drove a new 5.0
#21
You're not the first to say this. Others have test driven a 5.0 and felt the same thing, it's deceptive because the engine is different from what most people expect and they find themselves looking for the power and the sound in the wrong places. I'll tell you what we told them, as it worked for them.
Firstly, the powerband starts at ~4500 RPM and goes almost all the way to redline at 6850 RPM. This is generally higher than most are accustomed to coming from other American cars. If you're looking for the power in low end torque, you're looking in the wrong place. Wind it out. The torque curve is also deceptively smooth, I can tell you that the old "butt meter" notices the acceleration much less when I accelerate from say 2000 RPM all the way to redline. The curve is gentle and that change in acceleration is distributed evenly over those few seconds. I find that if I gently accelerate to 4000-4500 RPM in 1st (or better, 2nd, IMO), go steady there for a second, then floor it, you very much so notice the power.
Finally, there are sound considerations also. The 2010+s have better soundproofing than the 05-09s, and deaden the exhaust very significantly. Engine noise is still there though due to the sound tube, but if you're listening for the exhaust, again, wrong thing to listen for. Opening the windows may help to get the exhaust sound. I know when from the interior of my car it actually sounds quieter and tamer than my old V6, but when I let it idle and stepped outside the car and just listened to it with the exhaust... Well, to me it sounds like a right proper V8, even at idle. I certainly acknowledged the sound was more powerful than that V6.
Firstly, the powerband starts at ~4500 RPM and goes almost all the way to redline at 6850 RPM. This is generally higher than most are accustomed to coming from other American cars. If you're looking for the power in low end torque, you're looking in the wrong place. Wind it out. The torque curve is also deceptively smooth, I can tell you that the old "butt meter" notices the acceleration much less when I accelerate from say 2000 RPM all the way to redline. The curve is gentle and that change in acceleration is distributed evenly over those few seconds. I find that if I gently accelerate to 4000-4500 RPM in 1st (or better, 2nd, IMO), go steady there for a second, then floor it, you very much so notice the power.
Finally, there are sound considerations also. The 2010+s have better soundproofing than the 05-09s, and deaden the exhaust very significantly. Engine noise is still there though due to the sound tube, but if you're listening for the exhaust, again, wrong thing to listen for. Opening the windows may help to get the exhaust sound. I know when from the interior of my car it actually sounds quieter and tamer than my old V6, but when I let it idle and stepped outside the car and just listened to it with the exhaust... Well, to me it sounds like a right proper V8, even at idle. I certainly acknowledged the sound was more powerful than that V6.
#23
Cobra R Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Join Date: May 17, 2007
Location: London, ON. Canada
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well I've owned an 05 GT, the 08 Bullitt and currently an 08 GT500. So I think I've got a good handle on the power these cars put out. I've test drove several 5.0's and 011 GT500's. If you can't feel the power in these two models than you're either in denial or there is something impairing your senses.
Both cars offer significant performance above their counterparts from previous model years.
Both cars offer significant performance above their counterparts from previous model years.
#24
Mach 1 Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Join Date: October 12, 2009
Location: New Orleans, LA
Posts: 963
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
1 Post
i must say i went to the local ford dealership and drove a new stang while mine was having some repair work (strut mount broke) completed. the salesman threw me the keys and told me to take it for a spin... well i did just that and i mean to tell you i drove it like i stole it. i was disapointed it seemed weak. so i returned it and told him that it was very weak. so he threw me keys to another one this one with 3.73 gears. did the same thing. it had alittle more get up and go but still very very weak in comparison to my 06. by the way aside from a few small mods mine is stock... and believe it or not still under warranty.. im very happy with what i have. what do you guys think andot the new 5.0? my openion 400 hp... i could not find it, feel it, or hear it any where on the two i drove.. one was a regular gt and the other was a cs/gt...
![Rollinglaugh](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/rollinglaugh.gif)
#25
To the OP..the salesman tossed you the keys to 2 brand new 2011 5.0 GTs and let you take it out and rip it a new one (if true, feel sorry for the one that bought the car) and he wasn't in the car with you? Not to mention you didn't feel a difference between that and your 06 Must. GT? Does anyone else find this story a little far fetched? I'm having a hard time believing this story...sorry.
Dave
Dave
Last edited by Dave07997S; 9/29/10 at 11:16 PM.
#26
GTR Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
To the OP..the salesman tossed you the keys to a brand new 2011 5.0 GT and let you take it out and rip it a new one (if true, feel sorry for the one that bought the car) and he wasn't in the car with you? Not to mention you didn't feel a difference between that and your 06 Must. GT? Does anyone else find this story a little far fetched? I'm having a hard time believing this story...sorry.
Dave
Dave
#27
Either that or he is in utter denial...First off a dealer letting a non dealer employee take 2 brand new cars out in which he left no deposit and they let him take these cars out for a joyride? I worked at a dealership before and this was grounds for immediate dismissal.
When ever I read stories like this I automatically think as you say...make yourself feel better because you don't have the latest and greatest. I drove a 2008 Must.GT before (granted about a year ago) and a 2011 Must. GT before I bought the M3 and there was no comparison. The 2011 after 4500 rpm felt like it was on nitrous the way it wanted to charge to redline. When I did my test drive with the dealer I bumped up against the rev limiter (I just test drove the E92 M3) and when I hit 7krpm I don't know what I was thinking other than I have another 1400rpm to go. That thing didn't lose any wind at all at the top of the tach..it felt like it could rev to 8krpm.
