Very interesting article comparing the GT500 and the Shelby GT. Just confirms for me that the Shelby GT is the car I want, with the FRPP supercharger of course.








http://www.themustangnews.com/carnew...shelbytest.htm

 

Nice article. However, I see a few different flaws. And, why would the GT500 be more of a collectable than the Shelby GT. I would assume it's the other way around. Maybe I'm wrong. Have we seen projected production numbers yet for the Shelby GT? Thanks for the link though. Both cars are awesome!!!

 

I agree with you on the collectablity stand point. The Shelby GT estimated production numbers are assumed to be less than 10000. Plus it's modified by Shelby at his facility unlike the GT500.

 

Cool article, thanks for posting it. It is funny that a while back everyone was saying the the GT500 was a real Shelby, but that the GT-H wasn't. Which I always thought was backwards since the GT-H was modified at Shelby, and the GT500 built by Ford. Funny how that now the Shelby GT is out, those arguments have subsided, ha, ha.

 

Ditto here. Except I want the S/C and the upgraded brakes...then it has exactly what I wanted all along.

 

I have been a bit of a critic on the shelby gt but I admit its growing on me. I would have to have a blower, better brakes, and the shelby gt-h hood. Anything short of that I could not accept. The big question is what would be the hp/torque rating with a blower and lord God what would it cost. That is the scariest part for a poor man like me. That would really round out the package.

 

Oh yea, the GT-H hood was the other thing I forgot to put on there. Then I have the car from the factory I always wanted...then I can begin my very slight changes. Well I guess there is one other thing...the wheels. If the only wheels that come on the Black Shelby GT are the black wheels then I hope they have at least an option for some other chrome/polished wheels. I know a lot of people like black on black...I do too but not with the wheels. It just looks like one big black blob going down the road at that point. I like to have a little bit of a break between the rubber, wheels and car.

 

With the FRPP/Whipple supercharger kit you would have about 430 - 440 rwhp, about the limit with the stock bottom end. The kit retails for about 6k so like you said the deciding factor would be the MSRP of the car. For me if I could get the Shelby GT with the FRPP/Whipple kit for under 40 grand I'm happy.

 

I think that all the above really proves is that the GT500 is much more difficult to drive well, and to its potential, than is the Shelby GT. And frankly we already knew that. In the hands of a skilled driver the GT500 is capable of putting up numbers that the Shelby GT cannot possibly hope to achieve, which takes nothing away from the Shelby GT but does serve to prove a point. If you cannot be bothered to learn how to drive a car like the GT500 well then why even consider purchasing anything with that kind of capability? It's like buying a rifle with 1/2 MOA accuracy when you couldn't conceivably shoot well enough to ever use it.

As for the collectibility argument, first generation Shelby Mustangs produced after the 67 model year were very much like the new GT500 being produced largely in house by Ford and other contractors unliek the earleier Shelby American "skunkworks" cars. 68 GT500's, which fall into this category, are some of the most prized, and expensive, Shelbys of the bunch so I am unsure that we'' see much differnce between these two models collectibility on that basis.

 

I think in the hands of a skilled driver the Shelby GT (with the FRPP/Whipple kit) will put up better numbers on a road course than the GT500 will. It has all that weight to over come and Shelby GT is a lighter and better balanced car. Either car is an awesome package with a different take on the performance theme.

 

Actually, I think it's likely going to prove to be the exact opposite. To me it sounds like the Shelby GT is the easier car to drive of the two thus making it more fun for those who like to go fast but who aren't determined to be the second coming of Dave MacDonald. But even with the extra hp the Whipple will add I just don't see a couple hundred pound advantage for the Shelby GT making up for the GT500's seriously worked suspension or huge power. The difference in weight between a blown Shelby GT and the GT500 isn't really going to amount to very much and not nearly enough to overcome the advantages the GT500 possesses. I don't think that it will even be close with competent drivers behind the wheel.

 

I think it would be closer than people would be willing to admit. The Shelby GT even with the FRPP/Whipple (kit weighs 140lbs) will be about 300 lbs lighter than the GT500. It also has the FRPP handling pack which is no slouch of a suspension package either. Add in the 3:73 rear gears the Shelby GT is supposed to come with and it, IMO, would be a very interesting race.

I'm not saying the Shelby GT is better than the GT500 in any way, it's clearly the superior car. The biggest advantage the GT500 has over the Shelby GT is the forged 5.4L, 6spd trans and the killer brakes. Key thing here is what will the MSRP be for the Shelby GT??? Rumor has it will be around 35k base. If one could get one for 40k with the supercharger than it's worth it. Any more than that and your too close to the GT500, if you can find one for MSRP.

 

The key here is will any of these cars be close to MSRP. I have a bad feeling the Shelby GT's will be marked up just like the GT 500. All the GT 500's in the Los Angeles area are marked up miniumn 20k over. We can only hope.

 

Yeah well if that happens then I'll by a regular GT and add the supercharger and handling pack to it. I'm getting sick of all the games dealers are playing with these freaking ADM's.