who here has previously owned a cobra (or mustang)...?

serge

My three candidates are the 370Z, the M3 and the 335i. The Z is a whole lot of car for just $31k (Base with Sport pkg)

While M3s aren't cheap to maintain, I'm a bit clueless about the numerous issues you are referring to. M3s are pretty much bulletproof reliable, saving a few units with DCT transmission.

Vegitto-kun

i never owned one but I would prefer the Z. not into the whole musclecar thing.

+ they don't sell mustang/cobra here

TheSnakeJake

well, i was referring to the e46 m3. they have tons of issues... the most major being the subframe cracking, vanos issues, smg issues, etc...

Blue Baby

Depends on what you're looking for. I've had modded fox bodies, a 97 and 99 Cobra and an 05 Mustang GT with upgrades. If you want straight line power take the Mustang. If you want a combination of power and handling take the Z. I haven't been sorry. I've had it almost a year now with no regrets. I also looked at the Camaro before I bought the Z, and laughed at the salesman. The interior is a joke. Prior to the Z I was a Ford fan. Still am but the Z has my attention now.

Urbanracer

For what a GT 500 costs it shouldn't have a solid rear axle, thats been the drawback for the mustang for years and ford seems to think that throwing more power into the car will make up for it. IMO the mustang should have independant rear suspension at this point in the game.

fullmonty

The Mustang preforms just fine with the solid rear axle, Mustang owner don't seem to complain much. Also if I remember correctly the 2010 Mustang GT out handled the Challenger and Camaro. People seem pretty quick to jump on the Mustangs solid axle, but hey if it ain't broke don't fix it. If Ford wanted an IRS on the thing I'm sure they would of put in on. I have a feeling that theres a reason it doesn't have one, other than cost.

Urbanracer

Well curb weight might have something to do with that since the challenger is about 500lbs and the camaro is about 300lbs over what the mustang weights. Thats alot of extra weight to throw around. Out of the three I personally like the mustang the best for a alot of reasons, I just think a IRS would do alot of good for the car and feel its a drawback on the currrent platform when compared to the Z and other cars. For the coin a GT 500 should have IRS though, especially with that much power. But to each his own.

Old Chuck

I have always liked Mustangs since my first '66 in '67. They have changed a bunch especially with the '05-'10. The new 2011 5.0 should be a winner in that the weight will not go up but a few pounds( hopefully) and will have 412 HP. One poster mentioned the nemesis of a totally new engine and that is a valid concern. Look at some of the issues though minor with the 3.7 engine. I would think that Ford or any manufacturer would really watch quality with the current Toyota issue. I too, am interested in the potential of the new 5.0and it has me waiting till the 5.0 is out to decide. I recently drove a 370 and was impressed with the speed and handling. I have talked with many who know cars and have been told that the Mustang will never have the steering feel of the Z however, it can be made to handle as well or better with a few grand. I talked to a national champ in Auto X who drives Mustangs and Cameros. He has driven the Mustang against good drivers in the 370Z and has beat the times of the 370. However, he says that the feel of the 370 is better and you have to know the Mustang to get great times. Again, being a great driver is important in whatever you drive. As many have said here, it depends on what you want. Mustangs are easier and cheaper to mod then the Z and about 50% of those who buy the Mustang mod them. You almost have to mod them to be an individual because they are so common. The Z impressed me very much with a drive and it is a great car. It was very easy to drive and run through the gears. It pulled hard up high but it is noiser then the Mustang on the road but a whole lot of fun. The Mustang will have more grunt especially with 412 HP and 390 TQ but will never have the feel and controlled handling of the 370. The 5.0 is said to have even better handling and be much quicker then the 4.6. Can a Mustang stay with a Z? Sure but not with the same feel. Mustangs can be made to handle much better then stock and have a not bad feel but not llike a Z. Again, They are different cars and have different attributes. I would say to drive both and buy whichever one puts the biggest grin on your face.

Pharmacist

outhandling a challenger or camaro is not exactly something to brag about

and if not for ford's cheapness, then for what purpose does the solid axle continue? maybe it offers great handling! maybe ford discovered something gm, chrysler, bmw, vw, audi, porsche, ferrari, lamborghini, renault, peaugot, fiat, honda, acura, hyundai, kia, nissan, infiniti, toyota, lexus, aston martin, maserati, bugatti, mercedes, jaguar, bentley, rolls royce haven't discovered yet!

theDreamer

Really? How many times are you going to post this BS in every Mustang thread?
It is because Mustang owners wanted it, Ford asked in 2004 before the new retro style started what they wanted, and guess what the people wanted? Yes, IRS will do better in the corners, but Mustang owners like having the solid rear axle.

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