Ford Mustang GT vs C5 Corvette
I am considering a Mustang GT Convertible (5sp) vs a pre-owned C5 Corvette. The C5 would probably be a coupe with removable roof. I plan on it being a daily driver.
I live the advantages of the Mustang; new with warranty, back seat (small), price for new...... But it is not a Vette. The C5 would be, say..an 03 with low miles for very similar money.
Anyone have thoughts or experience to share????
I live the advantages of the Mustang; new with warranty, back seat (small), price for new...... But it is not a Vette. The C5 would be, say..an 03 with low miles for very similar money.
Anyone have thoughts or experience to share????
Tagged:
0
This discussion has been closed.
Comments
One test driver/editor said...
"I drove the new 2005 Corvette the same day I drove the Mustang and I like the Mustang much better. The interior is nearly perfect — the adjustable gauge colors are a nice touch."
Edmunds review highlights of the Mustang GT......
"The handling and steering feel are so impressive, in fact, that several road test editors that drove the car back-to-back with the new '05 Corvette felt that while the 'Vette is a bit faster in terms of actual performance numbers, the Mustang is actually more fun to drive.
Settle into the thickly padded and extremely supportive high-back bucket seat, adjust the leather and aluminum steering wheel to the perfect height and survey your surroundings. Two large chrome-plated bezels in the dash place the speedo and tach front and center, right where they need to be. Despite the car's high beltline and sloping rear window, visibility is still excellent, and the broad expanse of aluminum trim makes you feel like the pilot of a full-tilt racer. Twist the key and the V8 snarls to life, and oh, what a sound it is. Ford somehow managed to duplicate the rippling growl of an aftermarket exhaust system without the resonance and annoying staccato those systems are known for.
Once the car is rolling, it's an absolute blast. The steering feel is perfectly balanced and heavy enough to offer excellent feedback and confidence-inspiring control. The suspension felt nimble and tight (my note....there's no mention here of the Mustang's solid rear....just that it's "nimble and tight").
The overall design and build quality of the interior are outstanding.
The clutch pedal is smooth and light without feeling soft or numb. In fact, the clutch is so silky and easy to feel that we didn't mind driving the car in bumper-to-bumper L.A. rush-hour traffic. Now that's a strong statement. The shifter is equally excellent.
If there is such a thing as a fountain of youth, this is it. Any true American iron enthusiast will feel like they're a kid living in the glory days of the late '60s muscle car wars all over again. The best part is, the 2005 Mustang doesn't ask you to sacrifice comfort or reliability in the name of speed and style. You get top-notch handling, a roomy and stylish interior, 300 rip-snorting horsepower and loads of attitude, all for about the same price as a sensible Honda Accord."
What do you get? I'd really wonder about any reviewer that ignores the solid axle rear end and goes on to say how nimble the car is. The Vette at almost 250# lighter is no picture of grace at the track when you start to push and the only Stang's I see have Saleen or Roush modified suspensions and they still don't do much without blowers against a stock Vette. The stock Vette is a great daily driver even with the 6sp and I'm putting on many more miles than I had hoped just because I won't bother with taking something else out of the garage. FWIW
Randy
I'm still amazed that Ford didn't put a 6 speed in the new GT. That would mean a lot to me.
I've driven 4 F-bodies and believe me, I know where a live axle's limitations can be found.
Even a 3 year old Corvette will out perform a new GT, from acceleration to braking.
The GT does have a back seat.
Appearance inside and out is subjective; lately, I've had trouble differentiating the new Mustang from the old ones until I get right up on them. That is a very good thing for one who liked the old Mustang's styling.
Hey, I bought a 2003 Z06 in August of 2003 and it's a wonderful car, what can I say. I'll bet a used one could be found for $30K - $38K. In this comparison, you get more when you pay more. Good luck
Now, I have an 05 Mustang. For my daily driving and getting rowdy on the streets (not racing), the Stang is 90-95% of the Vette. I don't have to worry about breaking it. It will be much cheaper to fix. Frankly, the solid rear axle is a blast, again I don't have to worry about breaking it. Note that most of my concern is with the amount of damage that the roads around here do to the car. This is why I drove an SUV exclusively for two years after getting rid of the Vette. I just couldn't stand not standing on it for so long. Had to have something fast.
