[Lou-Stang]

It's hilarious that you think it's hilarious when this debate is all over the internet. Here's one example from a GT350 owner on youtube:

 

[mavisky]

I basically live on YouTube and I've never even heard of this guy's channel before. All the industry people I've listened to that have a preference for the GT350 over the GT500 say it's better because it's a more useable power level, the voodoo has a unique sound to it where as the Predator just sounds like any other high horsepower Coyote, and the Tremec 6 speed in it is a great manual transmission in an era where that option is dying out. Not a one of them has ever made the accusation that the GT350 is a better performer, because it's just not. The GT500 literally took everything Ford learned from the GT350 program and then added more power, bigger brakes, and a faster transmission. People may argue whether or not it's a better driver's car, but there's no doubting it's the better performing car.

 

[Lou-Stang]

I basically live on YouTube and I've never even heard of this guy's channel before. All the industry people I've listened to that have a preference for the GT350 over the GT500 say it's better because it's a more useable power level, the voodoo has a unique sound to it where as the Predator just sounds like any other high horsepower Coyote, and the Tremec 6 speed in it is a great manual transmission in an era where that option is dying out. Not a one of them has ever made the accusation that the GT350 is a better performer, because it's just not. The GT500 literally took everything Ford learned from the GT350 program and then added more power, bigger brakes, and a faster transmission. People may argue whether or not it's a better driver's car, but there's no doubting it's the better performing car.

Understood. My reply to your comment was mostly due to the word “hilarious”. Most GT350 owners that I know detest the 2020+ GT500 and it’s dual clutch transmission. I get most of what they’re saying about the GT500 not being a manual. Nevertheless I believe if they spent significant time in the GT500 they may change their minds. The GT350 is a beautiful car. It’s a shame Ford didn’t continue to offer both.

 

[mavisky]

My hilarious comment was about the claims about one car's performance vs another's. I read posts daily about how some people feel that the GT350 is an objectively better car, but that's opinion vs measured performance figures.

Hell there are people out there that feel the Mustang II is a great car and not the black sheep of the entire Mustang family, so I don't give too much weight to opinion debates.

 

[Hawkeye]

My hilarious comment was about the claims about one car's performance vs another's. I read posts daily about how some people feel that the GT350 is an objectively better car, but that's opinion vs measured performance figures.

Hell there are people out there that feel the Mustang II is a great car and not the black sheep of the entire Mustang family, so I don't give too much weight to opinion debates.

The Mustang II IS a GREAT car.

 

[Goose17]

The Mustang II IS a GREAT car.

I have never seen one on the track. 😉

 

[Big Shawn]

Someone needs to build a fully caged tube chassis track car with a Mustang II body lol

 

[2112]

Someone needs to build a fully caged tube chassis track car with a Mustang II body lol

this one comes close

Restomod 1978 Mustang II Gets New Life with Triton V10

Restomod 1978 Mustang II Gets New Life with Triton V10...

themustangsource.com

 

[Eagle01]

We should post this on the Raiti’s Rides and Speed Phenom channels. These are 2 channels that love to claim that the GT350 is superior.

GT350R is the drivers car, it’ll always be superior for that purpose. GT500 does everything better however it does not have the soul and is less fun. If I can only own one I’d prefer the GT350R. They both great for different reasons and you can easily argue each of them as superior.

 

[Goose17]

GT350R is the drivers car, it’ll always be superior for that purpose. GT500 does everything better however it does not have the soul and is less fun. If I can only own one I’d prefer the GT350R. They both great for different reasons and you can easily argue each of them as superior.

Are you comparing a GT350R to a base model GT500…?

 

[mavisky]

Are you comparing a GT350R to a base model GT500…?

Even if he was, the aero, minor suspension, and tire changes increase the performance envelope, but not the overall driving characteristics. As high as the performance level is, the dct and supercharger and 300lb higher curb weight just aren't for everyone.

