Why Do So Many Mustangs CRASH! Here's the Truth!

[@dennisdeleon7868]

From the videos that I’ve seen on Mustang crashes, it seems that drivers would just floor it when leaving a parking lot or an event, cars and coffee. In my opinion, tires break traction easily because the tires are cold. Car’s been sitting there for awhile with no time to heat up and drivers just floor it. Then, once tire breaks traction, inexperience shows up. They counter steer but when they feel it’s not straightening up, they panic and lift off gas completely instead of just easing off gas only slightly to balance car. It then shifts the weight of the car to front tires and they go quickly the opposite direction and lose control. But I think more importantly is not to overwhelm the tires when it’s cold.

[@scottzappa9314]

Thank you and i believe the whole car benefits from a gradual warm up.

[@davidortiz173]

Everybody has missed the #1 culprit: cold tires!

[@ManiacalManiac]

Cold tires and inexperience with power.

[@masjuggalo]

I think the biggest culprit is the e-throttle. They do not respond as well as a cable throttle and Gail Banks did a video on his pedal controller that shows it

[@jesuscorrea5513]

@@masjuggalo I dont hot dog, but I hate that e-throttle on all Ford produced vehicles. Both my buckets, have that: 04 Ford F150, and 08 Navigator..... im old OK! LOL!

[@masjuggalo]

@jesuscorrea5513 I wholeheartedly agree with you. I feel the e throttle is just another thing that the car manufacturers have come up with. They cost 10 times what it used to or more and doesn't work anywhere near as well as the old method. But I'm weird. I like throttle cables. I like the lever that engages four-wheel drive to be connected to a linkage that's actually attached to the transfer case and I find getting out and locking hubs every so often is a lot easier to deal with than a $500 electric motor that engages your front axle. I also don't like heated seats and feel power. Adjustable seats are too heavy. I genuinely have no desire to own any vehicle manufactured after 2004. Thankfully, the US government was nice enough to destroy 700,000 good vehicles in order to support the US economy by buying more Toyotas and Hondas

[@cletim7398]

I think growing up in the 80's was a real benefit in the fact that a fast car in 1985 was a 15.00 second car. We got to grow as drivers as cars got incrementally faster. Cars today are flat out crazy performance wise compared to cars from just 10 years ago. It's not that mustangs are unsafe, you've just got a generation of kids making a jump from their mom's 175 hp minivan to a 440 HP mustang. Accidents are gonna happen.

[@gabrielpichardo1492]

Im with you on that one brother!

[@doughooks7411]

Agreed. Even the old muscle cars from back in the 60s and 70s didn’t make as much power as many of the family cars do today.

[@busterc6600]

i remember my 302 boss i thought it was fast back then. 🤣🤣🤣

[@wileecoyote5749]

My Dodge Aries K is an '85

[@doughooks7411]

@@wileecoyote5749 That thang got a hemi in it?

[@ericbess9141]

Most young drivers today grew up driving a front wheel drive car so they're not used to a car stepping out on them and thus don't know how to react when it happens leading to lots of crashes

[@bobbob-s3l]

correct

[@mrdave777]

More physics, please!

[@mikegerber9531]

I'm 56 and kept my Sonata for that very reason. I had not driven a rwd in 35 years. I still don't trust myself on ice & snow!

[@mattycheeze4131]

How do you get experience with rwd without ever driving one?

[@dylanrobichaud5095]

Traction control I think is the biggest issue along with lack of experience. Most of the people crashing don’t have any seat time with it being off. Resulting in them losing control when the car does step out. Then having no idea how to regain control they find themselves crashing into cars/crowds.

[@6ixlxrd]

@@Macray01 My ABS sensor malfunctioned so my traction control has been off the past week, and I can definitely see why we Mustang drivers are a meme. Driving in the rain almost felt like a death sentence, but fortunately I’m a trucker so I adjusted pretty easily.

[@NXT_LVL]

Its not really that, it was that before they went IRS (independent rear suspension) the "straight axle" would unload when you took your foot off and it would "snap" left or right depending on which tire was gripping with the open diff or limited slip and then they'd over correct basically putting it into an understeer slide.... where it just plows straight through a crowd. OR if they really have no idea, they floor it and it loops and they go in back-ass-wards

[@dylanrobichaud5095]

@@NXT_LVL lol I’ve seen just as many independent suspension mustang crashing along with Dodge Charger and challengers. Same thing happens with irs. Still comes down to them having zero driving skill with no traction control. lol

[@dylanrobichaud5095]

@@Macray01 I recommend that to everyone who just got there first rwd car. Hit up a back or somewhere dead. Practice burnouts, donuts etc. get use to the car. Also autocross is a great learning experience as well.

[@bleachstain9785]

@@dylanrobichaud5095 I did just that after purchasing my E500, despite having owned plenty of AWD and RWD vehicles before, I took the chance to get to know the car and see how it behaved. Then I put some fresh tires on it the following week. Anyone should test their cars limits so they know how to control it.

[@arnoldanderson1501]

One more reason, is because of the massive number of Mustangs on the road compared to any other high-performance vehicles. Yes, there are many drivers that own Mustangs that are in dire need of driver training, maybe even a drivers license.

[@Wooley689]

The real problem is driver error and low experience. Most have come up driving a front wheel drive and don't know how to handle a rear wheel drive car with power.

[@signoresantinoburnett1169]

Jumping out of a Honda Civic SI FWD or Subaru STI AWD to a Mustang is probably half these guys.

[@jasonelkins6582]

As a car guy who has owned 3 mustangs and have been to many events where I have seen crashes. The main factors 1: cold tires, Its always after the car has been sitting for hours and the owner takes off. Cold tires and loose end makes for an interesting crash. The other factor is 2 in 1: inexperienced drivers are the main group making their cars fishtale and loose it and peer pressure is the other factor. They want to impress the crowd which I kind of don't get it. I just ignore the crowds when leaving a big event like at Mustang week, or cars and coffee.

[@tonymartin4097]

I have owned 3 mustangs and never managed to crash any of them. Rule 1 - know when to lift.

