Is a muscle car a no-go? Forum

[Aptitude]

OP, will Shelby Mustang's even that easy to get? Not every dealer has them, and they probably take a while to get. The 2020 Shelby Mustang's are getting a crazy amount of hype, I'd expect them to be on a backorder. I also can't see them selling a 700HP Mustang, with the amount of hype the prior year models have gotten, for less than $100,000.

Also, if you get a car like that, other car guys would ask to drive it. That's something to consider if you drive it to work. If I worked with you, I would ask to test drive it. And then I'd get and modify a Nissan GT-R and ask to race.

[lavarman84]

OP, will Shelby Mustang's even that easy to get? Not every dealer has them, and they probably take a while to get. The 2020 Shelby Mustang's are getting a crazy amount of hype, I'd expect them to be on a backorder. I also can't see them selling a 700HP Mustang, with the amount of hype the prior year models have gotten, for less than $100,000.

Also, if you get a car like that, other car guys would ask to drive it. That's something to consider if you drive it to work. If I worked with you, I would ask to test drive it. And then I'd get and modify a Nissan GT-R and ask to race.

It would be quite weird if other guys (even car guys) who weren't close friends (seriously) asked to drive it.

[nealric]

Of course, I say this as a guy who drives a bright red Subaru STI with a giant wing- but I'm in-house now

I like you. Bugeye?

I'd love a bugeye, but I have a boring VA- need something under warranty for a daily. I have a vintage Alfa Romeo when I want to mess around with things. I do dream about someday owning a 22B.

[nealric]

Honestly, and no offense, a GT 500 isn't even that extravagant of a car. I mean you're not talking a Lambo, or even a Porsche 911, or anything that's really going to be turning heads. There are tons of people I guarantee who make way less money than you do and drive GT 500s.

The GT500 will probably cost more than a base 911 after you account for dealer markups.

[Aptitude]

Honestly, and no offense, a GT 500 isn't even that extravagant of a car. I mean you're not talking a Lambo, or even a Porsche 911, or anything that's really going to be turning heads. There are tons of people I guarantee who make way less money than you do and drive GT 500s.

The GT500 will probably cost more than a base 911 after you account for dealer markups.

It's also the much better performing car. There have been tests done that show a Ford Mustang GT outperforming a Porsche 911. I'd expect the new GT500 to blow a regular Porsche 911 away.

It's pretty good value for performance. Ford Mustangs are heavily underrated, especially the new generation. Ford Performance (racing), is also extremely underrated considering their achievements and victories across F1, Indy, Le Mans, NASCAR, and even rallying. Very few Motorsports teams have major victories across disciplines like they do.

[nealric]

Honestly, and no offense, a GT 500 isn't even that extravagant of a car. I mean you're not talking a Lambo, or even a Porsche 911, or anything that's really going to be turning heads. There are tons of people I guarantee who make way less money than you do and drive GT 500s.

The GT500 will probably cost more than a base 911 after you account for dealer markups.

It's also the much better performing car. There have been tests done that show a Ford Mustang GT outperforming a Porsche 911. I'd expect the new GT500 to blow a regular Porsche 911 away.

It's pretty good value for performance. Ford Mustangs are heavily underrated, especially the new generation. Ford Performance (racing), is also extremely underrated considering their achievements and victories across F1, Le Mans, NASCAR, and even rallying.

Totally agree, though the only Mustang GT that will hang with a 911 on a road course would be one with the PP2 package, which is quite rare - they basically have to be special ordered. The GT500 should definitely put down some very impressive times (as does the GT350)- if it isn't significantly quicker than a Camaro ZL1 1LE, I would be very surprised.

[pfunkera]

I understand it isn't a GT500 but you can get a new 800HP mustang for ~$40K with a warranty.

https://www.lebanonford.com/lfp-800hp-mustang.htm

[JohnnieSockran]

I agree with the posters that have said you have to be a car guy to realize how much a Shelby Mustang costs. The advantage to it is it's not a flashy car because it doesn't try to distinguish itself as such - it looks like a regular Mustang. Most people will assume it's a $30,000 car. On the plus side, people who do know it's a $100,000 Mustang will be true car guys, and it'll create a good conversation.

