CAR WARS! Sibling Rivalry Edition: WHICH Would You Rather? The Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Or The GT500?

Although I am sure someone will disagree, in the world of high-performance vehicles the Ford Mustang Shelby will always hold a spot. Whether its in form of the GT350 or the GT500, there should be a seat at the table.

But what if you had to choose between both of these options? Is it always a win for the GT500?

I don't think so, actually.

That's because sheer power doesn't always equate to a better vehicle. Nor does it define how I look at autos. In fact, too much power can take away from a vehicle's driving experience. Case in point: The Nissan GT-R. Sure, it's fast. But I'd never want to own one. It does nothing for me.

It's come to light that the 2020 GT500 will feature a 5.2-liter V8 good for 760 horsepower and 625 lb.-ft. of torque. Though I am sure most folks will be happy with that figure and consider this a dumb question, I've got to ask:

WHICH would YOU rather have? The GT350 or the GT500?

valhallakey - 6/20/2019 1:19:28 AM

+4 Boost

Just on paper and the love for interesting and/or high revving motors I would take the GT350.

valhallakey - 6/20/2019 1:35:37 AM

0 Boost

oh and you were all wrong on the best road trip vehicle, it is clearly a BMW Alpina B6, enjoy the drive every minute no matter the road.

PUGPROUD - 6/20/2019 5:40:20 AM

-2 Boost

Most of my driving is highway miles not B roads so its the big dog GT500 for me.

MDarringer - 6/20/2019 8:04:08 AM

0 Boost

The GT350 is an amazing car with excellent handling. It can easily handle the power of the GT500. BUT--and I will repeat what I have said before--if you buy a high-performance vehicle, go to a performance driving school and learn how to drive. The GT350 is a bit "nervous" in its personality like it is always chomping at the bit to run hard whereas the previous GT500 is much more calm and is mash-the-throttle-come-alive-when-you-want-it-to in its demeanor. The GT500 may be more docile in the day-to-day driving ironically.

PUGPROUD - 6/20/2019 8:46:44 AM

+2 Boost

Spot on Matt on all accounts. The year each of my three sons turned 18 their birthday gift was a Skip Barber defensive driving course followed by a Christmas gift of a two day Skip Barber high performance driving course. They are better drivers for it and have a deeper respect for both a vehicles reserve performance and making sound judgments behind the wheel. Money well spent.

MDarringer - 6/20/2019 9:07:08 AM

-1 Boost

I go back a minimum every other year and every year if my business schedule does not get in the way. I've taught Jed quite a lot and he can hustle an old Griffith which is a handful. Jed is looking forward to driving school.

qwertyfla1 - 6/20/2019 9:32:19 AM

+2 Boost

Good for you Pug and I wish more parents were proactive with their kids drivers education and performance school is more about safety than anything else. One of the things I did was teach my daughter to drive fast and do emergency moves on ice in a empty parking lot.

The late and great Gille Villeneuve said it best -"Learn to race on ice and you can race on anything". One step down but I wanted her to develop good defensive winter driver skills that would serve her for a lifetime and it has.

Truthy - 6/20/2019 6:21:44 PM

0 Boost

Not only is the driving school a good idea for the skills it teaches, but your emphasis on this as a parent will leave a lasting impression on them as well.

MDarringer - 6/20/2019 6:43:05 PM

0 Boost

It's been interesting working with Jed because he wants to be able to play at the track too. One of the best pieces of advice I got way back when was that your reaction time isn't a crucial concern because you should be acting as you drive.

valhallakey - 6/20/2019 11:57:48 PM

+2 Boost

One thing it teaches on the ground is what they refer to in aviation as unusual attitude. Cars and Airplanes are not so hard to drive when everything is normal. It is when things are happening that is not normal that you need to know what to do... and have it be instinctual. Good on you for getting your kids in driving school, now I think I need to get my daughter there...