[David Hammond]

I still really enjoy driving this car. It took me awhile to warm up to it but after I put some time in it I don’t regret ever buying it. At the gas station I always have people asking what type of car is it because of the cobra emblems that they’re not used to seeing out in town. A Good conversation starter. I think the people who hate on the gt500 are just people who have never driven one, otherwise you’d be in love with it lol.

 

[SnakeCollector]

No warmup period for me - the first time I took the car out things clicked almost immediately. I understood what the fuss was all about. Been in love with the car ever since.

 

[Goose17]

I think the people who hate on the gt500 are just people who have never driven one, otherwise you’d be in love with it lol.

Nailed it!

I love mine! 🤟

 

[Jimmy's Shelby Machine]

No warmup period for me - the first time I took the car out things clicked almost immediately. I understood what the fuss was all about. Been in love with the car ever since.

DITTO, got mine 1.5 weeks ago, LOVE it!! Shifts WAY faster with this kick ass DCT trans., than my 2019 C7 ZR1 in Sebring Orange, with the big wing full on racing package (which is my first love). And my beloved new 2021 Shelby is WAY more tame than my untamable 2010 Snakeskin Green Viper ACR (which is just so raw and rare that it's hard not to Love)!

 

[BigBlue]

I totally agree with how quickly the GT500 captures your driving desires. I’ve owned a number of sports cars over the years including high end exotics (Ferraris, Ford GT, every generation ZR1, Porsche, etc.) and this GT500 is absolutely the best bang for the buck and an absolute riot to drive. You can readily use the power and handling all the way up the power range without fear. It’s that balanced. You always feel in control. I had Vipers as well, fun car but you need to respect the beast and know your personal limits or you will be in trouble quickly.

 

[SnakeCollector]

Funny... I came from a Gen 4 Viper also and do agree. The GT500 is much, much easier to drive fast with no fear of snap oversteer or other abrupt tendencies.

Very different animals obviously but I do find myself getting more pure driving enjoyment out of the GT500.

 

[Goose17]

It’s pretty cool that a Mustang is compared to some bad ass cars and comes out as a favorite! 🤟

 

[InPursuit]

LOL, yea no disrespect @David Hammond, I am shocked it "took a while to warm up to it." This car is so well-sorted out, even an inexperienced driver like me can't screw it up. But it still feels so raw and ripe with personality.

BTW, yours is wicked good looking.

 

[Savoy2001]

I totally agree with how quickly the GT500 captures your driving desires. I’ve owned a number of sports cars over the years including high end exotics (Ferraris, Ford GT, every generation ZR1, Porsche, etc.) and this GT500 is absolutely the best bang for the buck and an absolute riot to drive. You can readily use the power and handling all the way up the power range without fear. It’s that balanced. You always feel in control. I had Vipers as well, fun car but you need to respect the beast and know your personal limits or you will be in trouble quickly.

Exactly how I felt about my Callaway c7 z06. Awesome car. Fast as hell. But also scary as hell at times. Definitely need to respect that power in that car. GT500 much easier car to drive fast. More confidence inspiring coming out of a turn.

 

[David Hammond]

LOL, yea no disrespect @David Hammond, I am shocked it "took a while to warm up to it." This car is so well-sorted out, even an inexperienced driver like me can't screw it up. But it still feels so raw and ripe with personality.

BTW, yours is wicked good looking.

its cause I came from owning a hellcat. The power of a hellcat is instant. But man being able to take the gt500 thru mountains without having to break at every turn is nice. The Gt500 has really grown on me this year.

 

[Savoy2001]

its cause I came from owning a hellcat. The power of a hellcat is instant. But man being able to take the gt500 thru mountains without having to break at every turn is nice. The Gt500 has really grown on me this year.

7000+ rpm dct manual shifts don’t hurt either. 😎😁 It’s wicked fun and sounds just as wicked. Ripping off those shifts with the dct never gets old to me.

 

[Goose17]

7000+ rpm dct manual shifts don’t hurt either. 😎😁 It’s wicked fun and sounds just as wicked. Ripping off those shifts with the dct never gets old to me.

Same here! The new GT500 would have been neutered with a manual transmission. I totally dig the DCT! 🤟

 

[Jimmy's Shelby Machine]

Same here! The new GT500 would have been neutered with a manual transmission. I totally dig the DCT! 🤟

I agree Goose, but for those who love to row the gears (and you know there are a lot of them out there just look at how manual cars bring that much more money/demand) a stick shift tans. would have been a gas in this car, and although the DCT would destroy it in every type of race or timed event for many folks you just can't beat the fun factor of rowing your own gears. I think Ford should have offered this car as an option with a 6 speed manual tremec trans. (similar to what our Gen 4 Vipers came with), as many would have loved to have that choice. That all being said I would have gone for the the DCT all the way because I am into having the fastest possible car, and the fact that my left knee is shot is a secondary factor. Lol.