One of the most successful Attorneys I know, who retired early and is an old timer now, has spent 30 years collecting classic European and American sports cars. He loves talking cars.

With the Shelby Mustang, you get to drive a car with performance of a car that costs two to three times as much, it makes for a good daily driver considering it's ability on the track, and no one will know you spent as much as you did compared to a Porsche/BMW/Audi.

I love Mustangs, I just think Nissan GT-Rs are rarely ever seen. But they're both brands where only car people would know how much you spent, but they can outperform cars twice as expensive. And I like having a more blue collar type of brand. It'd be unique, I see so many lawyers in Audis, Volvos, BMWs. And Partners in Porsches.

[

A new associate with a pile of debt, a Porsche is poor judgment from a strictly pragmatic perspective.

That's a lot to assume. When I went to law school, there was a decent amount of kids who were driving high-end sports cars because their parents bought them. Saw even more in undergrad (many Lamborghinis). I would just assume the same if I saw a first year associate in a Porsche. Especially in more well-off cities on the westcoast.

I think once you get beyond nicer Audi-type sedan, it becomes a “fine, but do you really have to be that guy; and if so, why?” kind of question.

-fellow biglaw midlevel indicating what’d go through my head without knowing more info.

But I also say that I’d probably think that once or twice and then get along with the thousand more interesting pertinent or pressing things in my life.

What would you think if someone showed up in a heavily modified Toyota Supra?

I might judge the Supra more than the Porsche, but that's because of my personal preference more than anything. I see a lot of heavily modded Toyota 86's around where I live/work or whatever the similar looking Subaru is, and I just have no interest in something like that, but that's only my personal preference.

Why not? European cars your thing? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OeiP0_tF8d4

JDM cars are a lot of fun. If I just had $100,000+ to burn, I'd buy a Skyline or Mitsubishi from the 90s and have a lot of fun.

It's more the interior and build quality. Porsche quality control is just better, and then when you take it in for service you'd get a Macan or similar loaner car, etc. With a mustang, Toyota 86, etc., when it goes in for service you likely don't get any loaner car, the build quality and interior finishes aren't as nice, and you have the 17 year old Ford mechanic working on your $100k+ car.

As far as the modded cars, I just think they look a little childish to me, and I think they would look funny if I had to drive the to some of the places I have to go for work (we have a couple of events a year that are at nice restaurants/hotels where valet is the only option, and a heavily modded Supra just looks funnny to me, but again, that's just my opinion so I'm not trying to shit on people who disagree, because otherwise I agree that they are cool/fun cars).

[Anonymous User]

OP, will Shelby Mustang's even that easy to get? Not every dealer has them, and they probably take a while to get. The 2020 Shelby Mustang's are getting a crazy amount of hype, I'd expect them to be on a backorder. I also can't see them selling a 700HP Mustang, with the amount of hype the prior year models have gotten, for less than $100,000.

Also, if you get a car like that, other car guys would ask to drive it. That's something to consider if you drive it to work. If I worked with you, I would ask to test drive it. And then I'd get and modify a Nissan GT-R and ask to race.

No, I'm not positive that I'd even be able to get my hands on a GT500. Fortunately, I am in a part of the country where dealers get more of the special vehicle allocations than your average dealership. But I also don't think I can justify the ADM that will come on the GT500 (I've read it will be from $10k-20k), when I could get a 2020 911, as others posters have discussed, for close to the same price, which won't be nearly as hard to get my hands on.

[wishywashy]

I say get what you want, just make sure you don't regret the two door car life.

I would add that you should consider how often you will have to ferry clients about or other folks in the office (to meetings, to lunch, for your own business development). Not sure if you do trial work, but having space for infinities of binders and boxes is nice.

You can always buy something with 4 doors (SUV, big sedan, whatever) for cash on the cheap too if you do have the people/stuff hauling problem. Nothing wrong with having two vehicles.

[Aptitude]

OP, will Shelby Mustang's even that easy to get? Not every dealer has them, and they probably take a while to get. The 2020 Shelby Mustang's are getting a crazy amount of hype, I'd expect them to be on a backorder. I also can't see them selling a 700HP Mustang, with the amount of hype the prior year models have gotten, for less than $100,000.

