The Z/28's abortion and the GT-500's future.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: May 16, 2004
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 18
From: Bristol, TN
I think the only place the Terminator runs neck and neck is the drag strip, on a road course its GT500 hands down by a coupla seconds. To be fair the entry price (ADMs and going crazy on the option sheet aside) is only 17k more than the GT. Not a bad deal for a serious suspension and powertrain upgrade along with some cosmetic enhancements.
True, the terminator was a heck of deal at only 13k more than the GT at the time and on paper the specs certainly reinforce that, but we are also talking about a platform that had probably been paid off by the mid 80's and Ford very probably spent chump change on the car until the S-197 debuted so it was easy to offer an excellent package at a reasonable premium over the regular car (such are the advantages of using something in continous production since 1979).
True, the terminator was a heck of deal at only 13k more than the GT at the time and on paper the specs certainly reinforce that, but we are also talking about a platform that had probably been paid off by the mid 80's and Ford very probably spent chump change on the car until the S-197 debuted so it was easy to offer an excellent package at a reasonable premium over the regular car (such are the advantages of using something in continous production since 1979).
Cobra R Member
Joined: September 26, 2007
Posts: 1,931
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
I guess my overall point was that the Terminator was a much bigger step up from the GT than the current generation. Maybe it's just me and i'm not sure of the stats, but I think the GT is a better handling car than the GT500. I would have to say Ford did a much better job making the GT500 far more unique looking.
My other point that I failed to mention in my previous post is that the 04' Cobra out gunned the Corvette of that year in the 1/4 mile for a lot less money. Now, the GT500 is outperformed by the Vette in every performance category and is even more expensive. I would love to own a GT500 but it just isn't the bargain that the previous 93-04 SVT Cobras where.
My other point that I failed to mention in my previous post is that the 04' Cobra out gunned the Corvette of that year in the 1/4 mile for a lot less money. Now, the GT500 is outperformed by the Vette in every performance category and is even more expensive. I would love to own a GT500 but it just isn't the bargain that the previous 93-04 SVT Cobras where.
Cobra Member
Joined: December 18, 2004
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 0
That would be great...I have an '07 GT500 and while it's scary fast - it really is a pig handling-wise. Way too nose heavy and although I like the car I am going to have to do something about the handling. Also, even though it has Brembos on the front - Ford didn't do a very good job with the brake feel...very numb feeling brakes for sure. But the sweet sound of that SC kicking in pretty much makes up for the other shortcomings.. One of the best things Ford could do is put this car on a diet, improve the interior trim quality (on the way with the 2010's I heard) and put more $$'s into the suspension (lighter and stronger components). I believe the base chassis is good - just that Ford cheaps out with inexpensive suspension components....
Cobra Member
Joined: December 18, 2004
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 0
I guess my overall point was that the Terminator was a much bigger step up from the GT than the current generation. Maybe it's just me and i'm not sure of the stats, but I think the GT is a better handling car than the GT500. I would have to say Ford did a much better job making the GT500 far more unique looking.
My other point that I failed to mention in my previous post is that the 04' Cobra out gunned the Corvette of that year in the 1/4 mile for a lot less money. Now, the GT500 is outperformed by the Vette in every performance category and is even more expensive. I would love to own a GT500 but it just isn't the bargain that the previous 93-04 SVT Cobras where.
My other point that I failed to mention in my previous post is that the 04' Cobra out gunned the Corvette of that year in the 1/4 mile for a lot less money. Now, the GT500 is outperformed by the Vette in every performance category and is even more expensive. I would love to own a GT500 but it just isn't the bargain that the previous 93-04 SVT Cobras where.
To compare, both my '05 GT coupe and '07 GT/CS vert were better balanced and better handling cars than my '07 GT500. The GT500 is heavy and you really feel it in the nose...feels like I'm driving an 1975 LTD for gosh sakes. Great powertrain though and the transmission is perfect with the SC and dual plate cerametallic clutch....too bad Ford didn't go the distance with the handling! I recently purchased a 2008 BMW 535i Sport (tt I6) and it is hands down a better balanced and "composed" ride than the GT500...I know, apples to oranges, but the GT500 is not my vehicle of choice for anything but car meets and weekend cruising.
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: May 16, 2004
Posts: 5,206
Likes: 18
From: Bristol, TN
I can see the GT being better balanced by dint of its all aluminum V8,
Interestingly the weight difference between the GT500 mill and the Terminator mill is about 55-60 pounds.
It would have been nice to have had an all aluminum engine in the GT500, but I think the requirement for an engine to handle 600+ hp without blowing its guts all over the road on the cheap dictated the use of cast iron.
Interestingly the weight difference between the GT500 mill and the Terminator mill is about 55-60 pounds.
It would have been nice to have had an all aluminum engine in the GT500, but I think the requirement for an engine to handle 600+ hp without blowing its guts all over the road on the cheap dictated the use of cast iron.
Bullitt Member
Joined: September 18, 2006
Posts: 356
Likes: 0
Right Again
SUPERCHARGED RED ROCKET ------------------Master-Moderator
Joined: May 11, 2006
Posts: 10,648
Likes: 2,519
From: Carnegie, PA
The only problem I have with the current 281 3V, is Ford's poor designed 2 piece spark plugs. If only I had know about this prior to purchasing my 05 GT, I would've either purchased an 04 Mach 1, with it's 281 4V DOHC. Or would've waited for the revised head design on the 2008 models.
At any rate: Ford should've used the 4.6L DOHC 4v in the S-197 Mustang, instead of the current 4.6L SOHC 3V. Just my $.02
At any rate: Ford should've used the 4.6L DOHC 4v in the S-197 Mustang, instead of the current 4.6L SOHC 3V. Just my $.02
Last edited by m05fastbackGT; Jul 23, 2008 at 12:09 PM.
Big Falken Tires
Joined: October 17, 2004
Posts: 4,601
Likes: 1
That would be great...I have an '07 GT500 and while it's scary fast - it really is a pig handling-wise. Way too nose heavy and although I like the car I am going to have to do something about the handling. Also, even though it has Brembos on the front - Ford didn't do a very good job with the brake feel...very numb feeling brakes for sure. But the sweet sound of that SC kicking in pretty much makes up for the other shortcomings.. One of the best things Ford could do is put this car on a diet, improve the interior trim quality (on the way with the 2010's I heard) and put more $$'s into the suspension (lighter and stronger components). I believe the base chassis is good - just that Ford cheaps out with inexpensive suspension components....
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
tj@steeda
2015 - 2023 MUSTANG
0
Sep 1, 2015 01:19 PM
rarecat
Aftermarket 2005+ Mustangs
1
Mar 24, 2005 11:40 AM