Handling
There's no single test that can objectively measure the subjective, dynamic quality called handling. The two standard tests are the skidpad, which shows the car's ultimate grip in a steady turn (largely a tire test), and the slalom, which illustrates how well the car can transition from turn to turn. Because the slalom is conducted by accelerating through a series of cones, secondary issues come into play. They are how controllable the horsepower is, and just how much thrust is on tap, as it takes power to push tires around the cones and accelerate out of the final gate to the finish line.
With our trio the skidpad was close because the Mach and the Bullitt were both on the same tire--and in any case, all three Mustangs employ the same size tire, share the same wheelbase, relative weight, weight balance front-to-rear, and other basic chassis characteristics. Thus, we have the basically identical 0.84 g scorings for the Goodyear-shod Mach and Bullitt, and the slightly behind 0.83 g measurement for the Goodrich-equipped Cobra.
In the slalom it was a completely different story. Here the Cobra shone, due largely to its modifications. Chris' critique says it all. "Besides the '02 Saleen S281-E I tested in October 2001 at 68.9 mph, this is the quickest Mustang through the cones at 67.1 mph. It can't be just tires. Did somebody change bushings, steering gear? The car was glued to the pavement and didn't push at all. Nice!"
Well, yes, it's those lowering springs again. That slight change in the center of gravity, and more importantly, stiffening of the spring rate, really showed up in the slalom. This is typical of the more softly sprung SN-95 Mustangs that really pick up left-right-left prowess with an increase in spring rate. Chris was also impressed with the Bullitt and its 66-mph posting. "Of the three we tested, the Bullitt 'felt' the best...was the most confidence-inspiring. The front wasn't heavy, the rear wasn't heavy, the whole car felt poised and balanced. Also, is it lower or does it have a lower center of mass? It feels like it. It'd drift all four corners like a BMW. Saaaweet!"
Obviously we weren't telling Chris anything about these cars... and what he was feeling was the Bullitt's lower front center of gravity thanks to its iron block and lighter Two-Valve cylinder heads.
A definite notch in arrears was the Mach 1 at 63.5 mph. This was no surprise to us given the Mach's soft street ride and general plushness. Still, it wasn't falling all over itself like a Town Car. "Typical for a Mustang, it runs out of tire before it runs out of poise," said Chris. "It had a far crisper turn-in than the Cobra, but not as good as the Bullitt."