 

[03reptile]

Interesting posts and opinions. I've driven Tim's GT500 and I thoroughly agree with Kyle's (mavisky) assessment of the two cars. Given the additional weight that the new GT500 carries on its nose, there could be an advantage for the GT350 in a tight course. Weight is weight. Understeer is always in the mix. Having chased Kris (Fletchfletch) through the Tail of The Dragon several times, I felt I could stay with him, but maybe he was being easy on the old guy! Ford did a commendable job of creating such a well balanced car as the new GT500, and my old 2013 would have never stayed with the new GT500 on a road course. I do find I can lay down full power in the GT350 far sooner and more often than my past GT500's. When driving the new GT500, I was not in an environment where hard cornering was available, so I can't really compare the two. I personally like the GT350 better than the GT500 simply because I feel the engine may not overpower the suspension and it's abilities seem to out-weigh my feelings of self-preservation! I've watched Tim's videos and he sometimes has to be prudent in apex exits as that additional power causes him to have to gather it up a little. The last video with his friend's GT500 going a little haywire is an example of that power. Ford wisely fashioned the GT500 after the GT350 in substantial ways and it has paid off in spades. I still cling to the personal preference and enjoyment of the manual over the DCT because it challenges me to improve my knowledge of when and where to shift.
One definite area where the GT350 shines is the engine and exhaust sound. I gotta give that to my GT350!

 

[Goose17]

Interesting posts and opinions. I've driven Tim's GT500 and I thoroughly agree with Kyle's (mavisky) assessment of the two cars. Given the additional weight that the new GT500 carries on its nose, there could be an advantage for the GT350 in a tight course. Weight is weight. Understeer is always in the mix. Having chased Kris (Fletchfletch) through the Tail of The Dragon several times, I felt I could stay with him, but maybe he was being easy on the old guy! Ford did a commendable job of creating such a well balanced car as the new GT500, and my old 2013 would have never stayed with the new GT500 on a road course. I do find I can lay down full power in the GT350 far sooner and more often than my past GT500's. When driving the new GT500, I was not in an environment where hard cornering was available, so I can't really compare the two. I personally like the GT350 better than the GT500 simply because I feel the engine may not overpower the suspension and it's abilities seem to out-weigh my feelings of self-preservation! I've watched Tim's videos and he sometimes has to be prudent in apex exits as that additional power causes him to have to gather it up a little. The last video with his friend's GT500 going a little haywire is an example of that power. Ford wisely fashioned the GT500 after the GT350 in substantial ways and it has paid off in spades. I still cling to the personal preference and enjoyment of the manual over the DCT because it challenges me to improve my knowledge of when and where to shift.
One definite area where the GT350 shines is the engine and exhaust sound. I gotta give that to my GT350!

You have some good points Mike, but I’ll add you got one brief ride/drive in my CFTP. This is not going to be an in-depth exposure nor will the short test drive sway a life-long mindset of manuals or bust. I suspect your needle might move a bit after a week playing with the 500. I’ll give you another sample at SF.

 

[Goose17]

Even if he was, the aero, minor suspension, and tire changes increase the performance envelope, but not the overall driving characteristics. As high as the performance level is, the dct and supercharger and 300lb higher curb weight just aren't for everyone.

His opening salvo was “the GT350R is the driver’s car.” Handling would be a player when talking “driver’s car.” Just as the 350R is to the 350, the CFTP is to the base. Both the 350R and CFTP will handle better than the 350 and base model 500.

When I switched from the base to the CFTP, my first impression was the CFTP felt nimble.

 

[Eagle01]

Are you comparing a GT350R to a base model GT500…?

You are correct! I’m only comparing with base GT500 since that’s what I own and I yet to be able to drive CFTP. I would expect the driving dynamics to be better that the base and hopefully feel lighter. I do love them both. I just gotta say that when I drive my 350R my face hurts from grinning 😀

 

[mavisky]

His opening salvo was “the GT350R is the driver’s car.” Handling would be a player when talking “driver’s car.” Just as the 350R is to the 350, the CFTP is to the base. Both the 350R and CFTP will handle better than the 350 and base model 500.

When I switched from the base to the CFTP, my first impression was the CFTP felt nimble.

That "nimbleness" you picked up on was most likely due to the carbon wheels and their significant weight savings, a benefit the GT350R has as well.

Around a track the GT500 has been proven faster, but I've yet to see anyone compare the GT350R to the GT500 CFTP on the same day back to back. Given they both wear identical Sport Cup 2 tires (other than the 19" to 20" difference) common sense would reason that the 400lb lighter car on the same tires and extremely similar suspension would "handle" better.

