QuestionQUESTION: Steve,
Maybe you can respond with some clarity on this question.
What are the substantive differences in :price, handling, performance, and availability among: Mustang Saleen, SVT, Roush stage 3, GT500 KR?
I know the last one isn't really out yet, but projections would be helpful.
thanks.
ANSWER: Nerol-
Honestly, between almost all of those models there really isn't a huge difference. The handling of the Stage 3 and a similarly equipped Saleen (like an S281SC) are pretty even and only marginally better than the SVT Cobra from the factory. The GT500KR will likely produce a lot more power but it's handling probably won't be quite as nice due to all the extra weight. Performance numbers for the first three are all pretty close (again, assuming the Saleen is the supercharged version of the S281) as well. The Cobra is underrated from the factory at 390hp (on a dyno it makes around 380hp at the wheels so it's power is likely closer to 400-410hp at the engine) and the Saleen and Roush are in the low 400s as well. The GT500KR will likely best those numbers by close to 100hp but again it will be a lot heavier. Another option would be the Saleen Parnelli Jones Edition car. It's limited to 500 vehicles, but it's got an honest 400hp naturally aspirated from a stroked 3 valve 4.6L (which ends up coming out to 5.0 liters) and it has a top notch suspension. It would likely easily outhandle any of the Mustangs you've listed due to it's Watts link rear suspension (something which you'd normally see on a dedicated race car) even if it might not make it down the quarter mile quicker. All of the Mustangs listed here are readily available except for the limited edition Saleen I mentioned and the GT500KR which isn't out yet and as for price...you'd have to check the respective companies for that. For a used SVT from '03-'04 (the last ones made) I'd expect to pay somewhere in the $20K-$30K range used. The others are a bit more expensive, usually coming in somewhere in the low to mid $50K range with a healthy list of options (Parnelli Jones Saleen included). Hope this helps.
Steve
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Thing is, I'm interested in getting an '08 something. Corvette, Mustang, Camaro or Challenger. I want performance, best buy for the buck, and value.
Corvette with the composit body is still not metal, and the Mustangs have so many choices, it's hard to isolate a choice. The other two will be new models, therefore, problems.
Where's a good 442 when you need it??!!
AnswerNerol-
Honestly I'd steer clear of the Camaro and Challenger for the first year or two. If you can hold off that long they might not be bad cars to have. I'm not thrilled with the looks of the new Camaro (I haven't seen Challenger concepts yet), but the performance seems to be there. The Corvette vs. Mustang thing is weird. After the Camaro went away everyone started comparing the Mustang to the Corvette, forgetting it was never intended to compete with Chevy's king of the hill model. The fact that the comparisons were even being made either means Ford did something right or Chevy did something wrong. If it were me, for the price of a Corvette (forget about the Z06) I'd buy a tuner Mustang (either Saleen, Roush, or Steeda) because for that price it's going to come with a supercharger. Another grand or two in modifications would have you easily putting a hurting on any stock Corvette. But most people don't cross-shop the two models...you're usually either a Corvette guy or a Mustang guy.
Steve