I'd say that your main concerns are:
1. Do the roads where you live tend to destroy the car?
2. Do you routinely have to enter a driveway that is steep?
3. Do you want to take more than one passenger with you?
4. Is your reason to get this car, NOT to go racing at the racetrack?
If the answer to any ONE of these questions yes, then get the Mustang. If you
can honestly say no to all of these questions, then get the Vette.
I think the previous post pointed out that if you intend to track your car, a used C5 made more sense than a new Mustang. That isn't the issue. And he also used to have a C5 and pointed out that for day to day use, the Mustang made more sense for him.
BTW - my cousin vintage races a '66 Shelby GT350 (you know, tinny little 289, solid rear axle, drum rear brakes, squirrelly little 60-series tires on 15" rims) and regularly beats Z06's on open track days at Texas World Speedway. They don't like it. And he's also beaten numerous vintage 'vettes (including one running a dry-sump 454).
Hey Houstonsmaug, I hear you about bad roads. I have to travel on about .5 miles of dirt road going to my house. There are a lot of rocks on this road too. The Corvette is very low to the ground and one day I took my eyes off the road, hit a big rock, and put a hole in the Corvette's oil pan. $1500 later all was well. That was 2 years ago. I'm just very careful now. The Mustang wouldn't be as susceptible to this kind of thing. However, on paved roads, I don't see the Corvette as being any more susceptible to road damage than the Mustang if one can deal with the "low to ground" factor.
Entering my garage is also an issue as there are steel hooks on the bottom of the frame that hit the concrete. The sound is awful, but the only damage being done is to the concrete, which has scratches where the hooks scrape. I have decided that for me, the performance I get from the Z06 far, far outweighs those issues I just described. I know ADG1 is not necessarily looking for a Z06, but my experience can certainly be a data point.
Also, rorr, I have to assume that the GT500 that is beating up on the Z06s in Texas is not stock, right? I'm just wondering what the performance of a non stock GT500 from the 1960s has to do with this car choice.
Stock? Well, it's not a stock '66 Mustang. It's not even a stock '66 Shelby GT350H. It is equipped to compete in Vintage events and so it is limited to whatever was 'legal' for SCCA B Production in 1966. The guy who runs the restoration shop where the car was built has nearly 40-years worth of racing experience with Shelbys (Walt Hane; he drove FOR Shelby in the '67 Trans-Am season).
What does this have to do with this discussion? Not a thing. Just trying to point out that a properly set up a 'tinny' Ford small-block, solid rear end, and 40-year old technology can beat some of the best current street cars, including a Z06.
Does this mean that a new '05 Mustang will keep up with a Z06 (or even a base C5) on the track? Uh, no. No way. But, UNLESS YOU INTEND TO RACE, the Mustang has more than enough performance for public streets. Is the Corvette quicker in a straight line? Sure. Is it faster on a road course? You betcha. Does that mean it is more entertaining on the street? I can't answer that; I've never driven a C5.
But I CAN tell you this: my cousin who vintage races his '66 GT350 also has a C5 M6 (actually - it's his wife's car; he usually drives a full size F350 pickup). He recently bought a Mini Cooper S for his daily driver and has told me, numerous times, that the Cooper is MORE FUN to drive on the street than his wifes C5.
Haven't you heard the expression that it can be more fun to drive a slow car fast, than a fast car slow? The Mustang is by no means 'slow' but just because the C5 may be 'faster' doesn't automatically make it more fun.
1. Shortly after buying the Vette, I was driving in the right lane of Kirby, a well-used paved road. I found a car-swallowing pothole. It bent the right rear rim and broke the speed sensor for that wheel. The Vette immediately went into "SAFE" mode. In this mode, the car wouldn't go over 30 MPH and couldn't even get out of its own way at a stop light. Fortunately, this was at 2am and I only had to endure about ten different drivers honking at me as I limped home. Disconnecting the computer for a few minutes reset it to drive. I had the sensor replaced a few months later.
2. A week before I got rid of the Vette, I was driving east on I-20 at Monroe LA, For some reason, all the other cars were getting into the right lane, I didn't know why until I got airborne. Needless to say, as soon as I got home, I went straight to the dealer and got them started on fixing it. I don't know what it turned out to be, because that was when my wife said I could get rid of the car.
As to the relative possibilty of damage to the Mustang. The only thing I can offer is that the tires are taller and offer a greater distance between rim and ground.
For me, the freedom of worry significantly enhances the fun-to-drive factor.
