Hey all, I could use some opinions on something I've been wracking my brain with.

Short version: Would you get a low-milage (11K miles) Bullitt, or a Brand New 2012 5.0 (your color choice)?

Long Version:
I test drove a 2011 5.0 a couple weeks back and was absolutely floored by it. Don't have enough good things to say. But getting one means I have to give up my current GT. Something I'm not sure I want to do.

On the flip side of that, I've kinda wanted a "special edition" mustang for a while. No real reason other than just bragging rights. And, if I go with this, I can keep my current GT. I haven't test driven the bullitt yet, and so I may be asking this prematurely, but I have a pretty good idea on what it'll feel like to drive it.

And before it's suggested, I've considered getting a used 2011 5.0. I may still, but if I get a 5.0, I'd like it to be brand new.

So I'd just like to see what you'd do. Thanks!

 

Id say (in my totally biased beyond all get-out opinion) get the bullitt.

I still predict long term the 05-09 will be the next 'classic' Mustang- and while thoroughly impressed with the new 5.0- it is still a new motor. Only time will tell if its as durable as the 4.6 ended up being...you know what folks always said about avoiding a first model year, although it sure appears Ford has done their homework
I think my biggest worries on the new ones would be the tranny- have read a few things about issues on the manuals, hopefully if there were any issues they are probably ironed out by now.

Looks-wise, IMO the Bullitt's got one of the best looking packages of all time- if I wasnt so cheep, its what I woulda wanted- with the somewhat rarity, they should be something kinda special down the road too, compared to a GT. The Bullitt looks simply awesome from every angle to my eye- I'd still opt for the SHR louvers, they are just too right for the car IMO- to me on the other hand, I still just cant get into the 10+ backend, everyone has their favorites, kudos to those that love it, but it still just dont do much for me...the 10 interior is a nice update, I REALLY love the steering wheel- not that theres anything I dislike about the 05 interior though, its just different, and when I first saw the 05 leather wheel, it was the best looking airbag package I ever saw- just like the 10+ a bit more

lastly, if you love your current car and can have a pair- why not...I think the bullitt has probably come close to depreciating as much as it will(many will say no, but I think with new ones commanding near 40k the older wones will hold their value very well) where the new one is still going to have the initial hit on its value...
Tim

 

Well it's more a worry if the Bullitt will give me close to the experience that the 5.0 gave me. I test drove a GT500 after the 5.0 and I was shocked when I walked away disappointed (which blows cause I really wanted a GT500 too). There were apparently factors like it was barebones and had basic gearset in it (I'm not sure what it was, but I know it wasn't a 3.73). But even still, I expected to like the GT500 more than I did. It ended up feeling like my GT only with chirping tires

On the 5.0s, I'm not really worried about the engine/tranny. I figure if anything goes wrong, that's what the warranty is for.

Also, I'm one of the few (maybe only) who like the interior of the 05-09's over the '10+. Where, conversely, I've ceased being put-off by the new back end and actually almost prefer it (when it has a spoiler of course).

Visually, both these cars are stunning. Ford has their work cut out for them to make the new mustang look better than these.

Thanks for insight so far!

/I'm selecting "neither" only so I can see the poll results.

 

Having two cars means more insurance, but more availability if there is an issue with one or the other.

Then there's the whole 5.0 issue. As much as I dislike the back end, I don't have to see it when I drive. The 5.0 would be FUN.

THAT being said, there is no chance in (wherever non-good place you'd like to insert here) that I'd give up Awesome for either of them. Not one.

Since I don't have to if I could also get the Bullitt, I chose that. It's Logical.

 

Have you considered making your GT an SE? You're going to end up spending more with either option you go with, so with adding on to your current GT, you could probably do quite a bit.

 

A 2011 GT500? I'm guessing it didn't have the performance pack or whatever they are calling that package for the 2011 cars.

The standard GT500 is fitted with 3.55 gears and the PP equipped cars get 3.73 gears. I dont know if the gear set in the tranmission has been significantly altered from the 07-09 cars to the 10+ cars but I cant imagine a GT500 feeling like a GT when equipped with the 3.55 gears?

I've been borrowing my folks GT while I've been dealing with the clutch issues in my GT500 and two things are readily apparent. The lack of power and how sloppy the GT suspension was during the 05-09 model years.

The only thing I can figure with the 5.0 and the GT500 is the way the two build power. The 5.0 seems to be the more frentic of the two with its higher rev limit and M6 trans that is single overdrive compared to the GT500 and its lower revving engine with double overdrive M6 trans.

 

I have thought about taking this route. But can a 05-09 have handling close to an '11? I'm kinda a complete newbie when it comes handling on the mustangs and have just begun researching the subject.


No, this was a 2007 GT500. And you're right, it definitely had no performance pack either. According to the dealer, it had 3.31s. So the whole thing felt a little sluggish.

 

I cant imagine why not...theyre the same chassis-

springs/struts/shocks/rollbars/bushings should interchange, I think they stiffened the chassis a bit further in the 10... would expect a strut tower brace could bring the older ones up to similar stiffness (although I would have to imagine youd need to be flogging it pretty darn hard to feel any difference- if I remember right the 05 was like 1000% stiffer than the prior model).
the new ones do have electric power steering instead of hydraulic, and the monster brembo brakes are now available from the factory...everything except the steering should be available aftermarket.

 

IMO I don't see the point in buying a Bullitt and having pretty much two of the same cars unless it's a Bullitt with super low miles and you never plan on driving it.. I would definently go with the 5.0 or wait till the possible redesign model in 2014.. I thought about getting the 5.0 but would like to wait and see what they have to offer in 2014...

 

Mod your current GT and consider an 03/04 Cobra for the fun/status factor.