I have a question maybe some of you guys could help with. I have enjoyed reading these boards to get all of the information on the mustang. I was originally going to go and buy an 05, but then i read about the cobra (GT500), so i decided to wait. Now that they are out i am undecided if i want one. What i have read i am finding it harder to justify the extra $15000 for a GT500 with the minimal performance gains. I think i could take that extra $15000 and have better performance with an '07. So i guess what i am looking for is some opinions if i should just buy and '07 or continue waiting for the GT500 (until the AMV goes away).

 

You could build a smokin hot GT with $15k.

1. Biggest problem is the warranty will likely be void if you heavily modify the car.

2. Also. resale will not yield you the extra money you have invested in the hi-po parts and labor.

3. The GT500 has a ton of potential of its own. We don't know how much power will be available with simple cheap bolt-ons. It may be very easy to unlock enough power to make the decision clear.

From my perspective, I would encourage you to buy the GT as that will be one less person getting in the way of my GT500.

From a neutral perspective, I'd tell you to wait it out and see what the performance gains really are and how long it will take to lower the price to normal.

From your perspective, get what makes you grin the most. Building your own car from the GT may make you much more proud of your car than just owning what Ford built.

 

Consider, too, whether or not this car is a daily driver for you, and if fuel economy is a factor. With a sixteen gallon tank, an average fuel economy of 16mpg (assuming you're not leaning on it), and a thirst for premium fuel ONLY, the Shelby will be one expensive car to run - and if you go on long trips, a range of about 250 miles means a lot of refueling stops.

Thinking of collectibility? I wouldn't. Not for a long time to come, if ever. There is no evidence that this modern interpretation of the classic Shelby will ever see the resale value of the classic muscle cars. So I wouldn't use that as a factor in your decision.

From a handling perspective, most journalists believe that the GT is the better handling car: lighter, more nimble, easier to toss through corners. The Shelby, on the other hand, tends to plow through corners - by all accounts - unless you brake in a straight line before entering: the "benefit" of two tons of weight, the balance of which is over the nose. So expect a straight line stoplight performer, not a canyon-carver.

I'm also not a big fan of the dark IUP (too much monotone), but that's just me.

All that said, the exterior looks pretty good overall, the car is relatively exclusive, it has impressive acceleration, it sports forged internals...and, after all, it IS the first Shelby in 36 years.

 

I agree with Crazyhorse's comments completely.

One other thing to seriously contemplate is whether you are up to caring for a fully modded GT. If you are a car enthusiast but you don't actually turn your own wrenches, you would be much better off getting the Shelby. If it needs any work you just hustle it up to your Ford dealership. If you do heavy performance mod's to a GT, you really need to know what you are doing and how to work on it (even if you don't actually do the work yourself). Modded cars are cantankerous, they need a lot more attention than a bone stock car.

 

Go with a Mustang GT, it costs less then the Shelby and doesn't need 92 premium gas. Another benifit is lower insurance costs (I'm sure the Shelby will cost more to insure then a Mustang GT.

When you compare the added power the Shelby offers over the stock Mustang GT you need to consider that you're probably not going to need the added HP of the Shelby if the car is a daily driver.

I've had my Mustang GT since December 28 of 04 and have no regrets getting the car. Don't get me wrong the Shelby is nice, but I can't justify the higher fuel costs and insurance rates (and of course the ADM to get one) to spend what the dealers are asking for the Shelby.
Especially since my 05 is paid off. If I want to spend some money to add things to the car it's still going to cost less then what I would have to pay for a Shelby.

 

MY take......If you plan on spending the that 15,000....do it on the shelby, or wait.....If you've waited on this car for 2 years, whats another 3-4 months....these cars will be down to MSRP by November easily..I dont think you'll be happy with anything else if you have invested this muvh wait time....but if you dont want to pay the AMV, wait...you'll be glad you did!

 

You might like to exchange some pleasantries with some guys around here who have done extensive mods on their GTs. Sometimes they go right, sometimes they don't. It can be very self fulfilling or a deep migrane.

Out of the box (SVT product) beats making a mut out of a GT any day. The rule of thumb on mods is they are worth it to you and only you, for your enjoyment and bragging rights. IMO the negatives outweigh the positives, although I am not into taking my car to the track so in essence the exception ifor modding a car is for competition.