Was wondering what you guys think of the Mustang Shelby GT500 before I start seriously looking at getting one.. They say it has 500 HP for around $42K.. Any thoughts, opinons, or flames..


http://www.roadandtrack.com/article....rticle_id=5431

 

If you like straight line performance. I heard the Roush Racing is much better at handling than the Shelby.

 

Haven't specifically driven a new Shelby yet, but I've looked at them and did a full review on a new Mustang GT.

The Mustang, in general, is a dynamite-looking car, especially in Shelby form with the stripes, but unfortunately, IMO, is made of junk materials inside and out. Exceptions are the durable clutch and the tough-as nails live rear axle (Ford knew when they designed this car that a lot of its owners would do burnouts) and the OK durability of the 4.6L V8. The Shelby, of course, has a different engine and an independent rear end, so some of those comments may not apply here.

If you really want to rule the drag strip, in addition to the standard 500 HP version, there are factory-built 600 and 725 HP versions coming. These versions, of course, are designed to compete with the top versions of the new Corvette Z06 and Dodge Viper. The 725 HP version (known as the Super Snake) does not have a factory warranty.....you buy it at your own risk.

You asked about the price. Depending on the policies of the dealership involved, expect to see regular markups over list on Shebly Mustangs...the more the power, the higher the price. Demand is probably going to exceed supply on these cars, so you will not be able to negotiate the usual way....from the invoice or dealer cost up. You will have to negotiate from the asking price down. My advice is, if you see one that the dealer will let go for list price with no markup, and that is the car you really want or can live with, buy it...it will be a good deal if you can afford it (and only you can determine that). Good luck.

 

The car will be huge fun but for more all around performance you'd be better off with a used Z06.

 

Yes, financially, bit is probably correct, but used Corvettes are either pampered or driven very hard.....hope you get a pampered one.....and the Z06's suspension will beat you to death on anything but glass-smooth roads (I don't think the sophisticated Magna-Ride struts were an option on the Z06 like on regular 'Vettes)

I personally don't think that the Corvette has quite the dynamite looks of the Shelby Mustang either, but that's just personal taste you may or may not agree with, and that may be balanced out by the Mustang's less-than-ideal build quality.

 

Rousch Mustang >>>>>>>> GT500, at least they bothered to upgrade the suspension/brakes

 

How about a 03/04 cobra... Are those built better than hte Shelby?

 

Yes and no. I drove one on request about 5 or 6 years ago, and it did not seem like the engine was putting out its full rated HP/torque, even with the manual transmission. An investigation at Ford turned out that this was indeed the case.....a lot of Cobras (they had a hand-built engine in those days, and the technician's name was signed off on the valve cover) were built with less power than advertised.

As far as the general build quality goes, not a whole lot different than current Mustangs (I've never been impressed with Mustang build quality outside of the durable live axle), and they lack, IMO, the current Mustang's good looks.

 

Stock 400hp C6 Vette walks all over the GT500 Stang. I love the look & V8 rumble of the Stang though. Modern day Eleanor.

 

Too much money for not enough car. That and the fact that the dealer mark-up will be ridiculous. I've heard stories of +6,000-10,000 in my general area.

 

The Mustang looks bad to me. It's way overdone and not in a good
way.

 

For that price range don't rule out an NSX

Jonny

 

IMO, this car right now is the used car deal of the century ... if you do pully, exhaust and intake this will make 500 hp for 20-25 grand depending on miles.

 

If you have $45k to spend and want a car that'll perform nicely get a C6 vet...As others have said the styling may not be as nice neither the sound but that car is amazing. I haven't driven a Shelby but I have driven a C6 and man that thing scared me...It's so raw it makes sushi look like a well done steak. I've also driven a E63 which has 507HP i believe compared to 400Hp of the vette but i mean the vettes sounds feeling and engine/exhaust noise is fantatstic. Don't get me wrong e63 blew me away too but for $45k i don't think you can get anything better.

 

Dealer markup on these cars are nuts. Your lucky to find one under 60k