2007 GT500 or '11 GT
Cobra Member
Joined: September 25, 2004
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 0
Not around the Nurburing. 
As always, the choice depends on what you want to do with the car.
Personally, I would rather do the '11, but ludicrous hp numbers aren't my thing. The '10/'11 is a noticeably nicer car through and through and you can always add power later. Though, the GT500 has a mystique all its own, and is a different experience than driving a "regular" GT (modified or not).
But, here is a good quote from the C&D Lightning Lap article:
"Well, you don’t have to be a Ford SVT engineer to know that adding almost 400 pounds—most of it over the front axle—in the transformation from Mustang GT to GT500 is not a step in the right direction. Indeed, driven back to back, the significantly less powerful and less expensive Mustang feels like a better car in every way—directional changes are more lithe and lively, turn-in is sharper, understeer is far less pronounced, and the brakes hold up longer."
It would be interesting to see the regular GT with the extra 100hp do the lap against the GT500 -- on equal tires. I suspect it will be closer than Ford would be comfortable with. But, we will have to wait for that.....
As always, the choice depends on what you want to do with the car.
Personally, I would rather do the '11, but ludicrous hp numbers aren't my thing. The '10/'11 is a noticeably nicer car through and through and you can always add power later. Though, the GT500 has a mystique all its own, and is a different experience than driving a "regular" GT (modified or not).
But, here is a good quote from the C&D Lightning Lap article:
"Well, you don’t have to be a Ford SVT engineer to know that adding almost 400 pounds—most of it over the front axle—in the transformation from Mustang GT to GT500 is not a step in the right direction. Indeed, driven back to back, the significantly less powerful and less expensive Mustang feels like a better car in every way—directional changes are more lithe and lively, turn-in is sharper, understeer is far less pronounced, and the brakes hold up longer."
It would be interesting to see the regular GT with the extra 100hp do the lap against the GT500 -- on equal tires. I suspect it will be closer than Ford would be comfortable with. But, we will have to wait for that.....
Last edited by Rampant; Jan 4, 2010 at 10:23 PM.
Team Mustang Source
Joined: December 23, 2004
Posts: 641
Likes: 0
From: Pacific Northwest
Buy the boss when it comes out. Hey maybe it will have a proper suspension under it. 
Oh, and what's a spiderhole? I always wanted to use that smiley. To the op, the new car ('11 GT) is superior in every way except brute acceleration. Well, and maybe trunk space.
Oh, and what's a spiderhole? I always wanted to use that smiley. To the op, the new car ('11 GT) is superior in every way except brute acceleration. Well, and maybe trunk space.
Last edited by smitty; Jan 4, 2010 at 10:29 PM.
Bullitt Member
Joined: January 3, 2005
Posts: 380
Likes: 0
From: Iowa City
The lesson today, boys and girls, is to be informed.
The above experience is a good example for anyone excited for the new GT or any other car and not knowing what they are buying only to discover later on what should have been known before taking the giant step.
'Think carefully' is an advice being offered by the same individual who ignored it, bringing common sense to mind... why now and not then. As compared to buying a GT and dumping $10K on it, the GT500 was and is a bargain.
There was enough information out there back in 2007 (some positive some negative) describing the GT500 inside and out. From its exuberant power to its dragging weight. The same information will be available for the new GT. Three or for years from now I would not exclude the possibility of some who purchase the new GT now trashing it once the next generation is announced. Remember guys, every time Ford brings out a new model it is the best ever, leaving a bad taste in the mouths of those who bought what Ford offered before.
The great majority around here have not driven or even seen a 2011 GT for that matter yet it is being hailed as the best invention since the wheel and it might very well be. Those who know exactly what they are getting on the GT for $35K or there abouts will be happy, those who jump in the bandwagon eventually will not.
The above experience is a good example for anyone excited for the new GT or any other car and not knowing what they are buying only to discover later on what should have been known before taking the giant step.
'Think carefully' is an advice being offered by the same individual who ignored it, bringing common sense to mind... why now and not then. As compared to buying a GT and dumping $10K on it, the GT500 was and is a bargain.
