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

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.