GT500 compared to Corvette C6

tdappleman · 05-31-2006, 06:23 PM

I received my new issue of Car and Driver and they compare the GT500 to a C6. Interesting article - I'm surprised the GT500 didn't fare better given the amount of items changed/modifed from a GT. One item mentioned is a Launch Control - basically leave TC on and launch at ~3200 RPM's. They said it worked great, but were able to get better times with it off. Is this new? I've not heard of this feature being part of a regular GT - even looked through the Owner's Manual to make sure I didn't miss something. Any ideas?

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jdback19 · 05-31-2006, 06:30 PM

HMMM??? Car and Driver leaned more towards the C6 z06? Those guys usually get all pumped up when ford comes out with something new?

05SonicBlue · 05-31-2006, 06:30 PM

I don't know about launch control in the GT500, but it does have a shift light: "SHELBY" flashes on the dash at any rpm you set, according to HRM.

I went shopping for a C6 two weeks ago, but just didn't love it, so passed. Cramped interior, kind of blah exterior, funny looking sloped back window, and every car on the lot had the luxury upgrade package that took MSRP up to $51K; no thanks. If I can get a GT500 at list, I'll do it, but that's a big *if* i think.

tdappleman · 05-31-2006, 10:36 PM

Actually it wasn't a Z06 - it was a normal C6 with the Z51 option (plus a few other non-performance options). The Mustang was rated lower for heavy curb weight, bad understeer due to all of the weight in the nose and "boy-racer stripes". The GT500 is 175lbs heavier up front than a GT and 321lbs more total than a GT - and 616lbs heavier than a C6. They said the last SVT only cost $35k and was just as quick. I think I agree with a lot of what they say since a lot of folks on this forum are exceeding the GT500 performance numbers for a lot less money. It does have a programmable shift lift with an audible chirp as well. I guess it doesn't get you the Shelby name, but I'm not sure I care....

Their performance tests led to the following:

GT500 - C6
0-60 - 4.5 - 4.3
0-100 - 10.3 - 9.9
1/4 - 12.8 @113 - 12.9@112
70-0 - 161ft - 172ft
120-0 - 462ft - 485ft

classj · 05-31-2006, 10:58 PM

The GT500 really disapointed me. I definatly am not sitting here wanting one. A GT with a supercharger can be right with or faster than a gt-500. And I have seen NA guys here run 12.8.

While I would rather have my GT than a corvette C6. (I test drove both, the corvette was faster and sharper but didnt push the right buttons for me). I would rather have a standard C6 over a gt500 every time out of 10. To me, for the money the GT is spot on perfect. The GT500 misses the mark in terms of performance and weight.

Dumpweed · 05-31-2006, 11:27 PM

I like the C6, if i could afford it, I would be all over it, BUT seeing as a C6 with the Z51 package would be around $46K (think it said that in the C&D). The GT500, while awesome (love the "boy racer" stripes), it would seem more in line with a mid 30's car like the last Cobra, maybe a litte more. but seeing as base is around 41K (???), and the fact that picking one up for around that would be impossible, i dont see how if you want something for performance, the C6 has the bang for the buck...

Slink · 05-31-2006, 11:42 PM

I recently read the same article and came away with the feeling that the GT500 wasn't running to its full potential. Based on lbs/hp, the GT 500 had less and still ran the quarter slower than the Vette. Also in the same issue there is a BMW with 500 hp and less torque than the GT 500 and their weights are almost identical. The BMW runs the quarter in the low 12's.

cortc · 06-01-2006, 03:32 AM

I agree...

If you take a GT up to 475 RWHP with a super charger and put on a decent suspension and brakes you will be faster and handle better than the GT500 that engine and six speed add alot of weight... Now with that said, that 5.4 liter iron block with forged internals can probably take a bit more horespower than ours... I bet that engine can take 750HP all day long...

cortc · 06-01-2006, 03:36 AM

If you wait 6-9 months you will be able to get one at MSRP, next year you will be able to negotiate... They are making 9,000 each year just for the US, that is not a limited number...

Quote:

ORIGINAL: tdappleman

Actually it wasn't a Z06 - it was a normal C6 with the Z51 option (plus a few other non-performance options). The Mustang was rated lower for heavy curb weight, bad understeer due to all of the weight in the nose and "boy-racer stripes". The GT500 is 175lbs heavier up front than a GT and 321lbs more total than a GT - and 616lbs heavier than a C6. They said the last SVT only cost $35k and was just as quick. I think I agree with a lot of what they say since a lot of folks on this forum are exceeding the GT500 performance numbers for a lot less money. It does have a programmable shift lift with an audible chirp as well. I guess it doesn't get you the Shelby name, but I'm not sure I care....

Their performance tests led to the following:

GT500 - C6
0-60 - 4.5 - 4.3
0-100 - 10.3 - 9.9
1/4 - 12.8 @113 - 12.9@112
70-0 - 161ft - 172ft
120-0 - 462ft - 485ft

Philostang · 06-01-2006, 10:39 AM

I have to agree, the GT500 was a big disappointment for me. I don't care for the styling (the "big-mouth bass" nose job is over done), and with an MSRP in the low $40K range (forget about what they're fetching right now), it's overpriced. I'd go for the C6 Corvette if I had that kind of money and was shopping for a $40K-$50K car.

As for performance, I'm not impressed either, and I don't see all the "changes/upgrades" to the GT. Aside from an ugly (my opinion) interior which loses the aluminum dash, you basically get the engine, trans, and brakes. The suspension was merely "tweaked" not seriously altered as in the previous gen Cobra, and the engine output can be easily matched w/a blower on our engines--and you don't tack on as much extra weight up front. Honestly, the 6-speed tranny is the sexiest thing about the car for me. Otherwise, put less money into your GT (than the difference you'd pay for the Cobra), and beat the snot out of every new Shelby-Cobra you come across.

As far as "greater potential" in the Cobra's block, sure you get that, but it will take more money to access it. So now we're upping the total cost of an already overpriced car. I'm just not willing to pay an extra $20 for the "Levis" name or the "Shelby" badge or any other label. But if that sort of thing matters to you, go for it--you'll get more name recognition with the Shelby than with the C6.

Best,
-j