[@loribass4829]

I second that sir

[@demetriawright1528]

When should you lift? I’m asking because I’m getting my first Mustang in a few months.

[@catsaretasty]

@@demetriawright1528 r.i.p

[@MrCodeSwitcher]

@@demetriawright1528 if u get a v8 just don’t go pedal to the medal. You’re feel the car out over time. Be careful because the rear end likes to get out from beneath you

[@BruceDragon-sf1tr]

@@demetriawright1528 never smash on the gas with a powerful car with rear wheels pulling. Snow and rain can be difficult until you learn the difference. If you have bad tires, always keep your best tires up front. Learn how to work the back end a little by practicing in a huge parking lot (where it's somewhat legal cause there's nothing around for you to hit) . If you get stuck in mud or snow, soon as you think the car is dragging, beginning whipping your steering wheel side to side real quick while stepping on the gas . ..but don't do this near people or buildings, houses etc. Take care of the Pony, check your engine twice a month and ride out playa😎

[@paulabes4220]

I found in the 80's when I was street racing. Dodges had the reputation of their back end swinging back and forth then the pole would jump out Infront of them. It boils down to the driver and their ability to control the vehicle.

[@alphaironheart]

I'm planning on getting a Challenger, and I went to test drive one a month ago, it was so smooth and stable. The heavier weight definitely helps the car have more control and traction. The biggest thing however is to know your car.

[@markgallemore8856]

My SRT eight an eight hour driving school was included in the price of the car with the Chrysler SRT program specialist at a Racing facility. Did My class at Laguna Seca California.

[@ronyeahright9536]

I guess by that reasoning a Chevy Tahoe would be better yet.

[@carminealiffi9738]

I have both and commented above , I think the Challenger is a more solid car and better on the road then the Mustang but I love them both

[@joevarga5982]

@@ronyeahright9536 Or a school bus, lol.

[@atomic3141]

Ass ends too light and center of gravity is too far forward. Wait, am I talking about my Challenger HC?

[@OfentseMwaseFilms]

Just know when to lift your foot off the gas!

[@antisocial2872]

Literally all it is lol

[@jason_tha1]

need to practice this prefer/not on public roads@@antisocial2872

[@edgarcorreiamelo]

And do not stunp on the brakes...

[@joedirt9397]

and perhaps leave traction + stability control on until you know what you're doing.

[@mikeb9569]

If you lift, you should do it slowly. It's already light in the rear, Sudden lifting will make the rear even lighter as the weight shifts forward (lift off oversteer). In a corner when the rear end gets loose, applying throttle will give you more grip as the weight shifts to the rear wheels.

[@Mike-xm6yx]

Pre covid, you could get a new 450 hp Mustang for ~30k. Cheap hp and torque that parents can get their kids for first cars. If it's under their parent's name the "owner" will be in their 50s

[@Elephant_Thoughts]

Yep, that's a statistic that isn't accounted for. Also the used market owners are not recorded either; only statistic recorded is when someone purchases it new off the dealership lot. After that, nothing else is known...

[@NATURALGAMING]

True

[@waff6ix]

had a buddy of mine like that in high school💯bros dad was a pastor & bought him a new red mustang beginning of senior year🤩few months later he end up crashing it onna freeway he told me he was texting & driving & rear ended somebody🤣🤣🤣the crazy thing was he went that 3rd semester without a car but his dad bought him ANOTHER new red mustang for graduation🤣🤣🤣

[@angelgjr1999]

45k for a base model GT mustang is insane. I’m gonna wait till next year to see if prices come down. If not I’ll just supercharge my 4.6. It’s already a fun car.

[@trappychan]

​@@angelgjr1999 Still great value considering the price of an M2 or Supra

[@MustangGuru]

The Advance Trac system on the Mustang is a nasty nanny, has caused me to change lanes unexpectedly at times. I have a 2015 Roush stage3 tuned to 750 whp turning all that off and the Mustang a different animal.

[@mikedaleiden7725]

Shorter wheelbase with all that unbalanced engine weight in front. Too many less experienced drivers snap their foot off the gas the moment the back end starts coming around when it could have been corrected with throttle. I haven't owned a Mustang since a '98 Cobra, but even at those modest 305HP levels, that back end would get sketchy in everyday situations when you weren't going straight. Hilarious fun when you expect it, outright scary when you don't.

[@BigClaunch]

Spot on. Wheelbase is contributor. Front weight balance to Chevy. And suspension geometry

[@pgtmr2713]

My short wheelbase 3rd gen Camaro never got out of line. 98 Mustang GT did twice. Once you trigger oscilations, the car feeds itself bounding and rebounding side to side, meanwhile you're going here, no there, in an ever widening area. I also got a Jeep XJ to do the exact same thing. I think normal countering with the steering causes the suspension to load even more putting more into the rebound. Consider the crown in the road too. Everyone that never experienced it thinks they're an expert on it too. I think it's soft suspension, high floor height, overall height, narrow track, solid axle, body roll, abused tires.

[@stevevice9863]

Lifting too soon while the wheels are spinning will stop the wheels from spinning and catch traction, immediatly sending you in what ever direction the front wheels are pointing.

[@pgtmr2713]

@@stevevice9863 That's not what's happening here. The suspension is adding to the situation. As I said earlier my Camaro behaved exactly the way you described, also my Mustang. But certain over the top situations and the Mustang acted different, not all.

[@josephoberlander]

@@stevevice9863 Add in the "eco" all-season tires they typically come with, and your traction is done for. Owning one myself I will say that old tires and especially all-seasons are just not enough for the rear end to be happy. I replace mine at 30-35K miles not because they are worn out but because they start slipping and are unstable in the rain. And those are better than stock tires. The original tires were.. bad. Like 20% less grip and very floaty - like almost being over-inflated.

[@Kelo_ke]

I’ve had the pleasure of driving many cars and many high hp cars. I’ve owned a couple mustangs currently looking for another. Im a 1/4 mile guy and Personally it boils down to skill.