 

[Goose17]

I agree Goose, but for those who love to row the gears (and you know there are a lot of them out there just look at how manual cars bring that much more money/demand) a stick shift tans. would have been a gas in this car, and although the DCT would destroy it in every type of race or timed event for many folks you just can't beat the fun factor of rowing your own gears. I think Ford should have offered this car as an option with a 6 speed manual tremec trans. (similar to what our Gen 4 Vipers came with), as many would have loved to have that choice. That all being said I would have gone for the the DCT all the way because I am into having the fastest possible car, and the fact that my left knee is shot is a secondary factor. Lol.

I totally get diehard manual tranny fans. I have a garage full of manual Mustangs, but the DCT converted me. It’s not just a speed thing. I actually have more fun with the DCT than I do with my manual Mustangs! When these cars were announced, the internet was full of comments from the diehard manual guys scoffing at the new setup. You see some of these people softening their hardline stance over time. The car tends to convert… as it did me.

In the end, every last one of the cars had a buyer as demand far surpassed supply. Offering a manual in these cars would have been a compromise to appease the holdouts that would not have increased sales, but would have added to the cost of the program and netted a lesser car.

The new Shelby is an “11!” A manual tranny would have resulted in an “8.”

 

[2013 - SnkBtn]

Autos win races. That being said I am on the manual connection based on pure driving experience and enjoyment from the 3rd pedal/shifter. Ultimately guided my decision to go for the 2013/14 GT500 over a GTR.

All about personal preference tho.

 

[Jimmy's Shelby Machine]

Autos win races. That being said I am on the manual connection based on pure driving experience and enjoyment from the 3rd pedal/shifter. Ultimately guided my decision to go for the 2013/14 GT500 over a GTR.

All about personal preference tho.

I totally agree with your statement and thank God I have my 2010 Viper ACR when I want to row the gears but your absolutely right auto will always be considerably faster in these modern super cars, especially these new GT500s with their DCT trans.

 

[Gpmoto]

If I am being honest I would have to say I enjoy my Challenger Hellcat more. Now, having said that there are things I really like about the GT500 but, since I don't go to the drag strip or ripping through mountains I probably don't get the full effect all the GT500 owners rave about. The style is amazing and clearly has many race options my 2017 Hellcat does not. If I had to compare one important feature (important to me) the Hellcat is way more predictable, easier to real in if you get out of shape, and all around more comfortable to drive. Let's not even talk about fuel consumption because their not on the same planet but, we didn't buy these cars to worry fuel economy. For the last two and a half months I have been living with the kids while our home is being completed so I keep one of my rides in storage but trade them out every two weeks. Every time I pick up the Hellcat and head home I just feel comfort and confidence. Living here in Las Vegas with slippery roads the drag race is useless because both spin like crazy and I have DR on the Hellcat.... So which one wins out? No idea. However, when I trade out the Hellcat for the GT500, I do get a smile on my face, love the roar, the down shifting with the DCT, adjustable exhaust note and the ease of switching the drive modes. I have had a few uncomfortable out of shape moments that I feel catch you by surprise and for that reason I think I should have bought a Redeye Charger.
I don't regret buying the GT 500 because had I not I would have been wondering all the time why I didn't...

Love it / don't love it comparisons.

Love it
2017 Hellcat Challenger
Comfortable
Great power from the bottom all the way through
Predictable and very stable
Great looks and looks more similar to the old Challenger / Chargers
5 - spoke wheels - Easy to clean
Mileage is amazing for a 700HP + car on the highway
Easier to find drag radials that you can get matching tread design for the front
Alcantera leather seats and door trim
Harmon Karden Stereo system is amazing for production
Gets all the looks

2020 GT500
Power and shifting through the gears feels and sounds amazing
Amazing Exhaust sound and control
Drive modes and ease of changing
Transmission
Brakes are amazing
Styling - Hood louvers and pins
Rear Spoiler with the wicker
Great handling but don't completely trust it
Carbon fiber dash trim is amazing
The dash in general is vey nice and gives a bit of the older Mach 1 look and feel
The younger crowd loves it and gets a lot of attention

Don't love it
2017 Hellcat Challenger
It's heavy and feels heavy, maybe why it's more stable
Braking power is great until I drove the GT500
Carbon fiber over the top stripes are poor quality and peeling after 4 years. It's always garaged...
They made Hellcats them to readily available
Stock tires are junk and stock wheels were too narrow for the HP. Mine isn't a wide Body


2020 GT500
Unstable and steps out too easy
Power delivery off the line lags then comes on very hard
Sitting position is a bit low for me
Bang & Olfson stereo system is very weak
Hood alignment it not acceptable. Maybe because of the fiberglass fenders / Aluminum Hood combo
When you close the doors it sounds cheap

I really like the GT 500 but love the Hellcat.

