Originally Posted by '10Anamoly

I drove the 5.0, and yes it has some really good kick from 3500rpms to redline but you prob want the 3.73+ gears because it sure isnt anything like a 6.3L LS3 motor down low. That and the interior is typical Ford blandness, BOOORING and uninspired. The loaded ones are a great deal, no doubt, but I love my Z. Two seater, FR layout, awesome interior, excellent handling, reliability, near top of the line V6 in power, enough potential for upgrades, and its looks simply smash the 5.0, its a clear winner for me.

Add the fact that you can get them up to around 360-370hp at the crank with full exhaust/intake and tune and you're not that terribly far off from the 5.0. Yes it will win and it kicks harder down low, but its not going to be smoking you like a new vette would at that point. I'd probably take my $35k and buy a C5 Z06 in mint shape with low miles if I wanted max power for the money. It will handle the 5.0 just fine and then some.

I only had to be in that car for about 2 sec before I was done. When I left, I felt like I was back in a Ferrari sitting in the 370Z interior after the 5.0.

Cant argue though, feeling faster or not the 5.0 will out run you unless you have FI. It all comes down to what you want. Miata's feel amazing until you see the speedometer slowly crossing 50mph after about 6-7 sec.