There was enough information out there back in 2007 (some positive some negative) describing the GT500 inside and out. From its exuberant power to its dragging weight. The same information will be available for the new GT. Three or for years from now I would not exclude the possibility of some who purchase the new GT now trashing it once the next generation is announced. Remember guys, every time Ford brings out a new model it is the best ever, leaving a bad taste in the mouths of those who bought what Ford offered before.
The great majority around here have not driven or even seen a 2011 GT for that matter yet it is being hailed as the best invention since the wheel and it might very well be. Those who know exactly what they are getting on the GT for $35K or there abouts will be happy, those who jump in the bandwagon eventually will not.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: May 16, 2004
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 18
From: Bristol, TN
The caveat being the '11 GT500 will be losing around 100 pounds (or more) off the nose and possibly seeing another hike in power.
Cobra Member
Joined: September 25, 2004
Posts: 1,470
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Everyone can go round and round on this. Both cars have the pluses and minuses. There is no simple answer--it is purely up to the purchaser and what they are looking for in their car.
Cobra Member
Joined: September 25, 2004
Posts: 1,470
Likes: 0
Not '11 GT500 vs. '11 GT.
But, I agree with you, an AL block GT500 would be an amazing car. The question would be if Ford ups the tire size to help put the power down better. If not, the GT will still probably get close, maybe even win on small tracks (but can't hang on longer tracks).
Truth be told though, track times should never be a reason to buy a street car anyway....
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: May 16, 2004
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 18
From: Bristol, TN
Tru'dat, from what I understand the GT500 will be fitted with 295's in the rear with an O.D of 27". It really wont do squat for forward bite (in order to increase contact patch the tire would need to be both wider and larger in diameter), but should help in the turns a bit since the dynamic footprint should be a little better.
Shelby GT500 Member
Joined: September 2, 2004
Posts: 2,594
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From: Chicago
But, here is a good quote from the C&D Lightning Lap article:
"Well, you don’t have to be a Ford SVT engineer to know that adding almost 400 pounds—most of it over the front axle—in the transformation from Mustang GT to GT500 is not a step in the right direction. Indeed, driven back to back, the significantly less powerful and less expensive Mustang feels like a better car in every way—directional changes are more lithe and lively, turn-in is sharper, understeer is far less pronounced, and the brakes hold up longer."
It would be interesting to see the regular GT with the extra 100hp do the lap against the GT500 -- on equal tires. I suspect it will be closer than Ford would be comfortable with. But, we will have to wait for that.....
Shelby GT500 Member
Joined: September 2, 2004
Posts: 2,594
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Tru'dat, from what I understand the GT500 will be fitted with 295's in the rear with an O.D of 27". It really wont do squat for forward bite (in order to increase contact patch the tire would need to be both wider and larger in diameter), but should help in the turns a bit since the dynamic footprint should be a little better.
1. Better tire compound. The F1's are old and really dated. Ford should put some REAL tires on the Shelby. Michelin PS2's seem to be a huge on the Corvette.
2. Wider front tires. The S197's can handle 275's up front. A wider front tire will help dial out understeer, but make the car a bit more jumpy (tramline).
3. Weight Distribution. The GT500 is front heavy and Ford will fix that with the aluminum block. Why not move the battery to the back in the GT500 to further balance out the F/R weight bias? The Germans do it.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: May 16, 2004
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 18
From: Bristol, TN
Yeah, Goodyear F1's 
i'm having a helluva time in cold weather with the things. I wish Michelin had PS2's in 255/45R18 and 285/40R18, unfortunately they dont and I'll have to move to a 19" wheel to get them.
i'm having a helluva time in cold weather with the things. I wish Michelin had PS2's in 255/45R18 and 285/40R18, unfortunately they dont and I'll have to move to a 19" wheel to get them.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: May 16, 2008
Posts: 571
Likes: 0
From: Vancouver
Like many have said, it is going to come down to what is important to you in a car, but if it was up to me I would take the 07 GT500 over the new GT, but it wouldn't be an easy decision I'm sure once I drove the 5.0.
Firstly, I think the GT500 is the better looking. It stands out, and people know you're driving something special whether they know the car or not. I love the 2010 styling, but the 07-09 GT500 front end is dead sexy.
Second, the GT500 will depreciate far less since it has already done so being an older model, and because it is limited production. Therefore it's a better choice financially.