Dave
When ever I read stories like this I automatically think as you say...make yourself feel better because you don't have the latest and greatest. I drove a 2008 Must.GT before (granted about a year ago) and a 2011 Must. GT before I bought the M3 and there was no comparison. The 2011 after 4500 rpm felt like it was on nitrous the way it wanted to charge to redline. When I did my test drive with the dealer I bumped up against the rev limiter (I just test drove the E92 M3) and when I hit 7krpm I don't know what I was thinking other than I have another 1400rpm to go. That thing didn't lose any wind at all at the top of the tach..it felt like it could rev to 8krpm.
Dave
Last edited by Dave07997S; 9/29/10 at 11:23 PM.
#28
I'm not sure if I should retch or laugh when i see these sorts of posts. Unless you want to spend another $30k, no production car on the planet can touch this car. The OP never brought it to 3500 rpm +, apparently. Or, he's used to a fart can on the rear end to make it SOUND fast.
#29
V6 Member
Thread Starter
im not trying to ruffle anyones feathers and no i was not stoned when i drove it.. maybe i need to drive one again but to me on take off i just was not impressed. i like to feel the power... i must admit it was a real smothe ride maybe it is better and faster i know i like the looks of the new engine. i was just expecting to be blown away but insted i felt like i was driving my uncles cadi. i will admit i have very little experience with the six speed tranny that may have played a part in my disappointment aswell.. so im not just talking about the car it may be my fault too...
#31
Cobra R Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Join Date: May 17, 2007
Location: London, ON. Canada
Posts: 1,574
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
As for performance of 5.0 vs. 4.6....it's probably how you drove it. If you stayed more in 2nd gear you'd probably be able to play with torque a bit more. The new cars I also feel are more "refined" feeling. When I drove a new GT500 I could certainly feel every bit of it's power but the ride felt so smooth. Getting back into my 08 it felt like I was in a Muscle Car, it just felt a bit more raw.
Don't overlook exhaust systems as being one reason for the lack of feeling. There is just no way a stock system is going to give you the sound most of us want. I've got the KR exhaust and H pipe on my GT500 and it makes a HUGE difference in sound, it's like a race car.
If I had a 5.0 I would put a Borla ATAK system on it as my first mod.
#32
Swamp Donkey Aficionado
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Join Date: November 23, 2006
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My 5.0L, from a dead stop, will pretty much pin me to my seat, and the acceleration just gets more intense as the tach climbs. Those Mustang guys and gals that are coming from a 3V 4.6L, 2V 4.6L or even a naturally-aspirated 4V 4.6L will appreciate the low-end torque the new 4V 5.0L engine produces. IMO, my 2007 Mustang GT with 3.55 gears had nothing down low; my 2011 feels like a diesel in comparison.
#33
I find it interesting that some of the '11 owners are saying you've got to rev it to get the power out and others say the low end is awesome. I guess it's just that everyone has different impressions.
#34
Bullitt Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Join Date: January 24, 2010
Location: fredneck county, MD
Posts: 313
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
i don't think it needs to be rev'd, you can stay under 5k as long as you mash the throttle and go very fast.
i have had a fox 5.0 and have a 4.6 sn95, both 5-speeds along with new the 2011 GT . the older motors labor to rev, not this motor, maybe that's why people think it needs rpms.
i also ride a low 10 sec sportbike that becomes a unicycle with a ham-fist at the throttle, so my perspective on speed is not my imagination.
to the OP, de Nile is not only a river in Egypt
i have had a fox 5.0 and have a 4.6 sn95, both 5-speeds along with new the 2011 GT . the older motors labor to rev, not this motor, maybe that's why people think it needs rpms.
i also ride a low 10 sec sportbike that becomes a unicycle with a ham-fist at the throttle, so my perspective on speed is not my imagination.
to the OP, de Nile is not only a river in Egypt
#35
Yes, I know, I suck.
![Nonono](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/smilies/nonono.gif)
#37
Mach 1 Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Join Date: July 6, 2010
Location: Torrance
Posts: 793
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
ya i think the refinement can trick people into thinking its not as fast as it is. My last mustang was an 05 GT with a vortech, 436 rwhp. And i think the 5.0 feels just as fast.
#38
Bullitt Member
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
Join Date: August 29, 2010
Location: San Jose, CA
Posts: 245
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yeah I just don't get it. My 2011 6-speed with 3.73 scares me. The torque is insane. I think the issue is that the car and motor are SO refined compared to previous stangs that you don't realize how fast you're going!
#40
I Have No Life
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
![](https://themustangsource.com/forums/images/rank.gif)
With everyone else on this one.
Its smoother, therefore more deceiving in how fast it really is.
Coming from an 05-10 and expecting the extra power to throw you into the backseat are going to be disappointed. But do not kid yourself, it'll wipe the floor with your pre-11.
Its smoother, therefore more deceiving in how fast it really is.
Coming from an 05-10 and expecting the extra power to throw you into the backseat are going to be disappointed. But do not kid yourself, it'll wipe the floor with your pre-11.