Have you had a good run in a GT350R yet? I know you're very proud of your car, and you should be they're great, but there's a reason the GT350R placed 2nd as best driver's car of the year in 2016 and 2019 before the GT500 came along and repeated the same feat in 2020. In 2019 the GT350R beat the McLaren Senna, but not because the Senna ran a slower lap time or handled worse. In 2016 it beat the Dodge Viper ACR which was 5 seconds a lap faster, but less fun to drive.

The 2019 Best Driver’s Car Rankings

Find out how the judges ranked each of the 12 contenders in our 2019 Best Driver's Car field.

www.motortrend.com

2016 Motor Trend Best Driver's Car

Twelve automakers sent us their best sports cars, supercars, and ponycars for a week of vigorous testing for our 2016 Best Driver's Car competition.

www.motortrend.com

 

[Hawkeye]

I have never seen one on the track. 😉

you must be on the wrong tracks then.

 

[Goose17]

That "nimbleness" you picked up on was most likely due to the carbon wheels and their significant weight savings, a benefit the GT350R has as well.

Around a track the GT500 has been proven faster, but I've yet to see anyone compare the GT350R to the GT500 CFTP on the same day back to back. Given they both wear identical Sport Cup 2 tires (other than the 19" to 20" difference) common sense would reason that the 400lb lighter car on the same tires and extremely similar suspension would "handle" better.

Have you had a good run in a GT350R yet? I know you're very proud of your car, and you should be they're great, but there's a reason the GT350R placed 2nd as best driver's car of the year in 2016 and 2019 before the GT500 came along and repeated the same feat in 2020. In 2019 the GT350R beat the McLaren Senna, but not because the Senna ran a slower lap time or handled worse. In 2016 it beat the Dodge Viper ACR which was 5 seconds a lap faster, but less fun to drive.

The 2019 Best Driver’s Car Rankings

Find out how the judges ranked each of the 12 contenders in our 2019 Best Driver's Car field.

www.motortrend.com

2016 Motor Trend Best Driver's Car

Twelve automakers sent us their best sports cars, supercars, and ponycars for a week of vigorous testing for our 2016 Best Driver's Car competition.

www.motortrend.com

The wheels and tires are a good portion of the added handling of the CFTP, but the suspension is different too, just as the GT350R suspension is different than the GT350 setup. It’s the entire package to include the additional aero.

The GT350R is no slouch. It’s a helluva car. I am not a hater whatsoever. I have been on the track many times driving against GT350s and 350Rs. I haven’t come across one yet that has been any competition for the CFTP. Now a Porsche GT3 RS & ACR Viper come to mind when I think of stiff competition. Of course stripped down dedicated track cars do amazing on the track as well, but I’m talking street cars.

Ford came up with the 350R formula for 2015. They took that amazing formula and worked on making it even more amazing over the next 5 years. The end result is they hit a home run. I stand by my initial statement that the new GT500 is better on the track than the GT350… comparing base to base and CFTP to 350R.

 

[AnOrangeTwisted]

GT350R is the drivers car, it’ll always be superior for that purpose. GT500 does everything better however it does not have the soul and is less fun. If I can only own one I’d prefer the GT350R. They both great for different reasons and you can easily argue each of them as superior.

Somewhat agree (and this answer is somewhat tongue in cheek , but I have friends who are spec Miata drivers, NASA racing, who say Miatas are the "true driver's car" and seat time is a lot more important than your tune. They race several times per year. The car, the cage, tires, gas, etc. are a lot cheaper. Momentum cars, these are the people who say the driver is 10x more important than the car. They have a point... they would eat any Shelby on the track whose driver has less than a few track days.

 

[Ddivinia]

I have both a 2020 GT350R and a 2021 GT500CFTP. Overall the GT500 is better (Unless you insist on a manual trans).

I don’t think the gt500 brakes are better. GT500 has bigger brakes but it weighs a lot more than the 350R.

On tracks where you can’t use the extra power of the GT500, I suspect they will be very close The GT350 is so nimble, it may actually have an advantage.

One thing I really like are the hood pins on 500. At speed, the hood of the 350 looks like it is going to come off.

I like then both, but they are different animals.

D.