Long term would you rather…GT350 vs GT500

[RedTetsu13]

So at the time of me coming back to this thread, vote is spread 50/50 (literally 50 votes GT350, 50 votes GT500), which I was kind of surprised about.

My final thoughts on this subject are as follows:
assuming I was the one that owned the car from 0-100k and I was the one to do the maintenance, I opted for voting for the GT350, (assuming it isn't the R variant). Just based on how I've grown as a car enthusiast, I just value the GT350 experience more vs the GT500. Simple as that.

I've spoken to a few GT350 owners in the area and based on their experiences I treat most of the engine issues with the 5.2 more like user error (similar to the Wankel Rotaries from Mazda rip RX-7 & RX-8's that died for no reason because people didn't know how to maintain them). Probably extremely biased but at the end of the day, its my opinion so it will probably be biased either way lol.

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[ice445]

As much as I love manual, if this was my only car I'd settle for that DCT. Plus the predator engine will run forever based on past gt500's

 

[Tomster]

Two different cars. It depends on which one you want. It's that simple.

Holy analysis paralysis batman

 

[Hack]

I can't own/drive a car long term with an automatic. I also prefer to stay away from forced induction. From everything I've seen and read, the GT500 is great, and I understand why people love the car. However, it's just not for me.

 

[Inthehighdesert]

Curious, have you driven one? Forced induction these days is very different then it was not to long ago. The 500 with the dct is integrated on a whole other level. Completely get the manual desire.

I can't own/drive a car long term with an automatic. I also prefer to stay away from forced induction. From everything I've seen and read, the GT500 is great, and I understand why people love the car. However, it's just not for me.

 

[PP0001]

Curious, have you driven one? Forced induction these days is very different then it was not to long ago. The 500 with the dct is integrated on a whole other level. Completely get the manual desire.

I think most of us agree when it comes to long term ownership for a GT350 or a GT500 with respect to engine reliability the nod goes to the 3rd Gen GT500 model.

When it comes to the many likes or dislikes surrounding these 2 very different Shelby Mustang models such as engine design, transmission preference, exterior body design, exhaust note, overall driving experience, those aspects are all subjective and allows us enthusiasts to choose to own one or both of these outstanding Mustang models based on our preferences.

A couple of other aspects that might be considered when it comes to long term ownership would be the number of model years, total production numbers and the value for each Shelby Mustang model many years down the road?

As we know the 3rd Gen GT500 model had half the total number of model years V the most recent GT350 model which amounted to just over 10,000 less GT500 models being produced than its little brother the GT350.

Having said that I found it interesting that the FRAP produced almost 500 more 2-seat GT500 CFTP examples V the GT350R model which obviously benefited more availability for those enthusiasts that prefer the GT500 model.

I have always had a passion for 2-seat Mustang models starting way back with the 1st Gen GT350, 2000 Cobra R, 2012 Boss 302 Laguna Seca, recent GT350R models and of course the awesome GT500 CFTP model and have been fortunate to have either owned or have had seat time in them all.

For me a perfect scenario would be to have owned both a GT350 and a GT500 two seat model like some of you but for those not in that position, how good is it that Ford built these two totally different Shelby Mustang models which allows us to choose the one model that fits us best!

 

[RJ787]

Most of us won't even go past 50k miles on either model, let alone 100k. I voted GT350(R) for the engagement of the manual, lighter overall weight and of course, the Voodoo engine/noise. The GT500 is objectively better in every other metric, though.

 

[RJ787]

The answer is have one of each. GT350R and GT500 CFTP.

You have 1 of each, but 2 GT350R's lol.

 

[Tomster]

2 GT350R's lol.

One electronics and one base. Completely different cars IMHO.

 

[wingnutt]

Most of us won't even go past 50k miles on either model, let alone 100k. I voted GT350(R) for the engagement of the manual, lighter overall weight and of course, the Voodoo engine/noise. The GT500 is objectively better in every other metric, though.

that’s a fair assessment

 

[GT30fan]

Lol, not even close in the context of GT500 vs GT350 and engine durability. The OP of this very thread even posted a thread on in the GT350 forum regarding engine concerns.

https://www.mustang6g.com/forums/threads/questioning-gen-2-voodoo-reliability.195529/

Not only have GT350 engines been failing at what most here would consider unacceptable rates but it has already become difficult to source replacement engines.

GT350 was fun, I had one too. But we have witnessed way too many engine failures, and most of these are low mileage engines. One of the most relevant indicators, looking at the service records for FPRS' GT350's and the GT500's from their fleet. GT500 powertrain looks to be far more robust, especially when under duress.

Keep away from fast women and exotic cars. The safe safer route is always the funner route

 

[Hack]

Curious, have you driven one? Forced induction these days is very different then it was not to long ago. The 500 with the dct is integrated on a whole other level. Completely get the manual desire.

No I have not. I don't think I've ever even seen one. Higher dollar cars are exceedingly rare around here. There are millions of expensive pickups, though.

As you know, I've chosen a GT for the moment over longer term ownership of a GT350. It's a better choice for me. Cheaper consumables and I'm not winning prizes with a car.

 

[dpAtlanta]

I didn’t miss the manual in that drive at all and I can’t believe I’m saying that.

Depending on your vehicular personality, missing the manual can be temporary.

I bought a Cayman with the PDK in 2017. I put 18,000 miles on it in 2 1/2 years. I brought the GT350 home in August of 2019. The Shelby has 51,200 miles on it as I type... the Cayman has 21,000 miles as of today. The PDK is supposed to be the benchmark for all of the DCT's out there... it just gets boring when you have the choice of manual or auto to me... and that's to me!

 

[wingnutt]

The safe safer route is always the funner route

au contraire mon frere

 

[RJ787]

that’s a fair assessment

You and few others are the exception lol. Saw you’re almost at 60k, that’s awesome. I’m rooting for ya to reach 100k

Edit: you and @dpAtlanta, others too

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