New Motor Trend 3-way comparison is up...
4/5/10 | 01:30 PM
#81
Mach 1 Member
Joined: September 23, 2008
Posts: 879
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The way to beat the Europeans or Japanese or Koreans or GM is the same as it's always been, simply build a better car. Then resort to provincialism, xenophobia, blind nationalism or any other lower order of appeal becomes unnecessary.
I've always posited that the "Buy American" mantra is both cribbed and backwards -- that Americans should buy only American products regardless -- in that, rather, it should be the duty and responsibility of American companies to produce the products worthy for Americans (or anyone else for that matter) to purchase with their hard earned dollars.
And guess what, now that Ford is finally and truly bringing the Mustang (and a lot of their other products) up to full world class levels on all levels, including value, they are deservedly reaping the sales benefits that accrue from purveying excellent product. Now Ford can wave an American flag proudly for a job well done rather than using it to beat people into buying substandard product through guilt and reflexive nationalism. I've always maintained that American companies could and should do this, without excuse, and now Ford is clearly showing me to be correct in this assumption.
Now Americans can take true pride in purchasing world class cars that are designed and built in America.
I've always posited that the "Buy American" mantra is both cribbed and backwards -- that Americans should buy only American products regardless -- in that, rather, it should be the duty and responsibility of American companies to produce the products worthy for Americans (or anyone else for that matter) to purchase with their hard earned dollars.
And guess what, now that Ford is finally and truly bringing the Mustang (and a lot of their other products) up to full world class levels on all levels, including value, they are deservedly reaping the sales benefits that accrue from purveying excellent product. Now Ford can wave an American flag proudly for a job well done rather than using it to beat people into buying substandard product through guilt and reflexive nationalism. I've always maintained that American companies could and should do this, without excuse, and now Ford is clearly showing me to be correct in this assumption.
Now Americans can take true pride in purchasing world class cars that are designed and built in America.
I own "Eurotrash" cars, a BMW and a Porsche. Its because Ford is building better cars now that I am going to be back in the fold.
Dave
4/5/10 | 02:44 PM
#83
TMS Post # 1,000,000
Serbian Steamer
Serbian Steamer
Joined: January 30, 2004
Posts: 12,637
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin / Serbia
I've always posited that the "Buy American" mantra is both cribbed and backwards -- that Americans should buy only American products regardless -- in that, rather, it should be the duty and responsibility of American companies to produce the products worthy for Americans (or anyone else for that matter) to purchase with their hard earned dollars.
Take a look at my Fusion. It's built in Mexico using Mazda's platform and engine. What makes it an American car? Ford badge?
4/5/10 | 02:48 PM
#84
Mach 1 Member
Joined: March 29, 2007
Posts: 766
Likes: 0
Good point. Take the new Mustang as well. Chassis from America, engine from Canada, transmission from England.
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4/5/10 | 03:19 PM
#86
Mach 1 Member
Joined: January 18, 2010
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
From: KC, MO
I was just looking at the pictures again. The one thing I hate about the Camaro is the engine cover. If I owned a Camaro, that would so have to go. Why is Chevy afraid of people seeing the real engine? The Challenger and Mustang have covers of sorts, but it's more like putting on some makeup. With the chevy, it's like they put a bag over it's head. I hope Chevy tosses out that cover for 2011.
4/5/10 | 03:20 PM
#87
Member
Joined: February 4, 2010
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
I think what makes the Ford Mustang and its brand such a winner, is not so much that its maybe becoming a world car (yes its a reality in this day and age), but the history and the heritage of the original concept of the Pony car (which Ford has stuck to over 46 years) that it brings to each one that rolls off the assembly line, past, present or future....thank you FORD 
4/5/10 | 03:36 PM
#88
Cobra Member
Joined: October 23, 2009
Posts: 1,312
Likes: 2
From: NW Minnesota
Way to be an ignorant xenophobe! 
The current Mustang was designed by a Vietnamese native and shares a factory with Mazda sedans. The GT's motor is made in Canada and the manual transmission is made in a German-run factory in China.
In case you didn't get the memo, it's 2010. Get over yourself. TMS is one of the coolest, most-down-to-earth car forums I've ever come across. Your comments are better suited to Camaro5.
The current Mustang was designed by a Vietnamese native and shares a factory with Mazda sedans. The GT's motor is made in Canada and the manual transmission is made in a German-run factory in China.
In case you didn't get the memo, it's 2010. Get over yourself. TMS is one of the coolest, most-down-to-earth car forums I've ever come across. Your comments are better suited to Camaro5.