Another factor that has brought a smile to my face in the last few weeks is that the traction control on the Mustang allows you to get silly without stamping out all the fun. Since I rarely *plan* to get silly (I kinda figure that's the same as saying "Hey Yall, Watch This", the famous last words of a Redneck), I usually forget to turn off the traction control. On the Vette, the fun would be shut down at the first sign of slippage. I once did a full-tilt burnout without turning off the TCS in the Mustang. All was fine.
I also figure that clutches for the Mustang are cheaper too.
Here are my current thoughts.......
I really didn't think about the road condition thing, but I live in the suburbs of Chicago and the winter is hell on the roads. Lot's of surface damage to the pavement that takes all summer (and then some) to fix. I suspect the Vette would have similar problems as Houstonsmaug's from time to to me.
I also am concerned about the "sophisticated" computer system of the Vette. Two cars that I test drove at dealerships had warning readings of one type or another and I experienced the limit of the speed of the car. I could not get it over 20! Cars behind me, beside me, going through intersections....thought I was going to get hit!
I realize that the dealers would fix them, but I do worry that they are a bit sensitive to small problems.
I also would like to own a convertible. I have never had one and have always wanted to. If I buy a Vette, I will need to get a coupe with removable roof. A vert would be out of budget or too old for my taste. This will be a daily driver in the Chicago area and I don't want to purchase a 5 year old car as my "new" car. The coupe with the roof off is nice, but no convertible. Also, removing it and stowing it is not that easy, and I don't think I would do it all the time for short rides.
The Mustang vert operates with two latches and the press of a button. Nice. Add to that the fact that it would be brand new, warranty and all.
Also, the back seat is a very nice to have item. I will have three cars, will shortly have a teenage driver, so it is not absolutely necessary. However, it would be nice to take the family on drives in the vert.
No plans for the track, just daily driving and cruising for fun.
Do I sound like I have made my decision??
One thing though.....the Mustang is no Corvette. But....it might be just as much fun and have some practical considerations that make it the winner.
I think as a daily driver, the Mustang would win out.
I came mighty close to buying a 'vette a few months ago, though. It was always a car I had wanted since my teen years. As I'm 40ish, the luster of the 'vette faded, though.
No regrets at all with the Mustang as it's just plain fun. It's about 95% of 'vette performance yet much more liveable on a daily basis.
The vette is not a family car and neither is a mustang. But, do you ride a HONDA or do you ride a HARLEY. They both feel good, but what kind of MAN wants to be seen on a HONDA.
By the way, traffic driving is having a QUICK car (0 to 60 in 4 sec or less) not one that tops out at 200 mph... who cares on the street, you hardley ever go that fast anyway.
Have fun and B safe....
my car new was barely over 40k. i love it. its not my daily car but i drive it quite a bit and the gas milage is great. buy the vette
Didn't Adg1 already decide to buy the Mustang. I'm sure he'll enjoy his new car.
Randy
I didn't mean to criticize Corvette owners. I was just under the impression that it was always killing your power except under extremely hard (race-like) acceleration. The review I read made it sound like a driver's nightmare. Sorry you've had to respond to the same question so many times - if it is any consolation, you have reignited my interest in the Corvette. Thank you for replying.
BTW, top speed is in 5th gear, 6th is so low that that the car won't hold speed against the wind.
Randy
Agreed about the magazines and GM. Maybe it's just the price you pay for being #1 - every move is criticized. I can't say that my GM product has been a disappointment. 10 years, 1 battery and 1 exhaust replaced (72,000 miles - lots of city). The car professionals and general consensus make it seem like this is impossible. I should have known better than to take those, clearly exaggerated, opinions seriously.
I love the '05 'vette. That said, I love my '05 Mustang GT as much or more.
If you want a fiberglass coupe, then there is no other choice. It's the 'vette.
If you want a good looking, high performance, well put together muscle car, then the choice is the Mustang. There's nothing in between unless you want to get into the 350Zs, RX8s, Audi TTs, etc.
Our daughter, out of college, got her own 2000 Mustang GT, Lazer Red with tan top and interior and I actually loved to drive it. With Flow Masters the common comment to me, was, 'is yours running'? The neighbors didn't think it was an issue so it was always nice when we heard her about a block away. Great sound, I grew up a Ford guy and then went to the dark side.
Also having the one kid out of school and only two of us at home getting a two seater made great good sense. Did I mention it gets good mileage.
