GT350 vs Boss 302... Hear me out.

[dgi82]

Clearly not a which is faster thread... There is NO DOUBT that the GT350 will be faster, more engaging day to day, retain its value, give you the tingles in that special place etc.


Im curious as to whether the GT350 can be added to a collection with the intent of adding serious miles to it (not exactly a daily but driven very often) and still be able to keep it on the road after 10, 20, 30 years....

The Boss 302 is hardly a dinosaur in terms of the tech it carries but it certainly doesnt have the modules, screens, etc that the GT350/500 cars have.

Where will we be in 10,20,30 years when something crucial goes up?

In that regard, I've been seriously considering a 2012 Boss vs a 19/20 GT350.... even though I REALLY REALLY want a Performance Blue Shelby lol

Thoughts?

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[WildHorse]

2012 Boss I'd take the GT350.
On the same token I'd take a 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 over a GT350,
unless it's a GT350R.

 

[wingnutt]

I have nothing to add, I’m just here for the cookies

 

[TonyNJ]

The interior of the Boss cars are lacking IMO. They just don't feel right when I sit in them. S550 cars are where it's at for me. Just my 2 cents.

 

[dpAtlanta]

I tend to lean towards the Performance Blue GT350................. the Flat Plane Crank noise is fabulous!!!

You will need white stripes however...!!!!

If you haven't seen this - enjoy:
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[Paddles]

You can't really ask an S550 vs 'any other platform' question here without invoking significant bias haha
The Boss definitely has less tech to go wrong
That being said I do think the GT350, especially an R, will likely always be more desirable

If you want a 30 year maintenance free survival rig then I would recommend an older Land Cruiser, any Mustang will need work over time if being driven

 

[526 HRSE]

2012 Boss I'd take the GT350.
On the same token I'd take a 2013 Ford Mustang Boss 302 over a GT350,
unless it's a GT350R.

Why an R?

 

[galaxy]

Oohhhh, what a solid question. I love this one. As a current S197 owner (2012) built to the hilt, there's comments in this thread I agree and disagree with. I'd put mine up against any Boss on the track any day of the week. And I am currently in a very similar dilemma; I am currently shopping for, and very very torn between adding a 2012 Boss 302 (2012 ideally; I like the 11-12 body better, and I don't fret too much over gen 1 vs 2 coyote) or building a FactoryFive car. So I can say I empathize with your situation.

Body wise, fit and finish, opening and closing doors, etc, the S197 is a better car. It's soo raw, it's a complete blast to drive. Mine feels like you're driving an honest muscle car. The 350 on the other had is super refined, good at everything, and really easy to drive considering what it is/capable of. Two completely different calibers of joy.

Had to choose between the two? Highly unlikely I'd give up my 350 for any 197 car. But I will spin that the other direction and tell you if not a 350, no way I'd ever have a S550 over a 197 regardless of the capabilities. If not for my 350, I would have gotten a Boss. Don't know if that really helps you out any, but it's a topic I'm passionate about cause I challenge you to find someone that loves and appreciates the 197 Boss any more than I do.

And this entire post is worth a whopping $0.02

 

[PSI]

The interior of the Boss cars are lacking IMO. They just don't feel right when I sit in them. S550 cars are where it's at for me. Just my 2 cents.

Agreed, I drove an S197 some years back and really didn’t like it at all. Maybe as a track car it would be fine, but even for a weekend car I had no intention of buying one. The S550 was a totally different story, loved it immediately.

 

[Hack]

The ride of the solid rear axle cars feels like a buckboard on any kind of rough pavement. I daily drove a 2011 Brembo GT and any S550 is like a Cadilac in comparison. Even with the Ford Performance track handling kit, the suspension is much more compliant in my S550. I'm not a big magneride guy, but it does work great on track for controlling body movement. The GT350 brakes are also stellar. Just awesome to use - even on the street daily driving one.

And the interior of the older Mustangs is pretty bad. Seats are more comfortable, but the appearance of the interior is very cheap looking.

The difference in HP is pretty crazy given that the two engines are very close in displacement. I'd rather go with the GT350, given that choice. But really - my decision is an S550 GT with a few modifications. Cheaper consumables and lower cost of ownership long term.

If driven little and held for resale value/bragging rights - then GT350 all the way.

 

[WildHorse]

Why an R?

The ultimate expression of what a factory track car should be.

 

[wingnutt]

Why an R?

because “racecar“ starts…and ends with…an R

 

[MAGS1]

Assuming ICE vehicles will be around in 20-30 years (I’m in the camp that they will be), I don’t think you have much of anything to worry about to be honest. The aftermarket is there for classic muscle cars right now as far as digital gauges, engines (Ford, Chevy, etc are still selling crate motors for the old muscle/pony cars) and the like, so I would expect similar treatment when these cars are classics in 20-30 years. ECU, PCM, BCM, harness kits, etc are concerns, but again, I would expect the aftermarket to be there if Ford isn’t still churning them out.

Biggest question mark would be if the engine in either one let go and needs to be fully replaced. I suspect the Voodoo will be much harder to come by than the Roadrunner.

Both are great cars from a driving standpoint, the S550 is the better ride and interior IMO. The GT350 is in my top 3 of most beautiful Mustangs ever made. Both are also iconic nameplates that likely won’t be seen again from Ford (Dark Horse and other new nameplates appear to be taking their places), which is sad. So I say, get one of each, that way you only have to choose which one you will drive each day

 

[dpAtlanta]

I’ve drove both the R & non R…. Compared to the Boss, the R & non R are almost identical. A qualified track enthusiast may notice the difference in the R & non R on the track.

 

[wingnutt]

I’ve drove both the R & non R…. Compared to the Boss, the R & non R are almost identical. A qualified track enthusiast may notice the difference in the R & non R on the track.

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