[@cfwebdeveloper]

My first car was a 97 GT at 16 yrs old and I learned to respect that car quickly. I had no traction control or any stability system and it was a solid axle car. Granted it wasn't that much HP but it still taught me a lesson about V8s. Glad nothing bad came out of it but it was indeed a wake up call. Loving my 21 GT and handles beautifully but I am also much older and more understanding then my dumb teen self was then lol.

[@bobjohnston5527]

It's not the car ever. It's the drivers. Specially the younger people who can't handle it power

[@Luis_GonzaIez]

Not very realistic to think dumber people drive mustangs. The mustang has something that makes it loose control compared to other muscle cars the question is what is it. Its not the driver bc if it was it would be happening to any other muscle car

[@erikfritts8240]

Being a Mustang driver for well over 20 years I can tell you that you were on point about the change to the IRS getting rid of some of the sketchy behavior. I have 180 all of my ponies but not any of my s550 models.

[@deathscythehell7937]

I've owned a Mustang since 1982 until today I've had just about every trim level Ford offered. IRS and driver aides may have helped inexperienced drivers to control it a little bit. (nothing beats driver talent, skill and experience) With every Mustang I've owned new or used I always upgraded to polyurethane bushings, better anti-sway bars springs and better brakes. If you're gonna drive it hard you need to do it. The factory suspension isn't up to the job.

[@erikfritts8240]

@@deathscythehell7937 I agree about the anti sway packages being the first thing I go after on older models

[@deathscythehell7937]

@@erikfritts8240 Thanks, I've used Steeda suspension products for years. Both my gt350r and gt500 feel solid as a rock, very predictable during hard driving.

[@Grimm-14]

Funny, always wondered if that was 1of the reasons for seeing a bit too many burnouts etc with loss of control. No tail wags for me, my IS350 came stock with stagged with 255s in the rear & open diff, she dont even like break loose in the rain, lol.

[@highwayman1218]

​@@Grimm-14Well of course.... Theres no comparision of open vs LSDs with pedal down... Yours will do a 1 wheel peel with no drama, while a LSD will get loose looking for traction and try to rotate...

[@JohnDoe-zz3hj]

108 inch wheel base is dangerous as hell. the mustang engine has more wgt over the front axel

[@BOSS-jf7on]

As a mustang owner , it is my humble opinion . That the traction control system in the street cars is the problem. It is trying to keep all 4 tires planted and rolling the same. As soon as you break traction with the steer tires at an angle great enough it will activate. And then lock tires ,and steering to recover. This has been my experience and observation of that situation.

[@6mtcruiser]

yea i’ve heard a lot of guys say this. interesting when you look into it

[@nstylemotorsportsracing1471]

I have to agree with this also. I have owned many cars without traction control and all the crazy nannies and I honestly feel like with nothing interfering you can have more control if you know what your doing.

[@thejoshman3843]

i think you are onto the most likely answer. i hate traction controls all they do is send confusing signals to the driver & induce loss of control.

[@nstylemotorsportsracing1471]

@@thejoshman3843 exactly!

[@nstylemotorsportsracing1471]

@@thejoshman3843 I can say with absolute confidence the car I felt like I had the most control over was my SR20DET Swapped 240SX! No traction control,KAZZ /LSD and I always felt in complete control in that car! I hate myself for selling it to this day 😩

[@akelk1720]

It comes down to the driver. Most crashes caught on camera are from younger people who can’t control the power while showing off. Note that is said caught on camera.

[@bekkiware264]

Just had a discussion about this at my dealership when I was getting my Challenger's state inspection. It's kind of a joke around here to "watch out for the Mustang". I think it's the light weight and younger drivers (in my area). Great video.

[@tburn528]

There are as many charger videos as mustang they call it the new mustang for a reason

[@jarrohleddy4038]

Is not the rear differentials? I'd like to hear more about what these manufacturers are doing differently in the drivetrain. Clutch packs, true posi trac, lockers or limited slip.

[@ronyeahright9536]

yeah " watch out for the Mustang", that will be the car in front of you, showing its tail lights.

[@RobertBeck-pp2ru]

I think you hit on a very good point: wheelbase does have a noticeable effect on stability. That's one reason why the Challenger does so well in straight line drag racing, yet so poorly on, say, a road course. Appreciate your honest perspective.

[@libertyordeath8351]

I've driven and owned a lot of these cars and for some reason the Mustangs have always felt more Squirrely than the other makes, but not by much depending on the models/yrs. It's like a torque build up and release that can catch you by surprise.

[@morgandrives]

Exactly what I found with my S550. It’s like the back end spools up and releases and then when you get off the gas, it continues spinning for a while. Every other car I have driven doesn’t have this effect.

[@shannonpatrick77]

@@morgandrives I think it has something to do with the dual overhead cam my old taurus sho was the same way also a duel overhead cam

[@deonkirk7357]

As a mustang owner, the back definitely gets away from you, the weight distribution isn't great for the torque/power it produces on the rear wheels from my experience

[@eoinoconnell185]

Look at Central/Eastern Europe after the wall fell. They went from 50hp cars to 150hp cars practically overnight. The number of crashes increased along with their severity.

[@combatveteranusnavy2012]

I'm 70 years old now, but in 1975 I was 27. I bought a 1975 Pontiac Trans Am. My car had a Posi-Traction rear differential. When I took off hard from a stop, both of the rear wheels turned and the same time. My takeoffs from a stop WERE ALWAYS STRAIGHT.

[@geniferteal4178]

I'm with you on blaming the traction control. Friend of mine has a heavily modified Mustang just a few years old. Probably 9 seconds or so with Turbo's has never done the spin thing. He did disconnect the traction control in the rear. Not sure of all the details but it sounded like he felt it was acting the reverse of how it should. He says it's much more controllible Without it. I won't extrapolate because that's the only information I have that's reliable and direct from him.

[@FullTimeGT]

Hi RacerX, I don't know about average ownership age statistics. I think the right statistics should be the average driver's age when crashed. Good Video!

[@toddinthemiddle]

exactly.

[@TechandTools1]

Mommy and daddy's car is what I thought right away.

[@roywarriner8441]

Probably the 53 year olds, they have dollars but no sense or reflexes. They have been driving gutless econoboxes their whole lives, now that the mortgage is paid and the kids have gone, they buy their first muscle car and it is too much for them.