Please note, the wife now has her 2004 to go with my 2002 and we love corrupting all the local kids who see mostly MB and BMW around the neighborhood.
Loren
You forgot the GTO on that list which is actually just as cheap as the Mustang Dollar per horsepower. Both about $83 per horsepower. 350z, RX8, Audi TT are NOT musclecars. Real musclecars have a V8 engine.
So, for '05s and at least part of '06, used ones on the new platform should hold their value very well.
I almost jumped on an '04 'vette towards the end of last year because they could be had for under $40K. But, I'm just as happy with the Mustang.
Never pay MSRP for a car and never will. Wait for the 2nd or 3rd year when popularity drops and prices drop/incentives increase and the bugs of a 1st yr are worked out. But you are right, to each their own!
I think because the Mustang GT is such a good car for such a good price, for that reason alone, you may not see much in the way of discounting in the foreseeable future. There's just no need since it offers so much at MSRP.
My current "to the airport and back....hauling duties" car is a Vibe. I'm looking at a Scion Xb for no other reason that it gives me even more hauling capabilities and good MPG, that I might trade the Vibe for one.....AT MSRP, since it's such a good deal at that price.
'04 'vettes were screaming bargains at under $40K last year. I think even at $45K+ for the '05s, is a good deal. The Mustang GT fits into the same category. You just can't find that blend of performance, utility, style, ride, handling, build at anywhere near it's price. That's why they've been selling so tremendously.
2005 Mustang GT will drop about 50% retail in the next 3 to 5 yrs like typical American cars. Sorry but, Consumer reports like me found it's interior to be cheap hard plastics-cheapness, that is why it starts at $19k. Esp that hard plastic flat interior. Have the 2005 GTO, interior/seats much nicer just as Car and Driver found them over the Mustang.
The sticker price of the Mustang GT is the same as the G6 GT in Pontiac's lineup. Granted they aren't for the same market at all - but which is going to be viewed as a better deal? Roughly 100 more hp, a manual transmission, rear wheel drive, heritage, and about the same gas mileage as the G6 make the Mustang appear to be a steal. The MSRP is fair enough that discounts shouldn't be necessary for a while. If there are incentives by the 5th year, which is definitely within the realm of possibility, the car should be due for a redesign by that point (or shortly after) anyway.
Sorry to me its an open and shut case. While the Mustang is a nice looking car with some decent numbers (for the GT), the Corvette is a legend.
Randy
I am considering a Mustang GT Convertible (5sp) vs a pre-owned C5 Corvette. The C5 would probably be a coupe with removable roof. I plan on it being a daily driver.
I live the advantages of the Mustang; new with warranty, back seat (small), price for new...... But it is not a Vette. The C5 would be, say..an 03 with low miles for very similar money.
Anyone have thoughts or experience to share???? "
--end quote--
Back to the original question of use as a daily driver. The Mustang will sit higher, and thus better in traffic. Cost of repairs lower with the Stang. And he would have a warranty. What he needs to add though is a roll bar, and that can be a hassle and costly to get one done right. As for the track or on the road, the Corvette wins every time. Heck a Camaro SS would win too. He could buy a used one. The Corvette is an icon, and they have lots of Vette Clubs, which is cool. It is not a simple car come time for repairs. You can buy cheaper tires than original, and save money, but some insist on those very expensive ones. Best looks goes to the Corvette. The Camaro is also a good looker. That long hood, which you can not see from the drivers seat, is a little strange, but the car in any form, including the 3.8 V6 was a good performer. We are talking street and not race track, so HP difference doesn't mean all that much except at the gas pump. Sound wise, the Mustang sounds the best in a V8, then the Corvette, and the V6 Mustang is not as bad a sound as in the past. The Mustangs seem to have a gas fueling problem in the '05, so buyer beware. Some had front end problems too. As for drop top??? I have a Miata, with a roll bar, and it is fun and energizing to the spirit to drive top down on good weather days. That said, there are the obvious drawbacks to convertible. They can over time develop water leaks, they can wear out, they are less secure ( more tempting to vandals ), you can bake inside without sunscreen on, and it requires cleaners and treatments. You may also find the car will have cowl shake, and it will weight more. Cost is also higher. For those reasons, they should make a hardtop Solestic. If you wait a few months, maybe you could get a Solstice? Remember the roll bar.
