a base, no-spoiler GT or a Bullitt Mustang and add the engine, chassis, and brake mods from the Roush Stage 3. That way, I'd get the performance but keep a sleeper look. Actually, I'd probably pay the big bucks and get a built 400-or-so-horsepower, normally aspirated V-8, as I'm not crazy about the over-the-top supercharger whine that dulls the glorious V-8 music. Either way, both the Stage 3 and the 427R Mustangs are huge fun.
Marc Noordeloos, Road Test Editor ...next page >>