[@cancel1913]

Ain't no better way to start a "Why Do So Many Mustangs CRASH!" video than to admit you crashed one too! LOL! ;-)

[@kmurch74]

The only time I had a problem keeping control after getting sideways was with WORN tires on the 09 GT. I recovered but it was harder than usual. With good tires, the car was always balanced and even fun to get loose.

[@sirseven3]

Yeah I agree, I finally spun out in the rain. Turns out 0 tread doesn't play well

[@okhotrodder]

I've owned many vehicles. Most wrecks attribute to driver error. Also, when I was younger, you could find an open parking lot to do donuts and learn how to control your car. Today, I can't find anywhere some Karen won't call the police on you and get a butt load of tickets. My son has an '07 GT. I drive it fine and have no issue doing burnouts, donuts, etc. My son, everytime he tries a turning fish tail loses control jerking it back and fourth. I've been wanting to show him how to control it but again, karens suck. When I was younger, I drove other cars like camaros and they didn't have the power to break the tires loose. They had plenty of traction because of no power, lol... We have 4.10 gears in the '07 and they are really fun to drive.

[@mrdave777]

Terrific comment. I do the same thing!

[@keithvaughan535]

I love my 17 GT , but I have heard that when you turn off the traction control then go out and act stupid the computer will reactivate the traction control , it’s thinking you’ve lost control. And if your not ready for it, that’s when ya lose control and crash, the computer is just trying to stay alive…lol For the record: I’ve never done this but it’s what I’ve heard!

[@SkunkieDesignsElectronics]

I've read the same thing and if you watch the crash videos, that is what looks like it happening.

[@trillamannwinters6963]

I think they tap out too at 140 mph stock

[@blakeserrano2994]

@@trillamannwinters6963hit 150 the other day in my stock s550 5.0

[@trillamannwinters6963]

@@blakeserrano2994 shit I got to 140 and that was enough for me lol

[@SKYLINE500]

That hasn’t happened with mine where traction control has turned on while doing something stupid.

[@chrissanchez9218]

You may be right about the young people cause my coworker had a 22 wide body scat and he’s barely 21 and crashed it and this other coworker 19 and crashed his mustang … I’m 23 had mustang for 2 years and never been pulled over or crashed I guess I’m a good driver …. Gotten sideways but corrected it

[@Crimsonoverlord.]

I drive one every day it handles the road just fine..its the idiots behind the wheel

[@MikeSmith-pq4wz]

As a 2021 Roush Mustang owner I will admit the Mustang can get away from you if you drive like a fool. As a whole, I think you will find more Mustangs on the road than the Chevy or Mopar offerings. The law of large numbers will give you a difference in the cars being in an accident based on more Mustangs are on the road equal a higher number in accidents. Also, fools make videos of themselves doing stupid crap! There is no correlation between the age of a person and them being foolish. Lord knows old men drive like fools just as much as a young man does in a High HP sports car. Although I would be interested in the age of the driver in the wrecks and not the average age of all owners of the 3 cars mentioned.

[@wileecoyote5749]

I haven't lost control in my '85 Dodge Aries K

[@FullTimeGT]

Lol and if you do please reconsider update your driving skills 😅

[@vettesweetnos]

Could've swore a roadrunner beat you and then you went off a cliff in the aries

[@wileecoyote5749]

​@@vettesweetnos no that was rocket from ACME

[@davecaresforyou7606]

Are you sneaking around in a big block 85 dodge Aries

[@VitalityGracieGarage]

traction control is not in the equation because everybody who drives these cars drive them in modes where the TC is turned off. in my scat pack I drive in Track mode and so does everybody else that i know of

[@johnhix484]

I have owned three Ford Mustangs GT and although I never had an accident, I do believe it can bea dangerous car in the hands of a young driver. The vehicle does not have enough weight and tends to have rear wheel bounce. It does go exactly where you point it but with any amount of slide, drift or spin it keeps going forward exactly where ever it ends up pointing while moving sideways or circular. Heavier cars like the Challenger (which I currently drive), Mercedes and others hold the road much better.

[@thechef9218]

I've owned two 2016 Mustangs and youre right, the suspension on mine was super bouncy on bumps too which didnt help matters. I currently own a Hellcat Challenger and the confidence I have driving that is way higher than I had with the Mustangs.

[@josephoberlander]

Anything over 150hp is far too much for a new rider - oops I mean driver. See, we have the same problem with motorcycles. 50-100hp bikes are everywhere and despite the marketing as entry-level and so on, they are NOT beginner bikes. Any more than a 300-450HP muscle car is something to learn on as your first vehicle.

[@silvanotonini9151]

It's very simple for the power they've got they need traction control. It doesn't matter whether it's a Mustang or a Ferrari switch off traction control on a Ferrari and see where that gets you, most drivers are not used to controlling that much power.

[@silvertbird1]

Interesting video. I was a field auto appraiser for a major insurance company for 16 years, and for three years have worked at home as a reviewer for a chain of body shops. While in the field I saw maybe two or three Mustangs a year, now I look at 40 estimates or so per day and see maybe one or two Mustangs per month. Anyway, that’s a fraction compared to the ubiquitous Hondas, Toyotas, Nissans, etc. of which I see many dozens per week. Maybe there are just fewer Mustangs on the road. I have the gentlepony Ecoboost, 2020, and with the new Continental tires it feels fairly stable to me. LOL I’m in the demographics, 55. I took the Pony on a road trip through the Texas hill country and when able really opened it up on the winding back roads. I thought it performed extremely well. Never felt out of control.

[@Patpatgat]

Yeah it’s having bad drivers behind the wheel. That much power with a heavy foot seems to snap back sometimes.

