2011 Mustang vs. R/T Challenger

[Herbot]

I'm considering buying a new car and was almost 100% set on an SRT8 Challenger...until I realized the performance gains over the R/T were not that impressive compared to the price. I already own a truck, car and a bike, and have no plans to get rid of any of them; this will basically be something to drive on weekends, possibly do some stoplight-to-stoplight drag racing.

Not interested in the Camaro at all. It's pretty kickass from a performance standpoint, but I hate the aesthetics. Can't really afford a Corvette, either. I like the GT, but the engine seems a little anemic compared to the Hemi. Enter the 5.0 2011 Mustang. The hypothetical car is lighter has as much power as the R/T, and will probably be cheaper. I've owned several Fords over the years (Crown Vic, Bronco) and currently have a Lincoln, so I have no personal issue with the brand (I even own Ford stock). That said, I do want a car pretty soon and the new Mustang might not be here until late summer, or may never be here. Who knows? Also, we had a '70 Challenger when I was a kid and drag raced it, so there's somewhat of a nostalgia factor.

BS background aside, would it be in my best interests to go ahead and wait for the new Mustang, get an R/T or maybe even buy a used SRT8?

 

[BlackTigers]

You can get a used C5 Z06 for ~20K or so.

Do this. <3.


And for these, parts are cheap, there's millions of ways to make them faster, and it's not a pig like the Challenger.

Or here, a C6 for ~30k with low miles.

http://www.usedcorvettesforsale.com/2005-corvette-33960.html

 

[lurk3r]

For a weekend racer get a few year old vette, there's no matching the bang for buck. C5's can be had for as low as $15k in reasonable condition, all day at $25k

 

[RedRooster]

If a vette is even close to being on your radar, I'd go with that all day every time.
Otherwise wait for the Mustang if you have to have new.

 

[Fenixgoon]

the mustang GT has almost as much power as the SRT8.

the 5.0L is 412hp and 398 ft-lbs IIRC. mustang no contest.

also, you can get used vettes for pretty cheap (C6's are in the 25-30k range now)

 

[JJ650]

**EDIT**
Nevermind. I can't read.

 

[MiataNC]

Used Vette

 

[jpeyton]

The R/T was rated last out of the three (Mustang/Camaro/Challenger). Get the Mustang.

 

[PricklyPete]

Definitely wait till the Mustang 5.0 comes out. In the mean time look into used Corvette's and do some test driving. The Challenger is huge and REALLY heavy. Sounds nice and looks nice...but IMHO the Mustang beats it in ever way...and that is with the current 4.6L...I can't imagine what the 5.0 will be like.

 

[JJ650]

Definitely wait till the Mustang 5.0 comes out. In the mean time look into used Corvette's and do some test driving. The Challenger is huge and REALLY heavy. Sounds nice and looks nice...but IMHO the Mustang beats it in ever way...and that is with the current 4.6L...I can't imagine what the 5.0 will be like.

I would really love to get behind the wheen on the new 5.0 Stang. I'm REALLY hoping it lives up to the hype.

 

[aleckz]

To be completely honest, I wouldn't buy a Mustang till at least 2012. That way if there are any problems with the engines (minor of course) they will be worked out by 2012. I know they have lots of prior knowledge with V8's, but I still feel that I would rather wait one year to know solid results and figure out if there were any recalls rather than actually buying the car, having a problem and having to deal with the stealerships.

I love the way the Challenger looks, but it is a bloated beast. The Corvette option always stands and is almost guaranteed fun. I would wait out the winter season and just ride your bike, and then wait for a nice used Challenger or a 2012 Mustang.

 

[ElFenix]

the 2010 GT is already faster than the R/T charger. another 100 horsepower is just going to increase the lead.

c&d already likes the mustang best out of the GT, SS, and R/T

 

[overst33r]

Weekend car? C5 Z06. You can't readily buy more performance for the money.

 

[SN4p]

Absolutely a used Corvette. No questions asked.

 

[BlackTigers]

OP, I think you have your answer. :

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/vehic...2001-z06-corvette-qs-w-14k-miles-23000-a.html

http://www.ls1tech.com/forums/vehic...0-miles-ls2-402-500-rwhp-garage-queen-fs.html

do want.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Weekend car? C5 Z06. You can't readily buy more performance for the money.