Loren
-end quote-
Whoa, slow down and let's analyze what you are saying one line at a time here.
The Mustang was always slower than the Camaro and Trans Am. And you can buy a used Camaro SS with more HP from years gone bye, say 2000 or around that period.
The handling is better on Camaro as a match to any year Mustang one on one. The Mustang has a higher seating position which was prefered for driving around town. That is one of the reasons it sold more. Ford backed the Mustang whereas GM left Camaro down. Back to original question of buying a used Corvette - NOT a new one, so he is not paying $45K. Actually, if someone had $40K they could have bought a Corvette last year as a closeout. A solid rear axle, other than for drag racing, is not as good as independant suspension. That is just a fact of life. The hottest setup is with double wishbone front and back. While a Celica has FWD and MacPherson front, they did put double wishbone in the rear, and I will tell ya now, it is goind to outhandle Mustangs. Give a rough road, solid axles skip along and thus you can just dance off the road. I am not saying that you can not have fun with solid axle cars, and go out an wag some tail out of turns and such, but it is not really better or safer than independant. Try driving a Miata, then do the same run in a Stang, and you will feel the difference. For an everyday driver, the Mustang is better than the Miata, or say the Corvette in some ways. You sit higher, the cost of repair may be lower, and it is still fun to drive. Just don't push it like a Vette. As for a steal, my guess is that an '87 Corvette at around $7K+ with low miles would be a steal, or a Mustang GT or V6 between '98 and 2004 is a steal. As for the 2005, I would wait for problems to be worked out, and prices to fall. In about two years time, both will occure. I ownd a '65 and a '85 Stang. The '85 was a 4 banger, which was good on gas mileage and poor on performance, including cornering. The next car I bought was an Olds 98 Regency, which was much better at cornering. Freeway ride of both were good, to better than average. On hard cornering the Mustang of '85 would sometimes cut out on fuel going in. The Camaro, of the same year, would corner much better, trust me. Another idea for the person possibly wanting the Corvette is to go with the 1997 or 1998 year and save some money. As for convertible as a daily drive - NOT recommended.
:shades:
Loren
I live the advantages of the Mustang; new with warranty, back seat (small), price for new...... But it is not a Vette. The C5 would be, say..an 03 with low miles for very similar money.
Anyone have thoughts or experience to share????
I was in the similar situation 2 months ago, I wanted a newer car to replace my 3000 GT VR4. It would be my daily driver during the "summer" here in Rochester. NY, so unless there is snow it gets driven. I had my selection down to an 05 Stang, used STI, or used EVO all in the 25-28K range. However I walked next door at the Chevy dealership to look around after a disappointing drive in the Stang, which in my opinion (and on paper for that matter) was dominated on both the performance and driving fun factor by the other two turbo 4cyl. This is where I met my "SR-71", a 2000 Targa C5 with 11K on the odo. One drive and it was OVER I walked out the door for 25,200 before my down payment. Between drives to school and work have put 3 thousand on it since (not to mention headers, cams exhaust......hence the ULOSN2ME plates) Is there drawbacks? Sure, the car is "selfish" as it gets! Other than being a blast to drive it's is not functional at all (of course I don't mind this at all.) I have to pull out my truck to go to Home Depot for anything, nothing extra really fits, heck if somebody is sitting shotgun whatever else you have/they bring in the car is going in the under hatch compartment! Furthermore I made several runs on the track (and street) when she was stock in comparison to the Stang there is....None. Perhaps your looking for more in a car than just the ability to "fly" while getting 22+ MPG pressing the right foot down frequently...... (more is attainable another local Vette guy pulls 30ish all the time, just gotta lay off the throttle....) For me it is a perfect match. But were all different, thus the huge selection of cars out there. Nothing like the Vette GRIN!
I can see someone liking both and considering both - but there is no comparison to be made between the two.
You write "The Mustangs seem to have a gas fuelling problem in the '05". Please be so kind as to outline the nature of this.
We have shipped a unit overseas and now the trade/client is reporting: fuel injection
system has malfunctioned and caused the engine to seize - too much fuel has been pumped into number 6 cylinder.
If there are any known problems it would be very helpful for me to know.
Thanks and regards DRT
If there are any such known problems it would be very helpful for me to advised.
Your clients description of excess fuel in the cylinder causing engine seizure sounds very suspect. You might want to dig a little deeper to find out what really happened.