2010 Ford Mustang Comparison: Mustang GT vs. Mustang Shelby GT500 Part 2
Exterior
The 2010 Mustang is more of a refresh than it is a new Mustang, and while the 2010 Ford Mustang GT and the 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 both clearly reflect those changes, the GT 500 adds an aspect of functionality to the aggressive new look. The most obvious difference between these two Mustangs is the front fascia. The 2010 Mustang GT has a front end design similar to the previous generation, with two massive driving lights mounted in the flat black grille, flanking the running pony that was also redesigned for 2010. Along the bottom of the 2010 Mustang Shelby GT 500’s front fascia, there is a large cooling opening also finished in flat black, and that trim wraps around to the wheel openings. The 2010 Mustang Shelby GT 500 puts function before form, making sure that the 540 horsepower engine is kept as cool as possible.
The Mustang Shelby GT 500’s driving lights have been moved to the lower fascia area directly below the headlights, and in their absence the upper grille area features a shape that helps to funnel cool air into the engine bay. The only obstruction on the grille of the Ford Mustang GT500 is the silver Cobra badge, as the Shelby model doesn’t feature the running pony. The lower fascia area also has a design to help funnel air through the Mustang GT 500’s large front mounted intercooler, and the unique GT 500 hood contains large vents to help channel the hot air out of the engine bay. Along with channeling the air, the upper grille design offers better aerodynamics than the 2010 Mustang GT, as the Ford Shelby GT 500 grille comes to the top of the front fascia and the hood meets the back of the fascia, where the Mustang GT hood hangs out over the sunken-in grille and driving lights.
The rear end of the 2010 Mustang GT was another area of heavy redesign from the 2009 models, and the 2010 Mustang Shelby GT 500 has taken those improvements slightly further. The standard, subtle rear spoiler of the Mustang GT has been replaced by a larger spoiler on the GT 500 with an adjustable Gurney Flap to custom tune the downforce applied, as well as an integrated 3rd brake light. The large circular badge appears on both models, but the Mustang GT badge is less ornate than the GT 500 badge sporting both the Shelby and SVT logos. Finally, the flat black lower area of the 2010 Ford Mustang GT is similar to that found on the Shelby GT 500, except the Shelby models add a rear diffuser extending more towards the ground, enclosing the exhaust tips and helping to control air turbulence at high speeds.
Interior
The interior designs of the 2010 Mustang vary little between the GT and GT 500. Both Mustangs offer Ford’s SYNC system, 911 Accident Assist, the innovative MyColor system, and the Vehicle Health Report diagnostic system, as well as leather bucket seats and a range of sounds systems. The biggest differences between the Mustang GT and the Mustang Shelby GT 500 are the materials. The Mustang GT offers leather seats and trim items, but the Mustang Shelby GT 500 features higher quality leather with plush Alcantara inserts. Throughout the interior, the Mustang GT features a variety of color coded trim items, whereas the Mustang Shelby GT 500 is finished almost entirely in black with silver aluminum accents on the dash, doors, and shift console. Overall, the interior of the two vehicles are only different by means of softer material and badging.
Conclusion
The 2010 Ford Mustang GT and 2010 Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 feature a sharp new look and improved suspension systems to make the 2010 Mustang one of the best ever. The 315hp Mustang GT may seem a little underpowered, but when you consider the fact that the 540hp Mustang Shelby GT 500 costs only a bit more than the substantially less powerful Dodge Challenger SRT8 and Chevy Camaro SS, the Ford Mustang Shelby GT 500 fills the spot as the lead stallion, and the Ford Mustang GT continues to offer a bargain musclecar option.
The 315hp Mustang GT or the 540hp GT500, what is the better deal for the price? Talk about it here!