Official '11 Mustang GT vs 370z Thread

[rj45]

I agree with ImportConvert. IME, American cars' drive-trains are tough. My '87 GT had 50K miles when I got rid of it...not a ton of miles, but enough. I didn't abuse the car, but it was well used. The motor never missed a beat. The trans held up well, too. Eventually, the third gear syncro became a bit balky, but it still shifted.

These days, there are few (if any) sacrifices when buying American. Overall quality/fit-and-finish is very competitive. I look forward to seeing what GM does with the C7 Corvette. If they give it nicer seats and interior materials, and a bit more solid feel, it will truly be a world class sports car.

[ImportConvert]

Originally Posted by rj45

I agree with ImportConvert. IME, American cars' drive-trains are tough. My '87 GT had 50K miles when I got rid of it...not a ton of miles, but enough. I didn't abuse the car, but it was well used. The motor never missed a beat. The trans held up well, too. Eventually, the third gear syncro became a bit balky, but it still shifted.

These days, there are few (if any) sacrifices when buying American. Overall quality/fit-and-finish is very competitive. I look forward to seeing what GM does with the C7 Corvette. If they give it nicer seats and interior materials, and a bit more solid feel, it will truly be a world class sports car.

Corvette Reliability:
2009 Chevrolet Corvette Reliability - MSN Autos

Mustang Reliability:
2009 Ford Mustang Reliability - MSN Autos


350Z Reliability (370 not available):
2008 Nissan 350Z Reliability - MSN Autos

Moral of the story? Pick your ride based on what you like, they are all about the same mechanically, when it comes to reliability. Some may want suede door inserts, some may want 500+bhp. Want both? Buy a high-end porsche or get a lambo/ferrari/AMG/ or ///M5 or something, but don't expect to pay $40-65K like you would for a 370Z-Z06.

[370Zsteve]

Originally Posted by rj45

I agree with ImportConvert. IME, American cars' drive-trains are tough.

That's true of every American ca/truck I've ever owned. The rest of the vehicle, however, has sucked a$$ in terms of reliability.

[rj45]

Originally Posted by 370Zsteve

The rest of the vehicle, however, has sucked a$$ in terms of reliability.

In many cases, that's true. Although, my '87 GT was fully functioning when I sold it. The power locks/windows, wipers, hvac, etc. all worked from day one. Though a bit of a rattle trap, no interior parts fell off into my lap. I'm not rough with my things, so that probably helped a little.

The car certainly could have been built/finished better...no argument there. However, today's American cars have better build quality, reliability and rigidity than their ancestors. I have no qualms about buying American, today.

[ImportConvert]

Originally Posted by rj45

In many cases, that's true. Although, my '87 GT was fully functioning when I sold it. The power locks/windows, wipers, hvac, etc. all worked from day one. Though a bit of a rattle trap, no interior parts fell off into my lap. I'm not rough with my things, so that probably helped a little.

The car certainly could have been built/finished better...no argument there. However, today's American cars have better build quality, reliability and rigidity than their ancestors. I have no qualms about buying American, today.

My 88GT was in great shape when I bought/got rid of it. Everything worked, except the fox-lamps would over-load the circuit (later corrected by Ford in '93). Windows, everything. Was impressed! The interior was also crack-free, etc. Looked mint. Had lots of miles, etc.