How many of you have driven a GT350 vs GT PP?

[c-rizzle]

So I test drove a 2017 GT350 the other day. It was used with about 5,000 miles on it. And I also have a 2017 GT Performance Pack.

The GT350's exhaust was pretty bad ass, but I kind of wondered how much of the sound in the car is "fake" pumped in sound from the speakers. (it actually kind of sounded that way) I removed the soundtube from my GT PP, so I'm kind of used to only hearing the real external sound.

The ride was very smooth in normal mode. But overall it didn't really feel like it had 90 more horsepower than my stock 2017 GT PP. In a way, it felt like it had less torque / power. I could feel how light the fly wheel was with the clutch feeling lighter / different.

But the big take way, was that I was a little underwhelmed by it. Then I got back in my car and it felt "tighter" like it was ready to pull hard at the slightest tap of the pedal. It was definitely perplexing. Then again, I didn't have the space to really open the car up. (with out getting arrested) Just a couple short pulls in 1st and/or 2nd, with exhaust and drive mode both in Sport.

So I was considering buying the GT350, but after driving it and it not even being my first choice of color I figured I'd wait to see how fast, the 2018 with magneride, PP & 10-speed auto is first. I just think that I might be happier with spending probably $12k+ less for a newer almost as fast 2018 that rides just as smooth with presumably the same MagneRide shocks. (estimating $45k+- vs $57k for the GT350)

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[BmacIL]

I have.

If you didn't get to open it up or push it hard in corners you're missing what makes it most special. I did notice that the low-end felt a little softer, but it was made up for in the midrange and top end. The GT350 does not have any noise pumped in, FYI. All exhaust.

 

[Competition Orange]

I test drove one, and if you didn't wind it up to redline, your feelings are somewhat valid. It doesn't really make a ton of power until over 3500rpms, and even then, you're less than half way to the meat of the power. It's better at everything than a GT, and will be than the 18 as well. Oh, and auto LOL

With that said, I didn't feel like the car was worth the 30-35k more dollars than my car, but I did absolutely love everything about it. If I could afford to have one, and track it regularly like I do with my GT, I'd own one.

You cannot compare finances of the cars without considering resale. The GT350 will have it, a regular GT will be worth a 6 pack and a bag of chips in 10 years (or 2).

 

[c-rizzle]

The GT350 does not have any noise pumped in, FYI. All exhaust.

Actually, it has the same electronic system the EcoBoost and new Raptor use. There is a setting that can be changed via Forscan, OBD.

Its enabled/disabled in the ACM (Audio Control Module) since the sound is actually pumped in through the stereo's speakers.

Settings:
ACM 727-01-01 1801 C000 0009 Engine Sound Enhancement Disable 2016 Tech
ACM 727-01-01 1801 3A08 008B Engine Sound Enhancement Enable 2016 Tech
ACM 727-01-01 D800 D000 00D8 Engine Sound Enhancement Disable 2016 Track
ACM 727-01-01 D800 2A00 0032 Engine Sound Enhancement Enable 2016 Track
ACM 727-01-01 1850 F000 44CC Engine Sound Enhancement Disable 2017 Conv
ACM 727-01-01 1850 FA00 44D6 Engine Sound Enhancement Enable 2017 Conv

 

[airfuel]

I have seen dyno charts of both cars overlayed.

The GT will be the better street car with more usable power for everyday driving.
The 350 will be the better track car with much more top end...in other words it has to be driven hard to be appreciated.

 

[My_Coyote]

The GT-350 is on a different level and most on this forum are unable to drive
it to it's full capabilities

 

[c-rizzle]

Ok, I just did a little dyno research... and this completely explains why I felt this way after driving the car:

Basically, most of the RPM range of the GT, the GT350 is even.
It starts out lower hp and torque, and then just barely starts passing the GT over 5,500 rpms, but when you factor in the lower numbers in the bottom half, the actually balance out to probably about the same AVERAGE HP & TORQUE for 1000-6000 rpms.

So basically the only time the GT350's engine really shines (compared to a GT 5.0) is over 6,000 rpms.

 

[DarkestHour]

It's meant for the track. If you're driving it on the street it is not the car for you.

 

[Ctease]

driven both.

Good plan.
I would miss wider front fenders and better steering. Other than that, I wouldn't miss Voodoo for daily driving. Price wise, GT350 does have a lot of smaller upgrades, other than engine. In total on the aftermarket would cost more than 12k. So it's almost like engine is thrown in free.

Not sure about sound. I have tinnitus. Haha.

 

[NoVaGT]

The GT-350 is on a different level and most on this forum are unable to drive it to it's full capabilities

Hell, 90% can't drive a GT PP to it's full capabilities. Cars are amazing now, ours are very capable.

 

[Ctease]

Oh and don't forget the '18 has "significant increase in torque". I believe Ford engineer said on a youtube video.

 

[ApollosWar89]

Oh and don't forget the '18 has "significant increase in torque". I believe Ford engineer said on a youtube video.

Also paired with a higher redline right?

 

[DarkestHour]

Hell, 90% can't drive a GT PP to it's full capabilities. Cars are amazing now, ours are very capable.

Truth! Mine is wasted on the street. I could get by with a 100 HP Hyundai and still not reach the limits.

 

[MSMStannyl]

Hell, 90% can't drive a GT PP to it's full capabilities. Cars are amazing now, ours are very capable.

I don't know man. I've exited plenty of Cars & Coffee events without being an asshat and crashing mine into a crowd of people, so I think I'm actually a damn good driver, thank you very much!

 

[jasonstang]

I think the gearing really softens the aggressiveness of the engine.
The gearing is tall and long for the GT350 because Ford thinks people can't drive so they have to gear it taller for better traction.

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