[@Nigel334]

I’ve owned both a mustang and a challenger and I will say the mustang rear end is way more prone to getting loose. I can’t tell you how many times I went to make a semi sharp turn in the mustang and the rear ended came around and the whole car slid. I ended up totaling that car on the hwy when I was doing 60 on a rainy day and drove over a small puddle of water that made my car turn completely sideways and run into a ditch and hit a tree. So glad I switched to a challenger

[@thefitnesslife4988]

I've been seeing more scatpacks crashing than anything. Mostly when they do the pointless sliding crap

[@alyssadraculesti]

@@thefitnesslife4988 most of the people wrecking their 392's never grew up with muscle cars and just decided to throw money at a goal. They never learned how to respect and deal with that kind of power and thus they have no clue how to handle it when it gets loose. I grew up and even took my driving test in a 76 Trans Am 6.6 built out and with a supercharger. Learned at a very early age how to handle what was under my foot. 2 days later after passing my drivers test I bought a 92 Stealth RT Twin Turbo off the showroom.

[@29kalel]

There is your problem. Trying to turn at 60mph slow down.

[@v_osornio]

Haha yeah man slow down

[@Alamina5.0]

Why go 60 on a rainy day on the highway? That was your first problem

[@jasonpitts8395]

Its all about the driver and their actual ability versus what the driver thinks their ability is.

[@ajhill5094]

I've driven challengers and mustangs, and they definitely drive differently. In the challenger, smoking the tires is predictable, smooth, and predictable. From a stop or moving, smoking the wheels or punching it are so much more stable. Mustangs will try to bite ya, but that can be fun sometimes, too lol I think you're right about the wheelbase and weight being the culprits.

[@DougVandegrift]

In my experience driving 2014 Mustang GT with Brembo pckg. The ESC tuning makes a lot of difference. I drove a regular S197 prior and the rear wheels were slipping all the time but the ESC tuning on my Brembo Package GT somehow always caught and stopped me from sliding into a wall. So when I went to the drag strip I found "Sport" Mode was a perfect balance of power and not crashing into the wall lol. Basically what I'm saying is NEVER fully turn off AdvancedTrac, unless you're stuck in snow.

[@3644Darrell]

You have a skill issue.

[@turbo_boost]

Most of the time young folks drive them but might let the elders have it in their name for lower insurance $ or something

[@benk3431]

I can confirm this

[@Greg_call]

They do not know how to handle the power. Experience is key...

[@vintagetriplex3728]

You see a lot of 5.0 mustang crashes because they are cheap, easy to get and 99 percent of their drivers are young goons who are inexperienced drivers and they want to show off but mustangs are the only performance cars they can afford. They can't afford anything else.

[@olveramelinda]

Agree

[@christianbryant5617]

I don’t think I’ve ever heard anyone call a V8 Mustang affordable.. quite the opposite. Maybe a base engine is an “affordable sports coupe,” but a coyote engine Mustang is neither cheap at purchase or ownership.. young kids you’re referring to are of wealthy families. They are among the crowd to also drive M4s, Camaros, S5s, and C63s, all of which aren’t cheap either

[@LeClassiv]

Idk about that I can get a charger or challenger for less than what I got my mustang for

[@reynoldcracker02]

Not even afford, they used a credit line and got in debt because they want to look better than they are.

[@playoffl36ron8]

@@reynoldcracker02typical mustang owner is a middle aged white dude

[@durwoodrobison7800]

I do not disagree with you on the points about the older solid rear axles and short wheelbase. Having owned live axle Mustangs in the past, both combined lead to instability. That instability can lead to very quick handling, but can also lead to getting loose much more easily. The number one issue with really any car losing control is lack of driver skill and attention. It doesn't matter how old the driver is, how long they've been driving. That doesn't make them a SKILLED driver. Skill requires continuous learning and experience. Most drivers just see the car as an appliance, and while they may enjoy making it go VROOM and quickly accellerating, that doesn't mean they know how to handle things getting sloppy. That lack of skill leads to hamfisted reactions to the car getting upset, which leads to the car spinning. Add to it, lack of attention to the road conditions, traffic, etc all lead an unskilled driver to bite off more than they can chew, which again, leads to the car swapping ends into a crowd leaving cars and coffee or into traffic on the road when you go to show off that thing you saw on Smokey and the Bandit when you were a kid. Practice, practice, practice. Learn not only HOW to accelerate in curves or straight lines, but also WHEN to do it and you'll have a lot less problems.

[@doughooks7411]

I have seen some of the same type characteristics of the Mustang you are describing happen in Vipers also. It’s like the ass end gets loose and either makes it very unstable or (perhaps) it is a case of operator error. The result seems to be the same in both of these vehicles.

[@madfun510]

Smh this is a thing for young kids back in the day we had 5.0s that would have bad posi so you would one leg so you just have to know how to control it it made you a better driver repect the car

[@MRAMX390]

Owning, driving and racing many first generation Muscle Cars seasoned me paved the way for my ownership of some 20+ Mustangs from mild to wild. Young folks today have no idea how to drive or handle the kind of power these Coyote engines put in their hands, just not prepared for the shock.

[@thomasrouh2258]

Before doing a complete suspension upgrade with all Steeda auto-cross set-up...I've sent my 16 GT into a 180 degree spin sitting at a traffic light face to face with another car.....That being said after the correct build and understanding of IRS it's a completely stable and safe ride in my personal opinion.....Couldn't be happier....497 hp at the tar O' Natural aspiration......

[@Juan-ll6sf]

All rear traction cars are difficult to control on high speed, hills, lane changes, and curves. These cars tend to skid and lose control upon sudden acceleration on any wet or dry pavement. If you have an expensive Mustang, please drive carefully.

[@cmontes7961]

@@Juan-ll6sf Yes all rear wheel drive cars have this problem but a German Car like a BMW will allow you to correct a Mustang will not.

[@jonathanb4913]

The mustang is front heavy. There is more weight in the front than the rear. If you check your weight on all four corners (wheels) and you can find out the weight.

[@quorthunsargeras7054]

All big 3 american V8's are front heavy. Aerodynamics and bad drivers makes mustang a little more dangerous. The fact is plenty of bad drivers also buy mopars and camaros. But those bad drivers are most likely to crash in a mustang.

[@stevecariggillio4139]

So you need to catch the back end quick, before it gets too far and it's going around.