Also, if you get a car like that, other car guys would ask to drive it. That's something to consider if you drive it to work. If I worked with you, I would ask to test drive it. And then I'd get and modify a Nissan GT-R and ask to race.

No, I'm not positive that I'd even be able to get my hands on a GT500. Fortunately, I am in a part of the country where dealers get more of the special vehicle allocations than your average dealership. But I also don't think I can justify the ADM that will come on the GT500 (I've read it will be from $10k-20k), when I could get a 2020 911, as others posters have discussed, for close to the same price, which won't be nearly as hard to get my hands on.

Among car guys, you'll have way more cred with the Shelby GT500. People who recognize it will be true car guys, or Ford guys. It's like when I see a guy in a Nissan GT-R or Supra, I'm like "Oh this guy really knows and values cars, not just the brand", otherwise he'd be in a BMW or Audi.

There's also a side benefit, that if you've owned other Fords (you sound like a car guy that likes Mustangs) and you're ever rich, you could qualify as a previous buyer and maybe get on the list for a Ford GT. The Ford GT is really cool, and won the LMGTE Pro class at Le Mans (beating Ferrari, Porsche, Audi even though it's a race they do a lot of R&D and have history in).

I know it sounds like a minor benefit, but if you ever want a rare Ford in the future, a Mustang Boss, Shelby Mustang, Focus RS, Ford GT that are in high demand you'll be get bumped up the list. It's something to consider since it seems you make good money.

Plus the Shelby Mustang is going to blow a Porsche 911 away. It's really no comparison, it's an entirely different class of car on the road and track. Look at the Leno's Garage video I linked with the Ford Mustang GT350, they're comparing it to Ferraris performance wise. And it's the same head of engineering that worked on the Mustang as the Ford GT. Even with mark-up, I think it's worth it as long as it's around $100,000. Once you get above that range, then you're looking at cars like the NSX or a GT-R you can really mod up.

Are you in LA? I live in a really well off area and the dealer near me doesn't have any Shelby Mustang's at all, they say they're too niche to carry and the dealer doesn't want to bother to qualify.

[dabigchina]

Of course, I say this as a guy who drives a bright red Subaru STI with a giant wing- but I'm in-house now

I like you. Bugeye?

I'd love a bugeye, but I have a boring VA- need something under warranty for a daily. I have a vintage Alfa Romeo when I want to mess around with things. I do dream about someday owning a 22B.

dad had a manual 164 when I was a little kid. broke my heart when we got rid of it because of the typical alfa reliability nonsense.

[Aptitude]

Also hasn't been mentioned yet that with dealer markup on the 2020 Shelby Mustang, you're well within range of a Chevy Corvette Z06. That should be at least considered, if you're considering cars around $100,000. I'm more a fan of Mustangs, but the Corvette would likely be a lot easier to get your hands on.

But the Corvette is a lot less discrete. People will definitely have an idea of how much you spent, unlike with the Shelby Mustang, in case you're worried about that. The way it looks will also attract far more attention, as it looks a lot more aggressive, like it just came off the track.

[gogu]

Get the car you want, and enjoy it. As a senior associate who used to have an M3 (in the days before kids), it brings a smile to my face to chat with juniors who have such interests. Life is short; make memories.

[hagoomata]

As someone who knows nothing about cars, just curious: are Shelby’s only betters than 911s on a straight line? What y’all are saying is contrary to everything I’ve ever heard (but again, I’m not a car person myself). I remember asking my motorhead friends which car I should get if I were interested in joining them on a track sometime and they shot down the idea of a mustang due to its handling.

[icansortofmath]

It gets similar track times even on technical courses like Nurburgring.

OP, get the car. I don’t even think a 120k car would turn too many heads and be a knock against you. I think it’s pretty accepted that some people have a dream car and will splurge.

It will only become a problem if you also start rocking a bunch of bling like Patek Phillippe watches and Brooks Brother suits and start looking excessively vain.

If anything, being willing to splurge on a car while being normal elsewhere would just make you the envy of married colleagues that couldn’t get the purchase past their significant others.

