GT 350R VS. GT500 PURCHASE DECISION.

[RedRaptorME]

Right now I am trying to decide if I should purchase a 2019 GT 350 R or a GT 500. The Ford dealership that I do business with has a GT 350R Black with the black red pinstripe with all the tech and comfort options arriving June 15. This is a dealer ordered vehicle and they are willing to sell to me with no markup. The dealership also has one allocation for a GT 500 that I can have. I currently own a GT 350 2017 fully loaded, and I absolutely love it ! Other wise I would never be considering a GT 350 R, WHILE owning a GT 350. I know it seems crazy but I love the GT 350, but I really love everything about the GT 500 , except 1 thing, no manual transmission. I know, I need to progress and get with the times, but a big enjoyment for me driving the GT 350 is shifting my own gears. I really feel like when you have a car like a Shelby mustang there is enjoyment in just " cruising" and listening to the engine/exhaust as you shift your own gears. I guess what I am trying to say is with a manual transmission it actually keeps you engaged while not being on the track. No doubt the GT 500 will be faster and actually easier to drive fast. And it has 750 HP and is great looking !

I was wondering if it seems crazy to own a GT 350 and a GT 350R ? Does anybody else on the forum own both ? It probably makes more sense to own a GT 350 and a GT 500 right ? The other thing I am afraid of is regardless of how Great the GT 500 is, and I know it is great, I am nervous that driving it around not being on the track will not be engaging and it might actually get boring.

Just curious what other forum members think/opinions. And I know, the only opinion that counts is mine, but I find it very helpful to hear the opinions of other Shelby owners.

Happy Memorial Day weekend to everyone and enjoy celebrating our veterans and great troops !

I can not wait to watch the coke 600 and cheer on BK # 2 Penske Racing !

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[Idaho2018GTPremium]

I think the GT350 and R are too close to have one of each. Sure, the R is slightly faster, but they are substantially the same car with a few tweaks and CF wheels for the R. I would definitely go with the GT500 instead of the R.

 

[Zeromaz]

I traded my 350 in for the R. Its a lovely upgrade from the base model. I contemplated trading in the R for a 500 but only for a day or two. I’d have to be insane to want to give up the raw high-revving NA power this beaut puts out. Sure, the 500 is probably faster but i enjoy this car far too much to desire anything else at the moment. Plus, i think the 350R is more unique

 

[RedRaptorME]

I think the GT350 and R are too close to have one of each. Sure, the R is slightly faster, but they are substantially the same car with a few tweaks and CF wheels for the R. I would definitely go with the GT500 instead of the R.

Yep. I agree.

 

[RedRaptorME]

I traded my 350 in for the R. Its a lovely upgrade from the base model. I contemplated trading in the R for a 500 but only for a day or two. I’d have to be insane to want to give up the raw high-revving NA power this beaut puts out. Sure, the 500 is probably faster but i enjoy this car far too much to desire anything else at the moment. Plus, i think the 350R is more unique

That is what is making this decision SO HARD. Everything you just said, and I just bought the GT 350 in January, 2017, and I put about $ 6000.00 in ceramic coating, PPF , and detailing. It really looks outstanding. I thought about trading it for the R, but I really do not want to.

 

[nastang87xx]

Okay so this is INSANELY nit picky but here's my thoughts. I have a bad feeling the 500 is going to be very very heavy even in carbon pack form. And while the 350 does a pretty good job at masking its own relatively heavy weight, I think the 500 won't be as good as putting lipstick on a pig. This genuinely bothers me because the 350 feels SO good that not many cars can come close to that visceral feeling. I've driven enough cars in a performance setting to say that the 350 doesn't feel nearly 3800lbs but closer to 3500. HOWEVER...700+ horsepower, carbon wheels and 16.5" brakes. And a transmission that shifts faster than any human no matter what us manual purists may say.

 

[RedRaptorME]

Okay so this is INSANELY nit picky but here's my thoughts. I have a bad feeling the 500 is going to be very very heavy even in carbon pack form. And while the 350 does a pretty good job at masking its own relatively heavy weight, I think the 500 won't be as good as putting lipstick on a pig. This genuinely bothers me because the 350 feels SO good that not many cars can come close to that visceral feeling. I've driven enough cars in a performance setting to say that the 350 doesn't feel nearly 3800lbs but closer to 3500. HOWEVER...700+ horsepower, carbon wheels and 16.5" brakes. And a transmission that shifts faster than any human no matter what us manual purists may say.

Yes. This is kind of how I feel, but you said it better. It is not nit picking. But it's very hard to determine, unless you have actually driven the GT 500, but a lot of what you said is correct. Maybe I should not get so hung up on the 6 speed manual, but ford did a awesome job with the tremec transmission in the GT 350.

 

[el-guapin]

I would say wait until you can test drive a GT500. Then decide.

 

[RedRaptorME]

I would say wait until you can test drive a GT500. Then decide.

Yep. That is the most logical choice. I love the Bullitt.

 

[VoodooPower]

Trade your 350 in for the 350R and Purchase a GT500 if your planning on keeping both. I’m like you, I have to be able to row the gears and get that connection to the car. I just decided to trade in my 2016 GT350 for a 2018 350R instead of purchasing a GT500 and I’m happy with my decision. I went against purchasing the auto GT 500. I’ll only purchase the GT 500 if they drop a manual in it. I strongly think it will have a manual option down the road in 2021. I think Ford will steal some corvette sales with this auto option and put the manual in it down the road to pick up all the stick shift crowd.

 

[firestarter2]

I would say wait until you can test drive a GT500. Then decide.

Its going to be hard to test drive one on the short term.

 

[rebellovw]

I’d say buy a whipple or see a psychiatrist. Good luck!

 

[CANTWN4LSN]

Given the design and likely wicked numbers on the GT500, altho streetable, it seems like it will be an insane car for other than track purposes. Like having a PhD teaching first grade math, kind of a waste. Not saying you can't but the car probably doesn't feel right under 100mph. The temptation will be just too strong to contain it. The GT350 is bad enough with being able to break most/all speed limits in 2nd/3rd gear in the fun rpm range but with a manual at least the feel, noise, and fun is there as you say. I'm sure the R is better but how much better for the average person? Got the bucks, buy them all and decide cause you can always sell them later. If not, stick with the one you got.

 

[Notagain]

FI GT350!!

As mentioned above Im affraid the GT500 will be 1. Heavy 2. Have a gigantic price + ADM. 3. Voodoo + Boost = Best of both worlds.

THEE only thing that remotely interests me in the GT500 over the GT350 is the DCT trans. But even then geezus where in the hell are the actual specs and tests!!??

I mean cmon we dont even know the real hp numbers or 1/4 me times ect.

Unless the GT500 really is something absurdly special and runs some fantastic times Im affraid theyve dragged their ass long enough its really ruined the hype for the GT500.

 

[L8APEX]

I'd keep the GT350 and use the money to buy extra tires and brake pads and hit up the local road course near you and go often. Use the GT350 for what its made for! It seems like a R would be a waste since you are not tracking your car now

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