Comparisons between GT350 and GT with PP

[baege]

So back on the contemplation of a move to a s550

I like manual transmission, torque at low rpms, great throttle response, normal aspiration, compact size, good visibility, refinement and precision, great sound and decent handling and ride.

My recent history is Z4 coupe 3.0si to 14 Cayman S to 2015 C7 back to 2016 Cayman S.

The C7 fell short on the throttle response, compact size and refinement and precision fronts (I sold it after 3 weeks)

I still like my cayman but truth is it doesn’t stir me like it used to. I need a new fix.

When I look out there and my criteria above, there is really not much out there. Manuals are a dying breed, and everything is going turbo.

I tried an f type coupe last summer but it didn’t have the throttle response and just didn’t stir me like my cayman did when I first drove it.

The GT350 has been my radar for a while, but I vowed to never buy a car without driving it for a good test drive after my c7 experience (only had a 10 minute test drive around the block) and driving a GT350 seemed out of the question until recently.

But now it does seem possible to drive one and I plan to. But I am also intrigued by the GT with performance package.

I wondered how many cross shopped the 2 or came from the GT pp to the GT350. I do wonder if maybe given my love of low end torque (I am not one who loves to rev cars and frankly in the city I live in I almost never get to take my cayman about 5000 rpm in any gear other than first) that the GT might be the better option for me? I will never track the car and drive mostly in the city.

It would be great to hear from people with relevant experience.:cheers:

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[Voodooo]

So back on the contemplation of a move to a s550

I like manual transmission, torque at low rpms, great throttle response, normal aspiration, compact size, good visibility, refinement and precision, great sound and decent handling and ride.

My recent history is Z4 coupe 3.0si to 14 Cayman S to 2015 C7 back to 2016 Cayman S.

The C7 fell short on the throttle response, compact size and refinement and precision fronts (I sold it after 3 weeks)

I still like my cayman but truth is it doesn’t stir me like it used to. I need a new fix.

When I look out there and my criteria above, there is really not much out there. Manuals are a dying breed, and everything is going turbo.

I tried an f type coupe last summer but it didn’t have the throttle response and just didn’t stir me like my cayman did when I first drove it.

The GT350 has been my radar for a while, but I vowed to never buy a car without driving it for a good test drive after my c7 experience (only had a 10 minute test drive around the block) and driving a GT350 seemed out of the question until recently.

But now it does seem possible to drive one and I plan to. But I am also intrigued by the GT with performance package.

I wondered how many cross shopped the 2 or came from the GT pp to the GT350. I do wonder if maybe given my love of low end torque (I am not one who loves to rev cars and frankly in the city I live in I almost never get to take my cayman about 5000 rpm in any gear other than first) that the GT might be the better option for me? I will never track the car and drive mostly in the city.

It would be great to hear from people with relevant experience.:cheers:

If you want low RPM torque forget the GT350 flat plane engine. It's sole purpose is high RPM. I can't tell you how many times I try explaining this to people. The 5.2 flat plane crank (FPL) is a RPM monster that pulls all the way to red line. What it's not is a low RPM torque monster. I advise you to still drive one if you are able because it may just change your mind and open your sights to a whole new world.
Yes, it's that awesome!

Outside of the engine performance the GT350 has it all, handling, brakes, suspension, sound, looks, uniqueness, oh and the sound!

 

[krt22]

Honestly the low end torque delta is negligible IMO, and both will be significantly higher than your cayman. The real difference will be in throttle response, the GT350 revs much quicker.

My 2012 had the same motor as a S550 with less heft and it felt lethargic compared to the GT350 (when driven back to back)

 

[nastang87xx]

The throttle response between the GT and the GT350 is night and day. I don't understand why...but wow. Foot down, HOLD ON.

 

[Mspeedster]

If you felt the C7 fell short on having a compact size, the GT350's size and weight may not be a fit for you. But it wears its weight very well. When driving it standalone, it's size or weight never bothers me. But if I jump into my 911 immediately after the GT350, the size and weight difference is quite obvious.

I always found myself preferring light weight nimble vehicles, but the GT350 is the exception to that rule. It's just so much fun to drive!

 

[TRAC WPN]

So back on the contemplation of a move to a s550

I like manual transmission, torque at low rpms, great throttle response, normal aspiration, compact size, good visibility, refinement and precision, great sound and decent handling and ride.

My recent history is Z4 coupe 3.0si to 14 Cayman S to 2015 C7 back to 2016 Cayman S.

The C7 fell short on the throttle response, compact size and refinement and precision fronts (I sold it after 3 weeks)

I still like my cayman but truth is it doesn’t stir me like it used to. I need a new fix.

When I look out there and my criteria above, there is really not much out there. Manuals are a dying breed, and everything is going turbo.

I tried an f type coupe last summer but it didn’t have the throttle response and just didn’t stir me like my cayman did when I first drove it.

