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2010-12 GT500 vs 2007-09 GT500

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Old 6/20/12, 01:23 PM
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2010-12 GT500 vs 2007-09 GT500

Hello everyone I'm looking to the current 2010-12 GT500 owners to give me some feedback, especially those who have owned first gen 2007-09 GT500s. I currently have an 03 Cobra so either model would be a huge upgrade for me. My question for you guys is this, I know the newer GT500s make a little more power and have some basic upgrades. My question is this, since the launch the the new 2013 prices of the older models have been dropping is the 2011 worth the extra money over say a low mile 09 model.

I actually like the overall look of the 07-09 slightly more, but what are some of the improvements you actually notice driving the newer model. I'll never drive this car to the full limit so the extra 50hp isn't a huge deal to me...

Not sure if and when i'll make this move but I'm seriously considering upgrading to a GT500.
Old 6/20/12, 06:26 PM
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I've owned an 08 and driven all the other model years of Shelby.
To me the 07-09 just felt a bit more raw, a little more like an old school muscle car.
It was always a pleasure to drive and I never felt it was really lacking, although you can tell the difference in weight when compared to a GT.

The 10-12 feels more refined, less muscle car and more performance car.
Only you can tell which one you would prefer to own.

Visually I prefer the 07-09.
Old 6/20/12, 07:34 PM
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Originally Posted by Whammer
I've owned an 08 and driven all the other model years of Shelby.
To me the 07-09 just felt a bit more raw, a little more like an old school muscle car.
It was always a pleasure to drive and I never felt it was really lacking, although you can tell the difference in weight when compared to a GT.

The 10-12 feels more refined, less muscle car and more performance car.
Only you can tell which one you would prefer to own.

Visually I prefer the 07-09.
I think I'm getting to the point that I want something more refined, truthfully an 07-09 GT500 is way more refined than my 03 Cobra. At the same time I need to see if it is worth the extra money for that amount of refinement. In some cases I've actually seen 2010 GT500s sell for less than 09 models. Is the aluminum block that big of a deal?
Old 6/20/12, 07:44 PM
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Kenne Bell says the 5.4 is bullet proof. Aluminum saves about 100 pounds or more.

I like the refinements even more as I get older
Old 6/20/12, 08:39 PM
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Originally Posted by Whammer
I've owned an 08 and driven all the other model years of Shelby.
To me the 07-09 just felt a bit more raw, a little more like an old school muscle car.
It was always a pleasure to drive and I never felt it was really lacking, although you can tell the difference in weight when compared to a GT.

The 10-12 feels more refined, less muscle car and more performance car.
Only you can tell which one you would prefer to own.

Visually I prefer the 07-09.
I would agree with this and I own an 07. If you are going to keep the car a long time and don't need a lot of high tech the older model is simpler and likely cheaper to maintain. The newer the car the more electronics.And the more expensive they are. Might want to drive both and decide for yourself. 750Hp is only a blower upgrade away. Both are great cars just the same but different.

KC

Last edited by 05stangkc; 6/20/12 at 08:44 PM.
Old 6/21/12, 06:28 AM
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I like the interior looks on the 07-09's more as well. I know people complain about too much plastic in them but I suppose it never bothered me because I never owned any high end cars before. So to me the interior looked fine.

Driving them both is the only way you can truly make a decision and let me tell you I still don't think it will be easy for you to decide. There will be factors that favor both cars and your choice will probably be more of a compromise rather than a clear cut winner.
Old 6/21/12, 06:32 AM
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I'd take an 11' over a 10'...

IIRC, the aluminum block didn't come until 2011. I'm almost certain.

Yep

http://www.autoblog.com/2010/02/08/2...e-loses-120-p/

Last edited by Vectors2Final; 6/21/12 at 06:34 AM.
Old 6/21/12, 06:36 AM
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Originally Posted by 97GT03SVT
I think I'm getting to the point that I want something more refined, truthfully an 07-09 GT500 is way more refined than my 03 Cobra. At the same time I need to see if it is worth the extra money for that amount of refinement. In some cases I've actually seen 2010 GT500s sell for less than 09 models. Is the aluminum block that big of a deal?
The aluminum block does make a difference, the car does feel much lighter in the front end. Ford really screwed over all the owners of any '10 model (V6, GT, GT500) with the engine upgrades in '11.

In regards to the Shelby...if all you are doing is daily driving, or just sunday driving then any model year is fine. If you're looking to do performance driving the '11-'12 will be the better choice.
Old 6/21/12, 07:35 AM
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Originally Posted by Whammer

The aluminum block does make a difference, the car does feel much lighter in the front end. Ford really screwed over all the owners of any '10 model (V6, GT, GT500) with the engine upgrades in '11.

