Grand Prix vs Mustang

[Unit 5302]

Originally posted by SMOKE:
Just to put some of this "conversation" into perspective.

Link: http://www.clubgp.com/cgi-asp/qtrmile.asp

The GTPs are sweet running cars but I don't need all that room.

Can anybody actually read that modification babble. ERAIT MRYT SRHOYRWT>S GGRETA NAHSURLSK.

That kinda stuff doesn't help me put anything into perspective. All that babble could say bigger S/C, smaller pulley, engine mods etc etc.

As far as power adder cars being at a disadvantage when it comes to powerband, that's not always the case. Take a look at the Thunderbird Super Coupe. Due to it's positive displacement blower it made more peak torque 315lb/ft at a lower rpm 2600rpms than the 5.0HO from the Mustang 300lb/ft@3200rpm. The HP numbers were similar. The 3.8L S/C Super Coupe made 210hp@4000, the Mustang GT made 225hp@4200. That made the 3.8L S/C engine in the Thunderbird more likely to have power whenever you wanted than a much larger N/A 5.0L V-8. In the case of the GTP the assesment is also wrong. 240hp@5200, 280lb/ft@3200. The GTP makes less hp and torque than the GT, but look at how much broader the powerband is. Max torque is on tap at only 3200rpms, the same as the old 5.0, and peak hp is also lower than the GT at 5200 vs 5250. The 2001 GT makes 260hp@5250, and 302lb/ft@4600. Of course the GT hangs around that peak torque for a while, but overall, the powerband is probably narrower than the GTP's.

As far as superior traction, that's a load. FWD has inferior traction to RWD on grippy surfaces because of weight transfer, and weight distribution kills FWD in the twisties. You can make anything quick (Type R) by making it weigh next to nothing and putting a race inspired chassis/suspension system together, but RWD is a far better platform to start from when it comes to handling. In the idiot salesman's mind, he probably thinks that he is right. In the real world the Mustang will out accelerate, outcorner, and just plain outrun a GTP.