[@btmeph]

It's just my opinion but I feel like part of the problem is the lighter weight and the higher end punch is catching inexperienced drivers off guard. Surely, experienced drivers will make mistakes too, but we are talking about averages. The traction statistic is likely also contributing too but is hard to analyze empirically, just like he said.

[@ruststar]

Front engine and rear wheel can only handle so much power till the tires get loose. It isn’t rocket science just physics

[@angelgjr1999]

Too much torque, not enough weight on the rear tires! I managed to drive my new edge which if front heavy through snow by filling up the gas tank and putting weights in the trunk. Weight is your friend for straight line traction.

[@brandonh9016]

In today's time. A lot of performance cars are a little bit heavier due to all the safety features which is now required

[@josephoberlander]

@@ruststar Mine drives fine. Don't be a complete hooligan and you'll survive. Also, keep the safety systems on unless you really ARE used to old muscle cars or racing on a track. The rear end on these with the systems off is exactly like an old GTO - big power, rear tires will 100% hop around on you, so do not do maneuvers until the rear end has settled down.

[@JohnDickerson-d7m]

I am a mustang lover, A mustang with a standard trans was more likely shifting from first to 2nd, you better be ready cause they like to go sidev way if you got performance, othere than that my stangs 1969, when i was a teenager @ 55 i ordered a brand new 2008 shelby GT 500 cobra mustang , IT was a 6 speed standard ,it would get awayb from you going from first to second ,once you learn my stangs were fun!!!!!!!!

[@ThatGuy-wz3or]

I think a lot of kids growing up watching fast and furious driving front wheel drive cars never learned or had the experience to drive a V8 rear wheel drive car with torque. A lot of the accidents happing around car meets seem to be because of cold tires and stability control overcompensating.

[@QuestoDomini]

Thanks for the honest review. It as my guess that the TC was turned off to spin the wheels more and that may have made the Stangs more prone to those types of crashes.

[@josephoberlander]

Absolutely. The car with it turned off is exactly like an old Grand National or similar. No safety systems and the rear end will hop out on you. If you don't know how to drive old RWD cars with no safety systems and lots of power, leave it on.

[@stevevice9863]

If you are not used to rear wheel drive powerful cars, it is easy to spin out. Front wheel drive cars handle completly different than rear wheel drive cars. Mustangs seem to be a little light in the rear end....don't know what the front/ rear weight distribution is on these cars.

[@normangarland6558]

Being one of the older generation (Boomer) and owning both a 84, 5 ltr and a coyote with a VMP superchargerI can say that the coyote has what I call snap turn in. If you start to drift a little and let off the car will snap tp the other direction very fast. This had a learning curve since other (older) vehicles I have had is much easier to control with the gas pedal. That being said, I just had to practice and learn the idiosyncrasies of the new car.

[@arlandoamb6754]

I would like to come in on the age group of the people on mustangs I personally think it’s their parents who the car is registered under especially for insurance purposes I remember I did it as a teenager with my parents and we plan to do it with our daughter but I would agree that I see mostly young people to drive in mustangs not saying that that has anything to do with it but I just wanted to comment on that part

[@stateofmind4341]

That's what I see too.

[@inkster34x54]

I decided to do an autocross event with my dad in my ‘91 GT and I quickly learned that it’s very easy to get it to slide. I was on a slick surface and old tires but that doesn’t change much regarding the fact that it’s stupid easy to make a mustang slide. Definitely going to push my car more in a safe environment to learn what it can and can’t do that way I can be safer on the road in case of an emergency due to the other idiots on the road

[@jrrogersstang4696]

Never had a problem in my mustang...

[@KenSerpico5450]

I've owned four GT Mustangs to date and counting. As soon as I floor it, the rear end immediately begins to fish tail. Fortunately, I am able to regain control. Except for one time, l did lose total control and did a 360 spin in the middle of the street without incident.

[@cmsmith61]

I work at a Body Shop and we call it "Going Full Mustang" when they crash. I thought the smaller 5.0 V8 needs higher RPM to produce good power so the wheels are spinning much faster than say a Camaro SS so the intense wheel spin is harder to control and shut down.

[@Ws6Ms]

me too.... and I agree with the wheel speed problem

[@angelgjr1999]

I’ve had this happen when it’s rainy or cold, tires speed up to 60 mph while I’m actually going 30. It’s such a strange feeling. If you notice your rpm’s climb faster than usual, then you have no traction and it’s time to let off the gas.

[@Ottobon]

I found my answer to this in TaGallStar's stock S550 drift guide. The mechanics of why are best left to someone else, but basically to regain traction especially during a transitional slide from left to right or vice versa (like how you see most accidents happening leaving car meets) the S550 and later want slight throttle application, I believe he states 15-20%, if you lift off the throttle completely the Mustangs snap oversteer a bit like a mid or rear engine car are known for. They aren't as savage about it but they still have a tendency for it. If you aren't at least a somewhat skilled driver or at very least know about this the chance of spinning out and potentially crashing is high, as without knowing better all instincts simply scream "lift off immediately" when things feel out of control but the Mustang will bite you for that. Unusual trait for the big front engine car it is.

[@josephoberlander]

My 80s Buicks would do the same thing with only 125HP. Almost the same weight and geometry. The issue is that unless the rear tires are very grippy/weighed down (note that this DOES happen more with all-seasons and oem tires), the rear end simply wants to do the old solid axle "hop" when it gets unsettled. In an old F150, that's not a big deal. With 400HP... well, that moment of sideways movement tends to surprise younger drivers. The technical term for this is lift-off oversteer. Car is unsettled, and you let go of the throttle and... you're off the road. Simple physics in any RWD car.

