Automotive Forums

Which car would you choose?

On paper these cars seem pretty evenly matched.  Although the z does cost a little more.  

At first I would have said the z hands down, but the more i have been around the 2 cars I think I would take the mustang gt.  Theres something about its looks that I really like.  

That is actually a pretty tough question I think. As much as I don't think most people will cross shop these vehicles they are pretty close on paper like you said. I haven't driven the latest Mustang so I am going into this a little blind. I have driven a few 350Z's and G35s and have been mostly underwhelmed. They aren't bad cars, they just didn't do anything for me. I should point out the I the think the Z/G35 are the worst sounding cars on the road. The VQ engine is just horrible. I guess it probably has more to do with exhaust tuning then with the actual engine, but I have heard better exhaust notes in 8-bit video games than what comes out of their tailpipes. The sound is drowning and fake. It sounds like an aesthamtic shop vac with a head cold. I cringe at the sound of one. The biggest draw back I see with the Mustang is the live axle. I have never been a fan of live axle cars. From axle hop in acceleration and braking to harmonics in cornering, I just don't care for them. I have heard the new Mustang is way better, that you can hardly tell it's a live axle car when you drive it, but I am guessing that science experiment in unsprung weight definitely shows itself under hard driving. Both cars interior's are on the cheap side. I don't mind them, they are both functional and fairly comfotrable for someone my height 6'2". The Z gets a little tight with a helmet, but if it were my car it would have a racing seat in it which would lower my butt a good two inches so problem solved. The aftermarket is really strong for both cars. lots of bolt-ons for both cars, and you can even do forced induction with either car easily. I think the Mustang has more potential in it, as far as horsepower, and might not be that far behind in handling. I am going to guess that the Z is lighter and better balanced(I have nothing to back that up, just a guess).
So with all the rambling above I am going to say I would likely take the Mustang. I am not sure why exactly. The Z is more my type of car, lighter, smaller displacement, a little more elegant in execution and probably a better handling car. I think neither car really does that much for me, so I would go with the Mustang partly based on looks and cool factor. I have seen several Rousch and Saleen Mustangs running around here, and I like the look. I think I would try and make mine look as close to a GT350 as possible. White with some blue skunk stripes.  

good review.  Can I drive your porsche?