[nealric]

As someone who knows nothing about cars, just curious: are Shelby’s only betters than 911s on a straight line? What y’all are saying is contrary to everything I’ve ever heard (but again, I’m not a car person myself). I remember asking my motorhead friends which car I should get if I were interested in joining them on a track sometime and they shot down the idea of a mustang due to its handling.

There's a big difference between the forthcoming GT500 (and current GT350) and the last generation GT500 and other prior "Shelby" Mustangs. The old car (2012 MY GT500) had a solid rear axle (meaning the left and right suspension could not move independently), which is both archaic and problematic for handling on a road course (though good for drag racing). In general, the old car was setup for drag racing and being a quick street car in a straight line. The new cars are pretty hard core road course machines. The GT350R is well known as a quite respectable track weapon, and will let you hang with all but the highest-buck Italian exotics.

There's also a big difference between the base mustang or mustang GT and the GT PP2 cars, and the GT350 cars. The "normal" cars are quite softly sprung and have a lot of body roll- they also have brakes that are not really up to track duty. The PP2 option cars and GT350/500 are well set up for track use right out of the box.

That being said, I would dissuade someone with no track experience from buying a GT350 or GT500. To put it bluntly, it's too much car for a beginner. No matter how good of a driver you think you might be, if you don't have any track time, you suck. Going straight to a high horsepower car means you will likely be covering up a ton of mistakes with power, and relying on electronic stability control and other computerized systems to keep you off of the wall. Far better to start with a BRZ or Miata and learn to drive first- consumables such as tires and brakes are also MUCH cheaper that way.

Car and driver does a nice feature ever year called the "lightning lap" where the lap a bunch of cars on the same course on the same day. It gives you a pretty good idea of relative speed on a road course:

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/a ... ical-data/

[JohnnieSockran]

As someone who knows nothing about cars, just curious: are Shelby’s only betters than 911s on a straight line? What y’all are saying is contrary to everything I’ve ever heard (but again, I’m not a car person myself). I remember asking my motorhead friends which car I should get if I were interested in joining them on a track sometime and they shot down the idea of a mustang due to its handling.

Actually, it's slower in a straight line. Everything I have read shows Ford claiming a 0-60 in low low 3 second range on the GT500. The 911 C2S with Sport Chrono (not a base 911, albeit, but only 1 step up) is claimed to do 0-60 in ~3.3 seconds, and Porsche is widely known to be highly conservative on their estimates. The 911 will probably actually do it somewhere around 2.8-2.9.

Hell, even the new BMW M5 is faster in a straight line, doing 2.8 0-60 if you get the competition model.

[nealric]

As someone who knows nothing about cars, just curious: are Shelby’s only betters than 911s on a straight line? What y’all are saying is contrary to everything I’ve ever heard (but again, I’m not a car person myself). I remember asking my motorhead friends which car I should get if I were interested in joining them on a track sometime and they shot down the idea of a mustang due to its handling.

Actually, it's slower in a straight line. Everything I have read shows Ford claiming a 0-60 in low low 3 second range on the GT500. The 911 C2S with Sport Chrono (not a base 911, albeit, but only 1 step up) is claimed to do 0-60 in ~3.3 seconds, and Porsche is widely known to be highly conservative on their estimates. The 911 will probably actually do it somewhere around 2.8-2.9.

Hell, even the new BMW M5 is faster in a straight line, doing 2.8 0-60 if you get the competition model.

Once you get into the 500+hp club, 0-60 times are mostly a measure of off-the line traction and not straight line speed. The GT500 is going to be super traction limited off the line- 0-60 would be the same even if it had 2000 hp. The 911 has a rear-mounted engine (much better for launching) and the M5 is all-wheel drive. 1/4 mile trap speeds should be much higher in the GT500 (better indication of straight line performance when you aren't going from a dig). Based on ~720+ HP and curb weight of around 3,600, the GT500 should be good for low 10 second quarter miles, and probably 9s on drag radials if not high 8s on slicks. The 911 runs low 11s in the 1/4 and the M5 runs high 10s.