[@Ottobon]

@@josephoberlander If I want to get more technical usually what it is is combination of front and rear roll center, like what angles of camber the tire see as they're compressing and decompressing but even if solid axle then where the point of pressures effectively end up on the tire. anytime it's really high in the rear like what you'd see on an old Volkswagen Beetle or first gen Corvair on swing axles where it almost always will be, but solid axle multi link double wishbone if it's high enough especially relative to the front it's just going to want to keep rotating unless you keep throttle on it. Meanwhile you got those drift Sylvia and '80s Corollas with like flat or nearly zero roll centers driving around more controllably if they're sideways, but who the hell wants to hear about roll centers 🤣 Mustang case I figure it's high but not high enough that it's like usually going to be a problem, but if you get cocky it can be. Could be something else with the geometry too but usually these days they aren't doing weird stuff that would otherwise cause the snappy tendencies

[@josephoberlander]

@@Ottobon It's really as problem of weight ratios. Big engine up front and not enough in the rear. My old 80s Buick did the same thing - as did almost all of that era's midside and large sedans/coupes. Hit the throttle a little wrong and that old Buick Riveria or similar and it would slide right out on you and was a bear to catch. The issue is that was default mode all the time, no help from computers, so you learned to do exactly that as part of learning to drive RWD cars. Fast forward to today and the second you turn off the safety/driving aids, it's 70s/80s RWD brick getting sideways all over again and they panic. Keep that traction control and stability control on unless you are used to driving without it on, as especially in a Mustang, it's a harsh transition with zero room for error.

[@DefinitelyNotYouThankGod]

Ive never owned a Mustang! But I’ll definitely let you know how squirrelly they are when i get my Dark Horse! Great info again Mr Sir X🤘

[@karag6556]

It's purely just numbers, Mustang 2015 and 2016 etc other years are the best selling sports car world wide. It's simply because the car is so obtainable and so plentiful and has so much power that it's just obvious you will see more accidents overall total.

[@wd6919]

inexperience high horsepower and turning off traction control

[@johnh.9127]

Right on the money, also too lite for the power

[@68gt500man]

My opinion is that most if not all of the videos we see of Mustangs crashing at meets and into crowds has to do with the driver shutting off both traction control and stability control. Traction control allows the smoking tires, but once you also shut of stability control the rear end is going to come out and it becomes driver skill to keep control which very few have. I grew up in a time when cars didn't have nanny controls so learned early on to drive differently than today's drivers.

[@SovereignKnight74]

I think you're onto something with the wheelbase. Great video bud!

[@cecilotto504]

Stock tires are the problem, there to small for a 400 plus hp 245s are to small for any sports car

[@DJGRoc]

The length of the Chally is what really "helps" with the stability I feel. Although I have to say the the 245 tires didn't provide much faith in it. Having since gone to wider wheels/tires on mine, I definitely have more confidence in it's handling & stability. Even when it does break loose & gets sideways, it is much easier to get under control than when I had the 245's. Those things had me fishtailing all over the place. SMH

[@electro740]

I'm surprised they even come that small my v6 camaro rs came with 275s on the rear which is much more ideal

[@DJGRoc]

@@electro740 I know. Crazy right?

[@martindimitrov2645]

@@DJGRoc my new edge comes with 245 back in 01 lol. The gt came out with the coyote and gained a bunch of weight mainly over the front half plus the 335s and 400+ hp and a somehow worse traction control system, why I always remove the abs and traction control never had a problem.

[@markshepherd8413]

Buddy of mine had a 71nova it was squirley. Crashed twice and sold it. It had a short wheel base fox bodys yeah, too short... but the straight axle that's a bad idea unless you like swingin your ass around

[@awj974]

I've owned a 2017 Charger AWD and a 2019 Bullitt, and currently own a 2019 Challenger R/T. The Bullitt was very unstable but still fun to drive. I've also had a 2014 Aston Martin Vantage V8, which also felt fairly unstable. The way the car communcates with you makes all the difference. The Mustang and Vantage did what it liked to do without giving notice, that is, to fishtail out under various circumstances. The Challenger and Charger always let you know what it's about to do, even in the snow. That's why the latter were so much better to drive. I've also had a 2011 Subaru STi and with it's awd system, it was actually very hard to crash it. On icy roads it would actually prefer to slide side ways instead of fishtailing. So to me it's all about wheelbase and drivetrain.

[@warrenpuckett4203]

I driven both the GT and the Bullitt. The auto trans GT is worse. Oh and really hated the '88 Saleen. Yes the short wheelbase is the biggest problem. Also the computer programing. The Bullitt at least eliminated the auto trans programming. Also ABS is also a unknown factor. Also not a good idea for the race track. Auto transmission, ECU, ABS and traction control will introduce variables you can not anticipate.

[@awj974]

@@warrenpuckett4203 Yes the manual gives you the best control. The only option with the automatic is to take your foot off the gas and when you press on it again, it's less clear what gear you'll be in. I also had an Audi with a 7-speed auto and when you let up on the gas, it would get stuck in 3rd or 4th gear and the car would rock back and forth, and paddles were useless under that situation. I had to slow the car down to get the transmission to unlock itself. Worse case. The 8-speed auto in the Charger was flawless but didn't understand the unlocking of the center diff under hard throttling until the service guy explained it to me.

[@arthurdaniels204]

I had a 67' Stang back in early70's. They tended to get sideways easily due to the back end tryin to pass the frontend. Mostly due to it being light in the rear. I found putting couple bags of kitty litter each side of wheel wells improved it alot😊

[@dychejs]

Appreciate the scientific perspective RacerX.

[@Cutest1TheGame]

I own a Mustang GT Premium 2008, which I bought new and drove from Portland, Oregon to Florida and then back to Texas, and shipped it to Hamburg, Germany, where I live now. I do not drive my Mustang very often (Current Mileage: 13845). At least twice, my Mustang fishtailed, scaring me to death, which is why I barely drive it. The last time it fishtailed, I remember the weather was misty and the roads were wet. Each time, I had been at a full stop at an intersection. I accelerated while turning and the fishtail happened in the turn. Luckily, there were no crashes in these fishtails. The Mustang tires seemed to regain friction with the road, and I was able to regain control. The first time it happened, I assumed my Mustang had slipped on a wet leaf. For me, it seems the fishtailing is connected to turning or switching lanes. Even though I do have decades of driving experience in both the USA and Europe, I accept part of this may be my own inexperience with sports cars. It's interesting to hear about the live rear axle (@8:01), because it gives me something to research in my attempt to figure out how to drive my beautiful Mustang safely. I have to drive her tomorrow for the first time in two years, so I'm trying to prep myself. EDIT: I forgot to add: My Mustang has a manual transmission.

