dawgtide

What is everyone's opinion on the '07-'09 Shelby GT500 vs a brand new GT with the 5.0 engine? I know that they are within 100hp ( and one could easily add parts to close that gap), but something draws me to the Shelby. Thoughts?

Nuke

GT500, mainly because of my preference for the 05-09 styling (not to mention that wonderful SC whine...).

parchisi

The 5.0 is a great engine with a lot of potential, and the 2010+ looks and interiors are superior, IMO. That said, the GT500 is still faster, and has a hell of a lot more potential than the 5.0. If you're drawn to the GT500, by all means, go with that.

pdonket

Do a quick search on the forum for this one. I can remember at least two instances of this exact topic coming up, usually ending up in a whole bunch of different opinions.

I'm happy driving my 5.0, and for me I just tend to feel comfortable driving a new car because i know nobody else could've flogged the hell out of it or anything like that. Personal choice though IMO.

5.0 - New technology (could be good or bad), can be cheaper if you find a good deal, styling is different, some different color options, great engine potential

GT500 - You have the title, affordable for the kind of power they make, great power potential, and a known engine platform.

Those are the things that come to mind for me

Ricardo

I say Shelby.
All around it's built to take the HP you build it for.
5.0 have to mod to catch up; once you start modding, they then have to S/C and worry about all sorts of things that come with doing so. And by then IF they did it properly, they spent more than you did.
5.0 are a dime a dozen now.
People say 5.0 has better handling because GT500 has the heavier engine...yeah well a S/C V6 mustang against my car would be the same thing; am I going to run out and get one? Nope, I just drop a few hundred into the suspension and make that argument go away.

Norse1974

if you can get a GT500 for the same price as a new 5.0 then i say take the shelby. No matter what anyone tells you, EVERY Mustang owner wishes their Stang was a Cobra!

808muscle

There is something sexy about a cobra for sure. What trans do you want? If auto get the fiveOh. Either one is a win. Nice choices. It's like picking between a blond or brunette, both whom have killer bodies and want you tonite! Winning! Lol

dawgtide

I am leaning towards the Cobra for all of the reasons stated. My only draw to the 5.0 is that was my first car as a teenager. A '86 GT. That's right, the puny year for the GT.

I am definitely looking for an extremely low mileage Cobra though to avoid the thrashing that they can take. Less than 3 or 4k miles.

onederful100

i agree and disagree.
i agree with your 1st statement, that if you can get them for the same price get the GT500.
but i disagree with your 2nd statement. I do not wish that my GT's were Cobras.
I am very proud to own and drive GT's and not Shelby's, or Cobra's.
I like that the GT is an everyday muscle car that anyone can afford, i got my 2000 for $5500 with full bolt ons, suspension, exhaust, gears, and it was in very good shape.
you wont find that deal with a Cobra.
I also enjoy modding. so making up the HP and building it myself gives me great pleasure.
and relish the thought of beating those higher priced Mustangs or any other high priced sportscar with my blue collar GT.

Riptide

The GT500 has the nicer looking rear end and the built engine. The 5.0 has been out for barely a year - there are far fewer of them on the road than the old 3v cars. We don't know how many supercharged 5.0 cars are going to hold together or not over the next few years. People think they are bullet proof when the track record just isn't there yet.

Honestly an automatic 5.0 with a roush TVS is probably going to beat the vast majority of GT500 cars at the track and on the street from a dig even with a blower swap. Yes the GT500 makes more power but the 5.0 with the TVS and an auto transmission is dominant. This has made me reconsider wanting a GT500 over a 5.0. However until Ford fixes the *** end on the new car I won't be buying one.