I can't imagine we will soon live in a world without the sounds, energy and fun these cars offer. We will have something faster in EV but, everyone will have the same power and sound....

 

[Goose17]

If I am being honest I would have to say I enjoy my Challenger Hellcat more. Now, having said that there are things I really like about the GT500 but, since I don't go to the drag strip or ripping through mountains I probably don't get the full effect all the GT500 owners rave about. The style is amazing and clearly has many race options my 2017 Hellcat does not. If I had to compare one important feature (important to me) the Hellcat is way more predictable, easier to real in if you get out of shape, and all around more comfortable to drive. Let's not even talk about fuel consumption because their not on the same planet but, we didn't buy these cars to worry fuel economy. For the last two and a half months I have been living with the kids while our home is being completed so I keep one of my rides in storage but trade them out every two weeks. Every time I pick up the Hellcat and head home I just feel comfort and confidence. Living here in Las Vegas with slippery roads the drag race is useless because both spin like crazy and I have DR on the Hellcat.... So which one wins out? No idea. However, when I trade out the Hellcat for the GT500, I do get a smile on my face, love the roar, the down shifting with the DCT, adjustable exhaust note and the ease of switching the drive modes. I have had a few uncomfortable out of shape moments that I feel catch you by surprise and for that reason I think I should have bought a Redeye Charger.
I don't regret buying the GT 500 because had I not I would have been wondering all the time why I didn't...

Love it / don't love it comparisons.

Love it
2017 Hellcat Challenger
Comfortable
Great power from the bottom all the way through
Predictable and very stable
Great looks and looks more similar to the old Challenger / Chargers
5 - spoke wheels - Easy to clean
Mileage is amazing for a 700HP + car on the highway
Easier to find drag radials that you can get matching tread design for the front
Alcantera leather seats and door trim
Harmon Karden Stereo system is amazing for production
Gets all the looks

2020 GT500
Power and shifting through the gears feels and sounds amazing
Amazing Exhaust sound and control
Drive modes and ease of changing
Transmission
Brakes are amazing
Styling - Hood louvers and pins
Rear Spoiler with the wicker
Great handling but don't completely trust it
Carbon fiber dash trim is amazing
The dash in general is vey nice and gives a bit of the older Mach 1 look and feel
The younger crowd loves it and gets a lot of attention

Don't love it
2017 Hellcat Challenger
It's heavy and feels heavy, maybe why it's more stable
Braking power is great until I drove the GT500
Carbon fiber over the top stripes are poor quality and peeling after 4 years. It's always garaged...
They made Hellcats them to readily available
Stock tires are junk and stock wheels were too narrow for the HP. Mine isn't a wide Body


2020 GT500
Unstable and steps out too easy
Power delivery off the line lags then comes on very hard
Sitting position is a bit low for me
Bang & Olfson stereo system is very weak
Hood alignment it not acceptable. Maybe because of the fiberglass fenders / Aluminum Hood combo
When you close the doors it sounds cheap

I really like the GT 500 but love the Hellcat.

I can't imagine we will soon live in a world without the sounds, energy and fun these cars offer. We will have something faster in EV but, everyone will have the same power and sound....

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Good assessment Gary! The GT500 is a race car. It was not designed with comfort in mind. Regarding the hood/fender alignment, have your dealer adjust the panel fitment. Regarding the low seating height, you can raise your seat… both base and Recaro seats raise higher. For a harder launch, find a good road… concrete is best and old asphalt is worst. Regarding the handling, the car handles very well. Trust the stability control. Track Mode will allow the ass end to hang out more than Normal mode.

 

[BigBlue]

Very nice cars and excellent assessments on both vehicles. Thanks for taking the time to be so thorough and straight forward. I can see your overall point that the Hellcat may be a more comfortable and predictable every day driver. That really is it’s sweet spot and how it’s engineered. i believe you will really enjoy the GT500 as you drive it more often. But the GT500 has a slightly different “mission”. Also, try and see if you can find an opportunity to drive a CFTP as many of the points you talk about as it pertains to handling are addressed with the CFTP suspension programming. But, it’s definitely not a Boulevard cruiser like the Hellcat. Enjoy both of your beautiful cars.

 

[InPursuit]

Is that another Hellcat in the garage? Wowsa.

I really like the blacked out tail lights on your GT500, what did you use?