[JohnnieSockran]

As someone who knows nothing about cars, just curious: are Shelby’s only betters than 911s on a straight line? What y’all are saying is contrary to everything I’ve ever heard (but again, I’m not a car person myself). I remember asking my motorhead friends which car I should get if I were interested in joining them on a track sometime and they shot down the idea of a mustang due to its handling.

Actually, it's slower in a straight line. Everything I have read shows Ford claiming a 0-60 in low low 3 second range on the GT500. The 911 C2S with Sport Chrono (not a base 911, albeit, but only 1 step up) is claimed to do 0-60 in ~3.3 seconds, and Porsche is widely known to be highly conservative on their estimates. The 911 will probably actually do it somewhere around 2.8-2.9.

Hell, even the new BMW M5 is faster in a straight line, doing 2.8 0-60 if you get the competition model.

Once you get into the 500+hp club, 0-60 times are mostly a measure of off-the line traction and not straight line speed. The GT500 is going to be super traction limited off the line- 0-60 would be the same even if it had 2000 hp. The 911 has a rear-mounted engine (much better for launching) and the M5 is all-wheel drive. 1/4 mile trap speeds should be much higher in the GT500 (better indication of straight line performance when you aren't going from a dig). Based on ~720+ HP and curb weight of around 3,600, the GT500 should be good for low 10 second quarter miles, and probably 9s on drag radials if not high 8s on slicks. The 911 runs low 11s in the 1/4 and the M5 runs high 10s.

I agree it's a great track car. My point was more that all the power is useless for someone that doesn't plan to track the car at all, since on the typical commute to and from work (on "normal" performance tires, not drag radials or anything), the GT500 can't hookup, whereas the 911 can and will be a better daily driver, IMHO.

The only reason these cars started to get compared side by side I think is because of the high ADM on the GT500, putting it in the price range of the 911.

[nealric]

As someone who knows nothing about cars, just curious: are Shelby’s only betters than 911s on a straight line? What y’all are saying is contrary to everything I’ve ever heard (but again, I’m not a car person myself). I remember asking my motorhead friends which car I should get if I were interested in joining them on a track sometime and they shot down the idea of a mustang due to its handling.

Actually, it's slower in a straight line. Everything I have read shows Ford claiming a 0-60 in low low 3 second range on the GT500. The 911 C2S with Sport Chrono (not a base 911, albeit, but only 1 step up) is claimed to do 0-60 in ~3.3 seconds, and Porsche is widely known to be highly conservative on their estimates. The 911 will probably actually do it somewhere around 2.8-2.9.

Hell, even the new BMW M5 is faster in a straight line, doing 2.8 0-60 if you get the competition model.

Once you get into the 500+hp club, 0-60 times are mostly a measure of off-the line traction and not straight line speed. The GT500 is going to be super traction limited off the line- 0-60 would be the same even if it had 2000 hp. The 911 has a rear-mounted engine (much better for launching) and the M5 is all-wheel drive. 1/4 mile trap speeds should be much higher in the GT500 (better indication of straight line performance when you aren't going from a dig). Based on ~720+ HP and curb weight of around 3,600, the GT500 should be good for low 10 second quarter miles, and probably 9s on drag radials if not high 8s on slicks. The 911 runs low 11s in the 1/4 and the M5 runs high 10s.

I agree it's a great track car. My point was more that all the power is useless for someone that doesn't plan to track the car at all, since on the typical commute to and from work (on "normal" performance tires, not drag radials or anything), the GT500 can't hookup, whereas the 911 can and will be a better daily driver, IMHO.

The only reason these cars started to get compared side by side I think is because of the high ADM on the GT500, putting it in the price range of the 911.

Well, I don't think anybody is engaging launch control on the M5 or 911 on their daily commute either Any of these cars will be stupid fast for a daily driver. Agree though that a 911 would be a better daily- it's a lot less hardcore.

[Anonymous User]

As someone who knows nothing about cars, just curious: are Shelby’s only betters than 911s on a straight line? What y’all are saying is contrary to everything I’ve ever heard (but again, I’m not a car person myself). I remember asking my motorhead friends which car I should get if I were interested in joining them on a track sometime and they shot down the idea of a mustang due to its handling.