In regards to the Shelby...if all you are doing is daily driving, or just sunday driving then any model year is fine. If you're looking to do performance driving the '11-'12 will be the better choice.
Well my 03 cobra only has 20k on it so the Shelby definitely won't be a daily driver, I may take it to the drag strip once in a while. I agree with the 2010 models but they are much more affordable. I'm trying to determine if the aluminum block is worth the extra coin.
Old 6/21/12, 10:18 AM
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Originally Posted by Whammer
Ford really screwed over all the owners of any '10 model (V6, GT, GT500) with the engine upgrades in '11.
How so? And if so, when would have been an appropriate time for ford to make engineering advancements that wouldn't have "screwed over" the previous models' customers? Does this mean everyone who buys a '13 or '14 Shelby will be screwed over by Ford with the '15 or later MY Shelby?
Old 6/21/12, 10:20 AM
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Originally Posted by kcoTiger
How so? And if so, when would have been an appropriate time for ford to make engineering advancements that wouldn't have "screwed over" the previous models' customers? Does this mean everyone who buys a '13 or '14 Shelby will be screwed over by Ford with the '15 or later MY Shelby?
I think a lot of people feel that getting the old powertrains in the newer look was a flip off to people. That they should have offered new look/power at the same time.

It is what it is, and stuff isn't ready to go in...its not ready to go in.
And sometimes incremental changes are better than going all out and changing everything, and risk having multiple issues.
Everyone wants everything now.

Last edited by Boomer; 6/21/12 at 10:23 AM.
Old 6/21/12, 10:27 AM
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I understand and I'm sure had Ford (or any manufacturer) had unlimited R&D funds, they would have brought the newer drive train out sooner. Ultimately, every model year is going to be inferior at some point to a successor. A lot of people complain about this, but I'm not exactly sure what solution they would expect. Cars get old, and are improved upon.
Old 6/21/12, 10:55 AM
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Originally Posted by kcoTiger

How so? And if so, when would have been an appropriate time for ford to make engineering advancements that wouldn't have "screwed over" the previous models' customers? Does this mean everyone who buys a '13 or '14 Shelby will be screwed over by Ford with the '15 or later MY Shelby?
I think what he is referring to is that the new bodystyle 2010 cars shouldn't have been given carry over motors from the 2005-09 cats which is basically what Ford did
Old 6/21/12, 11:37 AM
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Cool

Originally Posted by 97GT03SVT
I think what he is referring to is that the new bodystyle 2010 cars shouldn't have been given carry over motors from the 2005-09 cats which is basically what Ford did
Agreed ... like the 94-95 carry over. The 3v introduced with the new uplift and proved an all new look and performance can be a slam dunk in sales, if it's ready.

97GT03SVT- As you're looking for opinions, I'm in a similar situation and can only offer what I've come to as conclusions based on your comments.
Basic conclusion:
'07-'09 - familiar, cheaper to maintain and proven power packages
2010 - non Al block 5.4 with a refined feel and newer face.
2011-12 - Al block and add'l electronic extras and more refinement.
If you've only managed 20K on your 03 Cobra then it would be a case of what looks a feels better. I'd recommend the '10 but if you like the look of the '07-'09s then find a clean one.
Of course, the best advice is a ride in one of each and decide.
Old 6/21/12, 03:50 PM
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Originally Posted by 97GT03SVT
I think what he is referring to is that the new bodystyle 2010 cars shouldn't have been given carry over motors from the 2005-09 cats which is basically what Ford did
Yes, that is what I mean.
Had they done the new look, same engines, for '10 and '11 it wouldn't have been so bad and would be more of an understandable upgrading.
As it is, and this is just my opinion, I feel all the '10 are a bit like a red headed stepchild.
Dealers had a hell've time trying to move unsold '10's off the lots. V6 with 210HP or one with 305HP, GT with 315HP or one with 412HP? Considering the cost for either model was basically the same who would pick the '10?
Old 6/21/12, 06:06 PM
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Huh, I find it odd the 10-11 cars have a bit less resale than the 07-09 cars. I would have thought that the performance improvements would have allowed them to maintain a comfortable lead over the older cars in the price department.

Then again this is a car that is rightly considered a garage queen so I suppose performance is secondary.

One thing to consider with the 1st gen GT500s though is the issue of the clutch. From a feel and performance standpoint I really liked the stock clutch, however they are very susceptible to damage when you have to slip them in a really bad traffic jam and are a pretty pricey unit to have repaired. I managed 16k before my clutch began to slip and got a total of 20k before it was complete toast - replaced it my the McLeod which is still going strong at nearly 40k undet he same conditions so thats something to consider as well since the 2010+ clutchs are a big improvement when your talking about stop and go traffic which can destroy the factory clutch in as little as 4,000 miles as I understand it (best to drive a 1st gen car like you stole it if you want to make the clutch last).