4/5/10 | 03:44 PM
#89
Bullitt Member
Joined: March 25, 2004
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
I'm not sure if this is the right thread to post this question--but after reading the review, what's left for the GT500? The Mustang GT is a $40K 12.7 second quarter machine. Is there enough of a performance gap between the new GT and the GT500 to draw customers to the higher priced machine. It is hard to imagine the '11 GT500 showing the same kind of performance boost that GT enjoys.
It did however strike me as I read the curb weights, with the new aluminum block 5.4 the GT500 curb weight (3820) is now actually under the curb weight of the Camaro SS (3863).
It did however strike me as I read the curb weights, with the new aluminum block 5.4 the GT500 curb weight (3820) is now actually under the curb weight of the Camaro SS (3863).
4/5/10 | 03:47 PM
#90
Banned
Joined: August 16, 2006
Posts: 1,633
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If these new "G2" tires on the SVT PP car are worth of **** I see 2011 GT500 @ 11.95 @ 119 bone stock. That's the Evan Smith time in the current car, at 120 lbs heavier and Goodyear F1's. I think the lighter weight, more sorted suspension, and better tires will make that time more the norm. I think Evan Smith will rip an 11.3 in the new car on slicks.
If the customer wants to mod, the GT500 bar none. Trans and motor are far stronger.
Me personally, I could never buy a GT. Will be just as saturated as the 05 - 09 cars. I don't like driving a car I see 25 of on the way to work.
If the customer wants to mod, the GT500 bar none. Trans and motor are far stronger.
Me personally, I could never buy a GT. Will be just as saturated as the 05 - 09 cars. I don't like driving a car I see 25 of on the way to work.
Last edited by eci; 4/5/10 at 03:52 PM.
4/5/10 | 03:49 PM
#91
Mach 1 Member
Joined: May 2, 2005
Posts: 607
Likes: 0
I'm not sure if this is the right thread to post this question--but after reading the review, what's left for the GT500? The Mustang GT is a $40K 12.7 second quarter machine. Is there enough of a performance gap between the new GT and the GT500 to draw customers to the higher priced machine. It is hard to imagine the '11 GT500 showing the same kind of performance boost that GT enjoys.
It did however strike me as I read the curb weights, with the new aluminum block 5.4 the GT500 curb weight (3820) is now actually under the curb weight of the Camaro SS (3863).
It did however strike me as I read the curb weights, with the new aluminum block 5.4 the GT500 curb weight (3820) is now actually under the curb weight of the Camaro SS (3863).
4/5/10 | 06:21 PM
#93
Mach 1 Member
Joined: May 2, 2005
Posts: 607
Likes: 0
4/5/10 | 06:29 PM
#94
GT Member
Joined: February 8, 2010
Posts: 198
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"Me personally, I could never buy a GT. Will be just as saturated as the 05 - 09 cars. I don't like driving a car I see 25 of on the way to work." That's what my brother said when he bought his 2006 GT (Blue stripe delete: one of maybe 50 ever made). "What kind of car is that?" A Ford." "What kind of Ford?" "The #*@%&!* fastest Ford you'll ever see!"
Last edited by PaulVincent; 4/5/10 at 06:30 PM.
4/5/10 | 06:36 PM
#96
Banned
Joined: August 16, 2006
Posts: 1,633
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4/5/10 | 06:47 PM
#97
Shelby GT350 Member
Joined: June 9, 2008
Posts: 2,061
Likes: 1
From: Rochester NY
I think the biggest problem with the Challenger is the price you pay for the performance you get. I love the look of the Challenger but the R/T needed 425-450hp and the STR8 needed 500 plus. I think once they change the drivetrains the car will be worth the money they want.
4/5/10 | 06:59 PM
#99
Swamp Donkey Aficionado
Joined: November 23, 2006
Posts: 1,863
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I think the biggest problem with the Challenger is the price you pay for the performance you get. I love the look of the Challenger but the R/T needed 425-450hp and the STR8 needed 500 plus. I think once they change the drivetrains the car will be worth the money they want.
4/5/10 | 07:01 PM
#100
I think the biggest problem with the Challenger is the price you pay for the performance you get. I love the look of the Challenger but the R/T needed 425-450hp and the STR8 needed 500 plus. I think once they change the drivetrains the car will be worth the money they want.
Perhaps Dodge will put the rumored new hotted up Hemi in the SRT8 and effectively drop the SRT8 spec stuff into the R/T and the R/T stuff into something around $28K to get in line with the competition.
Then there's the V6 Challenger, but that is completely forgettable now given its two 300hp V6 competitors at anything over, hmmm, about $14K!