New to the forum and am planning to get a 2011 GT500. Got my new issue of Car & Driver and was reading the article about the best handling car in America under 100K. I was disappointed that the GT500 was not even listed?? How could this be?? Below is the list and what are your thoughts?

#7 Volkswagen GTI
#6 Corvette Z06
#5 Nissan GT-R
#4 BMW M3
#3 Mazda RX-8 R3
#2 Lotus Elise SC
#1 Porsche Boxster Spyder

born550

 

Out of C&D's list matching the combination of design and performance is the Z06. The rest are boring, or small, or have maintenance issues.

 

I thought the 2011 had the suspension reworked, at lease that's what I read. Maybe it's just not as good on the track than the others that were mentioned. Is it more of a straight line car? I have read raving reviews about the Shelby, that's what doesn't make sence.

born550

 

The 2011 GT500 is an improvement, but is still not the most track-friendly car you can buy.

 

SVTPP??

 

They gave the SVTPP a pretty glowing review in their May issue, not sure what happened here.

 

Not sure what you are talking about? Are you referring to the performance package?? Is adding the PP going to make a huge difference? 3500.00 is a lot of money to make the car handle better.

born550

 

Yes, I just read their May review about the 2011 GT500 and they did have some nice things to say. I guess the GT500 just wasn't quite as good as the other cars listed. Oh well. I was just hoping I would hear some opinions of those that have a 2011 and insight on why in May they raved about it, Oct issue didn't make the list. Maybe the GT500 isn't the right car, I was hoping to do some track days with it but now, not sure. Thanks for the replies so far...

born550

 

please, DO NOT go by the opinion of the car mags to help you decide. Go drive the car yourself, its the only way.

Although if you're looking for the best handling track car get a 2012 Boss

 

Good point ! I use the car mags to get the list together, then I go and test drive. I certainly don't put 100% into their reviews, but there needs to be some weight given to what they say.

born550

 

Gotcha. Well the 2010 GT500 was praised for its good handling. The '11, especially with the SVTPP will be even better. I think it'd be super fun on a track. But as far as balance goes, the BOSS will be best on a road course

 

Not sure how to reply to your questions either. But I'll go ahead.

Yes, I was referring to the SVT Performance Package.
The Performance Package makes a very good difference from what I have read and heard from owners.
$3500 doesn't even cover half the cost of the PP. But that's what it costs.

$3500 seems like a lot. Price out the Wheels alone then you might get a better look at what the cost could be.

 

I'm sure pricing things out separately will cost more, I just wasn't prepared to spend 55-57K for a Mustang and the Boss will cost even more. With that kind of money your are in the same price range as the cars mentioned in the C&D article. I guess I will just test drive them all GT500, M3, Lotus, Vette. I need to look more into the Porsche and see the price range on that car. Thanks for all the help and I will post my opinions on the test drives.

born550

 

The 302 Boss should not cost more than the Shelby. I'm pretty sure the Boss costs more than the GT but should be less than the Shelby. But trust me, the Boss will handle better than the M3. Heck, the 5.0 handles and performs just as good as the M3. Check out Motortrend for that comparison. Anyway, have fun test driving those amazing vehicles!!!

 

It was and proven on the track already, it's improved and considering its dynamics it holds its own and is a lot of fun. What does not make sense is there is no BMW on that list. Neither is the Viper, Camaro, or Challenger.

With the GT500 you either like it or you don't and there is no perfection with any Mustang model. There's a problem when one has to rely on a magazine's opinion to make a decision on a performance car considering magazines have biases, favorites, advertising and sales quotas to meet and stay in business so objectivity is not always observed.

 

OK, our area has an auto-mall that had Mazda, BMW, Chevy, VW and Ford dealers. So I test drove the RX-8 and Corvette GS, Z06 is out of my price range. VW GTI is out, not interested and the M3. I'm buying new so the target range is 60-65K. I took each car on the same test drive, 20 mile loop down a winding canyon road and back.

The 2011 RX-8 is the cheapest car in the list and it handle okay, the biggest disappointment was the engine, 300HP, but didn't feel like it at all and it was all downhill from there. The rest of the car was a 32K car, interior was lots of plastic etc... Check the RX-8 off the list.

Next was the 2011 M3, NICE CAR, in the price range and lots of power, insane red-line. I didn't run it all the way to 8500 but that car can run. The problem I had with the M3 is it is almost to smooth. I couldn't really feel when you are at limits and the was even less feedback than the RX-8. It felt like a luxury sports coupe, good brakes but somewhat dull and boring to drive. If your looking for a great GT, this is the car, smooth, smooth. Nice interior. Still on the list for now

Next and the last car for tonight was the 2010 Corvette GS, 430 HP, about 75 HP less than the Z06, but 15K less in price. Is in the price range. Car had nice power and handled better than any I test drove tonight. Good feedback back to the driver. I felt the car was very planted, good brakes and a great exhaust sound. The biggest disappointment was the interior, very dated. Not as soft as the M3 in regards to ride and handling. For sure on the list.

Tomorrow is the GT 500 and the Lotus, not in the auto-mall but close enough to use the same 20 mile test loop. Contacted the only Porsche dealer in these parts and waiting for a call back if they have a Spyder I can test drive.

More to come tomorrow

born550

 

There is an M3 on the list, not sure why there is no Viper, Camaro, or Challenger.

born550

 

The BMW M3 is third on the list.

 

It should be what YOU want. One thing not to forget when buyin is the "bada**-ness" of the car.

You want to be able to open your garage door and be like: my car is total bada** just LOOK at it!!

There's something to be said for havin the BEST of a certain car. The Corvette would be NOT the top of the line right? So when u see other COrvettes they might be better. WHAT other Stangs are better?GT500's the King. I can't tell you too much about the foreign cars tho altho I'm sure they're great. Just can't get too excited about them. I mean, the Stang just looks like it's ready to jump out of its stance and attack you! The others just look like nice cars.

I looked at all the cars, the Porsche I might give you a pass on. That thing looks bad! Only thing is there are other Porsche's better right? Plus, I've heard that car is for girls. If you want Porsche you get the 911. I might not be thinking of the right models though.

 

Beast,

I agree with your statement and yes the corvette would be the GS, not the Z06. I have a budget and that's the other reason that the GT-R is out as well, I heard back from the Porsche dealer and while they have no Spyder's left, the owner has one that he would let me take for a spin, with him of course. I thought that was cool of him. The dealer said that the Spyder was a limited production and that there are some still available but hard to find. So later this morning, going to drive the Lotus, Porsche and the GT500.

Regarding better Porsche's - One footnote: It's a review of the best handling cars for less than $100k. Nevertheless, they say that although the price cap ruled out the "lust worthy" GT3, GT3RS, & GT2 RS (race ready 911's), those cars "wouldn't necessarily have fared as well.". The summary calls it "quite possibly Porsche's best car currently for sale!"

So excited to drive the GT500, as well as the Lotus and Porsche. Not sure how I'm going to like the Lotus and Porsche, we will see.

born550