Lastly, it (probably) has far more performance potential than the GT. Obviously, we have no idea what the 5.0 will be like to mod, but we already know the GT500 is capable of huge power. No waiting around to figure it out. If weight is really an issue, there are ways to trim some of that back in the GT500. A set of seats alone is worth 60-70 pounds.
That's my vote!
Firstly, I think the GT500 is the better looking. It stands out, and people know you're driving something special whether they know the car or not. I love the 2010 styling, but the 07-09 GT500 front end is dead sexy.
Second, the GT500 will depreciate far less since it has already done so being an older model, and because it is limited production. Therefore it's a better choice financially.
Lastly, it (probably) has far more performance potential than the GT. Obviously, we have no idea what the 5.0 will be like to mod, but we already know the GT500 is capable of huge power. No waiting around to figure it out. If weight is really an issue, there are ways to trim some of that back in the GT500. A set of seats alone is worth 60-70 pounds.
That's my vote!
Shelby GT500 Member
Joined: July 1, 2006
Posts: 2,911
Likes: 1
Yes, George, "Think Carefully". I thought I was doing just that when I bought the 500 - because I bought into the "limited edition" canard and because I have a '67 Shelby (67-07 ah, the symmetry).
So listen to the man who didn't "Think Carefully". Listen to the man that owns one.
If you buy the '07 500 because you are in the thrall of the "Shelby" mystique YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED. Ford has spent lots of money to overcome the problems that are part and parcel of the 07-09 GT 500's. This next generation of 'stang is superior in every way - and every car guy knows it. You could buy the car and send it to Shelby or Tasca to be "Supersnaked" and then you would indisputably have something special - but that's 30 grand on top of your 35.
If you buy the 500 because you are a car guy and enjoy sports cars YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED. The suspension is ludicrous, jumping and chattering and coming unglued at the most inopportune moments. There are lots of fixes out there, but be prepared to spend at least a few thousand more. The acceleration is great, but of minimal use in a daily driver. If you use the car as normal transportation, get used to being passed by every hoopdy and minivan whose drivers don't give a **** about how many speeding tickets they get.
If you buy the 500 because you want to bask in the awe and respect of your peers and strangers alike YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED. Not much in the way of bragging rights for a car that's four years old, has been supplanted by an improved design and will soon be seen in high school parking lots across the country, since it's so "affordable" and continues to depreciate. It's an older used car, plain and simple.
Bottom line, in my opinion the 2007 GT500 is not as good a car as the 2011 looks to be, and I'm talking about interior, suspension, balance, creature comforts, available options and drivetrain. Sure, when the 2014 Mustang comes out, the 2011 will probably look weak by comparison, but that's the way the game is played.
Think. Carefully.
So listen to the man who didn't "Think Carefully". Listen to the man that owns one.
If you buy the '07 500 because you are in the thrall of the "Shelby" mystique YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED. Ford has spent lots of money to overcome the problems that are part and parcel of the 07-09 GT 500's. This next generation of 'stang is superior in every way - and every car guy knows it. You could buy the car and send it to Shelby or Tasca to be "Supersnaked" and then you would indisputably have something special - but that's 30 grand on top of your 35.
If you buy the 500 because you are a car guy and enjoy sports cars YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED. The suspension is ludicrous, jumping and chattering and coming unglued at the most inopportune moments. There are lots of fixes out there, but be prepared to spend at least a few thousand more. The acceleration is great, but of minimal use in a daily driver. If you use the car as normal transportation, get used to being passed by every hoopdy and minivan whose drivers don't give a **** about how many speeding tickets they get.
If you buy the 500 because you want to bask in the awe and respect of your peers and strangers alike YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED. Not much in the way of bragging rights for a car that's four years old, has been supplanted by an improved design and will soon be seen in high school parking lots across the country, since it's so "affordable" and continues to depreciate. It's an older used car, plain and simple.
Bottom line, in my opinion the 2007 GT500 is not as good a car as the 2011 looks to be, and I'm talking about interior, suspension, balance, creature comforts, available options and drivetrain. Sure, when the 2014 Mustang comes out, the 2011 will probably look weak by comparison, but that's the way the game is played.
Think. Carefully.
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