[@CoyoteAUS]

Since putting the Whipple on my 10R80 GT I have to respect the power. I always roll into the throttle never smash 2,3 or 4th gears because it will step out on you. However, I have made it a lot more predictable and safer with suspension mods and a new diff and of course tyres!

[@robg2181]

It's not that complicated...they turn off the traction control to burn out but the computer senses a catastrophic incident and over rides and re engages traction control which over corrects sending them sideways every time....

[@Jeff-h4j]

Thanks robg. That took you maybe 45 seconds to type. But these kids and idiots wouldn't understand, and if they did 90% of them just can't drive. ✌️

[@samadagoat7769]

Part of the problem with the mustang tho is the high hp and low tq.. when folks do burnouts the wheels spin faster and faster as the tq comes in with high rpm’s so when it gets sideways it’s go be hard to correct cuz it’s not spinning off tq but hp it’s hard to explain

[@SimplyTiffany2009]

its because you need to turn off crowd control mode. idk why they come with that built in...

[@DeathShotCO7]

If it’s an eco boost keep in mind the turbos spool up unexpectedly, I’m guessing once the turbos kick in it gets less controllable to drive, this comes from my experience of racing cars that are natural aspirated and forced induction, where as a supercharger gives you the boost as soon as you put your foot down which makes it more controllable and predictable when drifting

[@josephoberlander]

The Eco-boost is a Jekyll and Hyde car to drive with manual and is NOT recommended. The V6 is far more predictable and less likely to get you into trouble when goofing around. IMO, the V8 really is too much car for a younger driver as it will bite you very quickly if you don't respect it.

[@Brian_nairb]

@@josephoberlanderbut what if I don’t put the eco boost in manual & keep it in auto? Is it then easier to control?

[@PURENT]

Most of modern turbo cars have a very predictable spool up since they use small twin-scroll turbos with recirculating valves and computer controlled wastegates to create a very smooth power curve. So they aren't really like the old cars with turbo lag that results in a massive kick when everything spools up.

[@mikev4755]

I have a 2015 V6 automatic. There are times when the engine does not disengage after the accelerator is released. It happens when driving aggressively. I have had it happen about a half dozen times where the drive train is out of control. The dealer said it was working as designed. It's something you have to watch out for. I suspect it is in the programming of the transmission. You also have to be extra careful on wet roads.

[@erikracz4162]

Just an observation, the back end seems a lot lighter than the other card your comparing it to.

[@WaybackRewind]

As a person older than the average demographic and driven many fast rear wheel drive cars I thought it was a myth or just bad drivers. Until my 2020 Ecoboost, 6 speed leaving a red right just a tiny bit agressive and before I could react it's bouncing off the curb. It has the IRS obviously so there is still something there that makes them a little loose.

[@reshelby4178]

It’s the solid rear axle mustangs that are notorious for crashing. It’s not so much the newer independent suspension mustangs.

[@HartlessAce]

I don’t blame the car, I blame the bad drivers 🤔💯💯💯!!

[@garybossard6008]

We need to have look at the rear suspension geometry. Power on vs off toe change can cause issues. Combine with tongue roll and the rear end will definitely steer the vehicle. The other thing I notice even quick power off (emergency) coupled with brakes seems to make the yaw worse. Also the hardness and damping properties of bushings come into play. A review the 3 muscle car brands suspension geometry is needed. One final note I note that the ride quality for the mustangs has been praised. Maybe a longer wheel base on mustang is needed. The ford could follow mopars lead and give us a choice!

[@3644Darrell]

Just put a Torsen differential in it and get rid of the Trac-Loc. Problem mostly solved.

[@steveconnolly7129]

Traction control wasnt around 30 yrs ago,its the brain eyes hand and foot control,a master can move a car from stop to 50 mph just as easily to stop,when on ice,not black ice but 4 in solid polished ice with no brakes,a parking brake that doesnt work,it was a riot too

[@Maur460]

Average age of mustang owners are 55 but their kid is 18😅 People overestimate their skill or lack there of and turn off TC. 😅 Haven’t crashed my 21’ GT but I did go to an open lot to practice and feel how much TC helped and man it does so much to keep you safe these cars will whip their tails 😅 , I’ve only ever driven FWD & AWD and learned the difference hands on quickly.

[@demetriawright1528]

That’s what I plan to do when I get mine. I want to get out in a big open lot with plenty of space and learn the car.

[@mroversteer3739]

That’s what im about to do soon tbh

[@PURENT]

Sign up for autocross events, they're cheap, and will teach car control.

[@dennisnbrown]

Lifelong racer. Driven many mustangs in my life on street and track including fox body bondurant school cars. I agree Mustangs are a bit squirrely compared to their counterparts. But time and experience help alot. They are great cars. Just like the others. Now is the time to snatch up some modern muscle.

[@felixserrano2511]

I think in my opinion no muscle car is good for the driver that has a heavy foot, if you notice in the majority of those crashing videos the drivers attempting to drift by putting so much torque at the turn and instead they ended up loosing the control of their cars after making a turn out of the parking lots. It’s so sad to see so many nice car destroyed and also seeing so many people get hurt.

[@ripvanwinkle2002]

answer: the People who buy them + bad suspension geomtery

[@theguy4615]

Its the mustang. In the last year I've owned a newer corvette, camaro, challenger, and mustang. I drove them all fast at times, all were sure footed and predictable except for the mustang. That thing would get squirrelly and unpredictable under hard acceleration and around corners. I don't know why, but I can understand why younger people crash them. I had fast muscle cars back in the 80's and know how to drive. It must be something about the back end or suspension on the mustang.

[@3644Darrell]

It's the Trac-Loc differential; it's not predictable. Changing it to a Torsen diff. makes a world of difference

[@Derekzparty]

My first car was a 2004 v6 mustang ... about 190 horsepower. Got the car new for graduating from high school! The car could not keep straight when it was raining! My Dad assured me the tires were good. Kissed the bridge a few times when the rear end lost traction doing mostly cosmetic damage. I ended up getting t-boned a few years later ... totaling the car.