This. Even though I'm a huge Mustang fan. Hell, you can pick up C4 ZR-1 Corvettes in the $30,000 neighborhood too.

ZV

 

[thedarkwolf]

The charger is just way to big and fat to even bother considering for me.

 

[Elfear]

Brings a tear to my eye seeing all these recommendations for a used Vette. Seems like they always get a bad rap for being an old man car but I think they offer one of the best bangs-for-the-buck out there.

You can find a decently modded C5 in the 500-600rwhp range for under $30k pretty easy. Or a nice C6 for the same money.

 

[MiataNC]

Brings a tear to my eye seeing all these recommendations for a used Vette. Seems like they always get a bad rap for being an old man car but I think they offer one of the best bangs-for-the-buck out there.

You can find a decently modded C5 in the 500-600rwhp range for under $30k pretty easy. Or a nice C6 for the same money.

The Vette had some dark years (too heavy, poor performance, and poor quality).

Chevy has come a long way redeeming the model, and people are responding. It is definitely nice to see an American sports car getting so much deserved respect.

 

[Vette73]

The Vette had some dark years (too heavy, poor performance, and poor quality).

Chevy has come a long way redeeming the model, and people are responding. It is definitely nice to see an American sports car getting so much deserved respect.

The "problem" years of the Corvette was not a Corvette thing but a car thing. All cars were pretty weak and had issues in the late 70's early-mid 80's. Even then a early C4 can be gutted and made fun.

 

[Arkaign]

I agree with the used Vette as a great suggestion.

One quandary might be financing. Used cars are usually more difficult to get financed (let alone modded ones), and when you do get financing can be a higher rate a lot of times. You could skip that headache by getting a loan from your local credit union/bank.

I kind of like the idea of a brand new '11 GT, but I'm sure they'll sell eleventy billion of them in no time.

 

[Dr. Detroit]

I expect to see a huge power gain from the SRT8 in 2011 or 2012 as the RT now makes a cool 400HP. Thinking they are awaiting to unleash this new motor when the all new JGC and Charger/300 are released.

The 2011 Mustang will be very nice but not so sure on the premium over a discounted 2010. 2010's are discounted at a minimum $8K right now. There is a $2-3K price hike in 2011 so a 2010 with $8K in savings, the optional track pack and aftermarket twin screw blower would be quite nice!

I really dislike the C5 - its bloated, interior is atrocious.

C6 is the way to go if you go used Vette shopping.

 

[overst33r]

I expect to see a huge power gain from the SRT8 in 2011 or 2012 as the RT now makes a cool 400HP. Thinking they are awaiting to unleash this new motor when the all new JGC and Charger/300 are released.

The 2011 Mustang will be very nice but not so sure on the premium over a discounted 2010. 2010's are discounted at a minimum $8K right now. There is a $2-3K price hike in 2011 so a 2010 with $8K in savings, the optional track pack and aftermarket twin screw blower would be quite nice!

I really dislike the C5 - its bloated, interior is atrocious.

C6 is the way to go if you go used Vette shopping.

What's the specs/rumors on the new motor?

 

[Dr. Detroit]

What's the specs/rumors on the new motor?

Joining the elusive 500/500 club.

We've been told the 2010 SRT8 Grand Cherokee will feature a 6.4-liter Hemi. That Hemi is the 392 crate motor that makes 525 hp and 510 lb-ft of torque according to Mopar's own site. It's unknown if the output will differ when installed in a production vehicle, but it's a safe bet to assume this monster will be producing 500+ hp. Look for awd and the automatic transmission to carry over.

Obvisouly due the Chrysler demise the all new JGC was pushed out to 2011 and the JGC SRT8 could be a 2012 entry.

 

[ElFenix]

What's the specs/rumors on the new motor?

412 horsepowers/390 torques, 5.0, 17/25 with the 6 speed auto (improved from 17/23), or 16/24 with six speed stick (same as last year).

the new V6 is very interesting, almost as much power as the outgoing V8 and certainly lighter. 19/30 with the auto for that one.


edit: nm thought you were asking about the 2011 stang