Last edited by bob; 6/21/12 at 06:12 PM.
Old 6/22/12, 05:16 PM
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Originally Posted by bob
Huh, I find it odd the 10-11 cars have a bit less resale than the 07-09 cars. I would have thought that the performance improvements would have allowed them to maintain a comfortable lead over the older cars in the price department.

Then again this is a car that is rightly considered a garage queen so I suppose performance is secondary.

One thing to consider with the 1st gen GT500s though is the issue of the clutch. From a feel and performance standpoint I really liked the stock clutch, however they are very susceptible to damage when you have to slip them in a really bad traffic jam and are a pretty pricey unit to have repaired. I managed 16k before my clutch began to slip and got a total of 20k before it was complete toast - replaced it my the McLeod which is still going strong at nearly 40k undet he same conditions so thats something to consider as well since the 2010+ clutchs are a big improvement when your talking about stop and go traffic which can destroy the factory clutch in as little as 4,000 miles as I understand it (best to drive a 1st gen car like you stole it if you want to make the clutch last).
I'm only referring to the 2010 model. I think having the aluminum block is great but there is a huge savings if you get a 2010 over a 2011-12 model.

I don't know what to do I been debating on this for 2 years now and with the 2013 out I wonder if I should wait for the 2015 car to see if i like the new direction or buy a used, low mile example which seem to be flooding the market

Last edited by 97GT03SVT; 6/22/12 at 05:17 PM.
Old 6/22/12, 06:03 PM
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If you wait for a 2015 I don't think you'll see a Shelby for a couple more years.
With the new platform they'll probably just build V6's and GT's for the first couple of years. Those 2 models will be enough with the new design and platform to keep Ford sales high.

Then after a couple of years they'll unleash the new GT500 to spark more interest in the Mustang.
If you wait you'll be waiting 4+ years.
Get what you want now, you never know what could happen in the future.
Old 6/11/13, 01:04 AM
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Not to Me

Originally Posted by 97GT03SVT
I think I'm getting to the point that I want something more refined, truthfully an 07-09 GT500 is way more refined than my 03 Cobra. At the same time I need to see if it is worth the extra money for that amount of refinement. In some cases I've actually seen 2010 GT500s sell for less than 09 models. Is the aluminum block that big of a deal?
I will concede the aluminum block Shelbys are going to be faster around a track than the 2010 iron block. That being said, I'm not going to a track so posted lap times on internet boards are irrelevant. When it comes down to it, everything is a driver's race. Give me a 2013 Shelby, and Jeff Gordon a 2010, let us race, and I'd get slaughtered. Probably the same in a 1/4 mile drag. If a Nissan 240 sx with a good turbo pulls up beside you, once again, driver's race. He won't have traction issues, at least not to the same extent, that we do. Here is why I wanted a 2010. It is less expensive than the 2011, although not always be a huge difference. I wanted an iron block. Yeah many will say I'm a dork, but I know if I keep this 2010 stock, run premium oil in it, and do general maintenance, that iron block will last a long, long, long time. I don't know about the 2011 with that plasma spray. We don't have enough data in these cars to say how they will last. I do know if anything ever happens to a cylinder, and that 150 micron coating is damaged, you will not be able to get that repaired easily unless you can sleeve the cylinders with iron inserts. The engine I have is superb. Hasn't lost a drop of oil. Surprisingly well mannered considering how much horsepower and torque it carries. Time may well prove me wrong and in 5 years all the sprayed aluminum blocks may still be fine. But I'm sure my iron block will be if I follow maintenance guidelines and use high quality oil and other fluids. I had a 2011 GT, and it was losing a lot of oil and I got it brand new. It was losing a quart or more between changes. That never set well with me. I wouldn't doubt a 2010, if taken care of even as a daily driver like mine, outlasts a lot of Coyote 5.0L engines. The 2010 isn't a lot faster, but to me it feels a lot better. And I don't want a car with a **** Chinese clutch. You probably can't go wrong with a 2011 or 2012. I'm sure they are great cars. People poo-poo the 2010, but I wouldn't just yet.
Let's see what is on the road in 5 years before we pass judgment. If lap times matter, get the 2011 or 2012 no question. If they don't, look at what you can get a 2010 for and see how much of a price difference you face. Or if you want to save some $ possibly and get a track ready car, look at a Camaro SS 1 LE. It won't be quite as fast at a 1/4 mile, but it is a lot easier for most people to drive. A Shelby may not be your best car for lap times. I wouldn't be surprised in a 2013 Boss 302 could take any Shelby prior to 2013. At least for lap times. But hell, any car just mentioned is a great one. You can't go wrong, just shop for prices because they do vary. Good luck in your choice.
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