Interesting Comparison
 

My buddy just picked up the new Mustang GT and we had a chance to compare the cras today.

Besides the fact that the Mustang is a bit less expensive than the Z ($40k to $36k), I think these cars compare favorably in terms of cross shopping.

I gotta say that I loved the exhaust note of the V8 in the Mustang. Neet engineering trick how they pump the exhaust note into the cabin. Very deep and tough.

But the Z can outhandle the Mustang blindfolded. The interior is more upscale, the looks a little more high-end.

Both cars feel quick, but the Z is absolutely faster off the line and top end. Both cars had the AT, so the comparo was fair.

All in all, while the Mustang is not quite the sports car the Z is, it is a tremendous value in its own right.

I've driven both too and I totally agree with you. Only thing Mustang had was the V8 growl. Your friend should have waited another year when Ford puts a 5.0 in it. The 2010 Mustang will be like the 2004 GTO. Upgrading the motor after 1 year.

A bit less expensive comparably equipped? At 40K the Z should have Navi, does the Mustang?

Did they do anything special or did it just sound nice from inside?

They did do something special.

Ford put some type of induction tube and connected it to the cabin. It really pipes in the deep growl of the V8. Pretty nice. Having owned a number of V8 sports cars in the past, it is a hard sound to beat. The Vette sounds great, Mustang GT, AMG, M3, Maserati, etc... It is a sound that connects you to the car.

In terms of price, my Z is loaded (see signature), so it was equipped better than the Mustang which did not have NAV or the Track Pack that isn't available until the the end of August.

But still, the Z feels and looks more upscale.

Cool, I didn't know that.

"it is a sound that connects you to a car" - sounds like a magnaflow exhaust commercial. :icon17:

I love the new Mustang GT's. The thing about the 4.6L is they don't have enough gear from the factory. I think the sport package comes with a 3.55 gear when it needs a 4.10. You'd be really surprised at how big of a difference it makes.

I too love the Mustang, and Fords in general. The stang wasn't out in January when I bought the Z, otherwise it would have been on my short list.

Jaws - coming from a nice, lope-y V8, I totally agree on sound tying you into the car. I honestly feel the total LACK of sound in the 370 for the driver is somewhat disappointing, and I almost feel they underestimated how much some people enjoy hearing the wonderful sounds the VQ makes.

Maybe Nissan listened to critics like Clarkson that complained about drone and horrible exhaust note from the 350z so maybe they muted it a bit in the 370z? Sucks as I loved the 350z throaty exhaust note especially between 3-4k rpm.

Yeah, live rear axle, 4.6 v8 struggling to make 300 hp and all:rolleyes:

:ohsnap1:

I think it now puts out 315hp, but it puts out a lot more torque than our motor does. The 1/4 mile and 0-60 times are very close, but not as much on the skid pad.