I received my new issue of Car and Driver and they compare the GT500 to a C6. Interesting article - I'm surprised the GT500 didn't fare better given the amount of items changed/modifed from a GT. One item mentioned is a Launch Control - basically leave TC on and launch at ~3200 RPM's. They said it worked great, but were able to get better times with it off. Is this new? I've not heard of this feature being part of a regular GT - even looked through the Owner's Manual to make sure I didn't miss something. Any ideas?
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2006 GT Convertible - Black & Tan, 5spd, Shaker 500 replaced by Panasonic CQ-VD6503, IUP, Leather, springs, Tokico Spec D's.
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I don't know about launch control in the GT500, but it does have a shift light: "SHELBY" flashes on the dash at any rpm you set, according to HRM.
I went shopping for a C6 two weeks ago, but just didn't love it, so passed. Cramped interior, kind of blah exterior, funny looking sloped back window, and every car on the lot had the luxury upgrade package that took MSRP up to $51K; no thanks. If I can get a GT500 at list, I'll do it, but that's a big *if* i think.
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================================= '05 Sonic Blue Mustang GT 5 spd Manual Go Mods: C&L CAI/SCT X2 w/kauffman motorsports custom tune Show Mods: tint/stripes/Steeda Ultralights/MAC axle backs 286rwhp/302rwtq =================================
Actually it wasn't a Z06 - it was a normal C6 with the Z51 option (plus a few other non-performance options). The Mustang was rated lower for heavy curb weight, bad understeer due to all of the weight in the nose and "boy-racer stripes". The GT500 is 175lbs heavier up front than a GT and 321lbs more total than a GT - and 616lbs heavier than a C6. They said the last SVT only cost $35k and was just as quick. I think I agree with a lot of what they say since a lot of folks on this forum are exceeding the GT500 performance numbers for a lot less money. It does have a programmable shift lift with an audible chirp as well. I guess it doesn't get you the Shelby name, but I'm not sure I care....
The GT500 really disapointed me. I definatly am not sitting here wanting one. A GT with a supercharger can be right with or faster than a gt-500. And I have seen NA guys here run 12.8.
While I would rather have my GT than a corvette C6. (I test drove both, the corvette was faster and sharper but didnt push the right buttons for me). I would rather have a standard C6 over a gt500 every time out of 10. To me, for the money the GT is spot on perfect. The GT500 misses the mark in terms of performance and weight.
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I like the C6, if i could afford it, I would be all over it, BUT seeing as a C6 with the Z51 package would be around $46K (think it said that in the C&D). The GT500, while awesome (love the "boy racer" stripes), it would seem more in line with a mid 30's car like the last Cobra, maybe a litte more. but seeing as base is around 41K (???), and the fact that picking one up for around that would be impossible, i dont see how if you want something for performance, the C6 has the bang for the buck...
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-2006 Performance white, GT, Manual, IUP, Red Leather... -Pype's Violators, BMR Strut Brace, -MGW stuff on the inside
I recently read the same article and came away with the feeling that the GT500 wasn't running to its full potential. Based on lbs/hp, the GT 500 had less and still ran the quarter slower than the Vette. Also in the same issue there is a BMW with 500 hp and less torque than the GT 500 and their weights are almost identical. The BMW runs the quarter in the low 12's.
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2006 GT, Vista Blue, manual ,IUP, 18" polished wheels, midmuffler exhaust with Dynomax Race Bullet Mufflers, center fog light grill,MGW shifter, GMS CAI,Steeda - LCAs,Panhard Rod,Sport Springs
If you take a GT up to 475 RWHP with a super charger and put on a decent suspension and brakes you will be faster and handle better than the GT500 that engine and six speed add alot of weight... Now with that said, that 5.4 liter iron block with forged internals can probably take a bit more horespower than ours... I bet that engine can take 750HP all day long...
If you wait 6-9 months you will be able to get one at MSRP, next year you will be able to negotiate... They are making 9,000 each year just for the US, that is not a limited number...
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ORIGINAL: tdappleman
Actually it wasn't a Z06 - it was a normal C6 with the Z51 option (plus a few other non-performance options). The Mustang was rated lower for heavy curb weight, bad understeer due to all of the weight in the nose and "boy-racer stripes". The GT500 is 175lbs heavier up front than a GT and 321lbs more total than a GT - and 616lbs heavier than a C6. They said the last SVT only cost $35k and was just as quick. I think I agree with a lot of what they say since a lot of folks on this forum are exceeding the GT500 performance numbers for a lot less money. It does have a programmable shift lift with an audible chirp as well. I guess it doesn't get you the Shelby name, but I'm not sure I care....
I have to agree, the GT500 was a big disappointment for me. I don't care for the styling (the "big-mouth bass" nose job is over done), and with an MSRP in the low $40K range (forget about what they're fetching right now), it's overpriced. I'd go for the C6 Corvette if I had that kind of money and was shopping for a $40K-$50K car.
As for performance, I'm not impressed either, and I don't see all the "changes/upgrades" to the GT. Aside from an ugly (my opinion) interior which loses the aluminum dash, you basically get the engine, trans, and brakes. The suspension was merely "tweaked" not seriously altered as in the previous gen Cobra, and the engine output can be easily matched w/a blower on our engines--and you don't tack on as much extra weight up front. Honestly, the 6-speed tranny is the sexiest thing about the car for me. Otherwise, put less money into your GT (than the difference you'd pay for the Cobra), and beat the snot out of every new Shelby-Cobra you come across.