The GT350 has been my radar for a while, but I vowed to never buy a car without driving it for a good test drive after my c7 experience (only had a 10 minute test drive around the block) and driving a GT350 seemed out of the question until recently.

But now it does seem possible to drive one and I plan to. But I am also intrigued by the GT with performance package.

I wondered how many cross shopped the 2 or came from the GT pp to the GT350. I do wonder if maybe given my love of low end torque (I am not one who loves to rev cars and frankly in the city I live in I almost never get to take my cayman about 5000 rpm in any gear other than first) that the GT might be the better option for me? I will never track the car and drive mostly in the city.

It would be great to hear from people with relevant experience.:cheers:

I didn't cross shopped the Gt350 and the GT, it was the 350 or nothing, no regrets

 

[dron_jones]

i feel like i'm having deja vu

 

[TheDeadCow]

I test drove the GT because I couldn't get one with the GT350, so yeah I cross shopped the two. Based off that test drive I ordered the GT350 without ever seeing it with my own eyes. If I hadn't found an MSRP deal I probably would have ended up with a GT.

Judging by your criteria for a car, I think the mustang might be a little large for your taste. I'd say go take a test drive in a GT and if you like it then go hunt for a GT350.

 

[Voodooo]

i feel like i'm having deja vu

Exactly
I never understand why people start two of the same threads thinking they will get different results.
First of all the cayman is NOT a torque machine he's claiming it is.
Second he's confused and the type of person that's never happy no matter what he gets.
Annoying.

If you want small
Light weight
Good visibility
Low rpm with low end torque
I found the perfect car for you.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/26/video-whos-got-a-300-horsepower-ford-festiva-shogun-jay-leno/

 

[rfcs550]

I owned a 2015 GT PP. Now own a 2016 GT350 track pak.

No comparison betw both cars except for the price differences, similar looks and body paint colors.

The magnaride dampers and lower suspension in the 350 provide more stable and tight handling when cornering than the GT. As to the engines, you approach max. torque in the 5.0 at a lower rpm than the 5.2 that does not wake up until you reach 4500 rpm's. Did I mention the intoxicating sound of the voodoo?

Buy the 350 if you can afford it but the GT is a better and more affordable daily driver.

 

[El Diablo]

I traded my 15 GT PP for the GT350.

The 350 feels like an entirely different animal compared to the stock PP GT. There is no question the GT350 feels more performance orientated in comparison. It's a different kind of feel with the FPC engine. The car pulls and pulls with a 8200 RPM. The car sounds like pure evil.
But it isn't a low end torque monster.

The 350 is really more about the sum of it's abilities rather than any specific one.

It's just more beastly in every way compared to the GT. Then there is the iconic Shelby name.

The car just has a completely different vibe than a GT or any other car on the road. and that's what I love about this car.


Regardless of GT or GT350 I would see if you like the s550 platform and it's one you can live with. Then choose your platform. IMO you can't go wrong with either but if you can swing the 350 I would take it over a GT.

Good Luck.

 

[Tank]

It's just so much fun to drive!

+1:amen::cheers:

 

[Tank]

If you want small
Light weight
Good visibility
Low rpm with low end torque
I found the perfect car for you.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/08/26/video-whos-got-a-300-horsepower-ford-festiva-shogun-jay-leno/

:lol:

 

[Hack]

So back on the contemplation of a move to a s550

I like manual transmission, torque at low rpms, great throttle response, normal aspiration, compact size, good visibility, refinement and precision, great sound and decent handling and ride.

My recent history is Z4 coupe 3.0si to 14 Cayman S to 2015 C7 back to 2016 Cayman S.

The C7 fell short on the throttle response, compact size and refinement and precision fronts (I sold it after 3 weeks)

I tried an f type coupe last summer but it didn’t have the throttle response and just didn’t stir me like my cayman did when I first drove it.

I will never track the car and drive mostly in the city.

Cayman isn't torquey at low RPMs and the C7 is, so I'm going to throw out that one as not really being important to you.

If the C7 isn't small or precise enough you don't want a GT350. The GT350 is bigger and less precise than a C7.

I think Porsches are boring with not enough low end torque (and also not enough high end power). I agree that the size of a Porsche is excellent - much better than a Mustang. I also don't like the engine over the drive wheels. The car is way too hooked up for me. I prefer how a big V8 can overpower the rear wheels and cause you to have to be careful about when and where you apply full throttle.

Maybe you should try a 911. It's like the Cayman - only slightly larger, but with more power. It has the same library interior where you can barely hear the engine, the same small engine with no power down low and no torque (well slightly more power and torque than a Cayman, but still much less than a Mustang), the same super skinny doors, the same dated electronics, etc.

Edit: maybe try an M2 as well. It isn't naturally aspirated, but it might have some other intangibles you are looking for.

 

[KiLLeR2001]

I think the correct answer for him is a Cayman GT4, wouldn't mind having one myself.

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