As far as "greater potential" in the Cobra's block, sure you get that, but it will take more money to access it. So now we're upping the total cost of an already overpriced car. I'm just not willing to pay an extra $20 for the "Levis" name or the "Shelby" badge or any other label. But if that sort of thing matters to you, go for it--you'll get more name recognition with the Shelby than with the C6.
Best, -j
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2006 Mustang GT Premium -Tungsten, IUP w/upgrades, CDC Ducktail, Chin Spoiler, & Deck Lid Panel, Chaser Taillights, Modified lower fascia, SHR Flush Louvers & Fuel Door, JLT II CAI w/Evo-Performance tune, CHE K-brace w/limiters, Roush Strut Brace
Actually it wasn't a Z06 - it was a normal C6 with the Z51 option (plus a few other non-performance options). The Mustang was rated lower for heavy curb weight, bad understeer due to all of the weight in the nose and "boy-racer stripes". The GT500 is 175lbs heavier up front than a GT and 321lbs more total than a GT - and 616lbs heavier than a C6. They said the last SVT only cost $35k and was just as quick. I think I agree with a lot of what they say since a lot of folks on this forum are exceeding the GT500 performance numbers for a lot less money. It does have a programmable shift lift with an audible chirp as well. I guess it doesn't get you the Shelby name, but I'm not sure I care....
Actually, these are not shabby numbers at all! The C6 wins in 0-60 and 0-100, but the heavier GT500 wins the other three performance metrics handily. Hell, as noted, there are hopped up GT's out there you guys own that can beat or match these numbers easily, for less money than either one.
< Message edited by Virgule -- 6/1/2006 5:31:43 PM >
I agree with Philostang that grill looks like a pumped up bass. The corvette they are comparing to has 400 horsepower? Well I guess the Ford didn't measure up. But who is to say that Car and Driver isn't kissing up to the Chevy? Besides it's a Chevy. I wouldn't drive a chevy regardless.
< Message edited by Daniel60 -- 6/1/2006 6:07:26 PM >
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I agree on the looks as well. The interior looks plain jane compared to my GT. Front is just OK but looking at pictures of both side by side the GT wins over the gt500 hands down. They took an already large appearing car and make the front taller and even larger appearing.
On another note, my copy of road and track just arrived today. They werent blown away either with their testing.
I mean come on, while I am sure the GT500 left some performance on the table, a lightly modified GT with a tune and intake can turn those numbers or darn close to it.
And the slalom and skidpad numbers are worse than some magazines got with a normal GT with 17" wheels and the stock pirellis. Judging by this, I would say the GT given the same rolling stock is the better handling car of the two.
The 6 speed is sweet, but if it adds a ton of weight, any minor performance gains get cancelled out and we end up back at square one.
I'm not a Shelby GT500 fan either. A regular GT has an all aluminum block that takes to supercharging quite easily. Why go with an heavy iron block on a Shelby when you've already got a superior aluminum block in your GT?
Well, I'll be a dissenting voice here. Keep in mind the high-12's numbers on the Shelby are on a bone stock car. An intake and tune will likely get it down into the low 12's. Drag radials and it will probably be in the 11's. The car is going to be a serious performer in the right hands, don't sell it short before it's even hit the showrooms.
I suppose comparisons to the Vette are inevitable, but they are really two different cars. The Vette has more of a sports car slant while the Shelby is all muscle car. True to it's heritage, it is heavy and probably doesn't handle that great. But was the Boss 429 anyone's favorite autocrosser? Or any of the 428 Shelby and Mustang offerings? I think not! Yet those machines are LEGENDS. The Shelby is a bad-boy go-fast muscle machine, don't hate it because it doesn't handle like a Vette or have the price of a Civic Ask yourself which car you'd be more likely to check out on the freeway or in a parking lot, a Vette or a Shelby? There are so many Vettes out there they don't garner much more attention than a phone pole. But the Shelby, THAT is a car people are going to notice. They'll be telling their wives, coworkers & friends about seeing it hours or even days later!
If I started with the Shelby I would be adding what ever they come out with over the next years to be faster than a stock one, just like my GT is already able to beat the one I bought. Your getting a higher platform. Our Mustangs to me are a lot better looking than a Vette.
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06 Vista blue Vert all options Whipple HO 8psi MAC axle backs Helwig rear sway bar Steeda LCA & Panard bar & Brace
I would have thought with something that carries the name Shelby that they would have went with an aluminum block to reduce weight. They sould have put the Ford GT motor in there. I am thinking of getting a GT Coupe and I could just make my own shelby with the after market body parts available. Like the hood that has a scoop similar to the 67 shelby hood and the upper and lower side scoops.
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GT500 compared to Corvette C6 - 
Yet those machines are LEGENDS. The Shelby is a bad-boy go-fast muscle machine, don't hate it because it doesn't handle like a Vette or have the price of a Civic 
Ask yourself which car you'd be more likely to check out on the freeway or in a parking lot, a Vette or a Shelby? There are so many Vettes out there they don't garner much more attention than a phone pole. But the Shelby, THAT is a car people are going to notice. They'll be telling their wives, coworkers & friends about seeing it hours or even days later!