Actually, it's slower in a straight line. Everything I have read shows Ford claiming a 0-60 in low low 3 second range on the GT500. The 911 C2S with Sport Chrono (not a base 911, albeit, but only 1 step up) is claimed to do 0-60 in ~3.3 seconds, and Porsche is widely known to be highly conservative on their estimates. The 911 will probably actually do it somewhere around 2.8-2.9.

Hell, even the new BMW M5 is faster in a straight line, doing 2.8 0-60 if you get the competition model.

Once you get into the 500+hp club, 0-60 times are mostly a measure of off-the line traction and not straight line speed. The GT500 is going to be super traction limited off the line- 0-60 would be the same even if it had 2000 hp. The 911 has a rear-mounted engine (much better for launching) and the M5 is all-wheel drive. 1/4 mile trap speeds should be much higher in the GT500 (better indication of straight line performance when you aren't going from a dig). Based on ~720+ HP and curb weight of around 3,600, the GT500 should be good for low 10 second quarter miles, and probably 9s on drag radials if not high 8s on slicks. The 911 runs low 11s in the 1/4 and the M5 runs high 10s.

I agree it's a great track car. My point was more that all the power is useless for someone that doesn't plan to track the car at all, since on the typical commute to and from work (on "normal" performance tires, not drag radials or anything), the GT500 can't hookup, whereas the 911 can and will be a better daily driver, IMHO.

The only reason these cars started to get compared side by side I think is because of the high ADM on the GT500, putting it in the price range of the 911.

Well, I don't think anybody is engaging launch control on the M5 or 911 on their daily commute either Any of these cars will be stupid fast for a daily driver. Agree though that a 911 would be a better daily- it's a lot less hardcore.

Don't want to out myself, but I actually had an F90 M5 for awhile, and maybe it's partly due to my age, but I would regularly launch it on the drive home in the warmer months of the year, or pretty much anytime I was at a red light next to a modded Camaro, Mustang, R8, 911, etc. because they all thought they would smoke me...it was a ton of fun.

[nealric]

As someone who knows nothing about cars, just curious: are Shelby’s only betters than 911s on a straight line? What y’all are saying is contrary to everything I’ve ever heard (but again, I’m not a car person myself). I remember asking my motorhead friends which car I should get if I were interested in joining them on a track sometime and they shot down the idea of a mustang due to its handling.

Actually, it's slower in a straight line. Everything I have read shows Ford claiming a 0-60 in low low 3 second range on the GT500. The 911 C2S with Sport Chrono (not a base 911, albeit, but only 1 step up) is claimed to do 0-60 in ~3.3 seconds, and Porsche is widely known to be highly conservative on their estimates. The 911 will probably actually do it somewhere around 2.8-2.9.

Hell, even the new BMW M5 is faster in a straight line, doing 2.8 0-60 if you get the competition model.

Once you get into the 500+hp club, 0-60 times are mostly a measure of off-the line traction and not straight line speed. The GT500 is going to be super traction limited off the line- 0-60 would be the same even if it had 2000 hp. The 911 has a rear-mounted engine (much better for launching) and the M5 is all-wheel drive. 1/4 mile trap speeds should be much higher in the GT500 (better indication of straight line performance when you aren't going from a dig). Based on ~720+ HP and curb weight of around 3,600, the GT500 should be good for low 10 second quarter miles, and probably 9s on drag radials if not high 8s on slicks. The 911 runs low 11s in the 1/4 and the M5 runs high 10s.

I agree it's a great track car. My point was more that all the power is useless for someone that doesn't plan to track the car at all, since on the typical commute to and from work (on "normal" performance tires, not drag radials or anything), the GT500 can't hookup, whereas the 911 can and will be a better daily driver, IMHO.

The only reason these cars started to get compared side by side I think is because of the high ADM on the GT500, putting it in the price range of the 911.

Well, I don't think anybody is engaging launch control on the M5 or 911 on their daily commute either Any of these cars will be stupid fast for a daily driver. Agree though that a 911 would be a better daily- it's a lot less hardcore.

Don't want to out myself, but I actually had an F90 M5 for awhile, and maybe it's partly due to my age, but I would regularly launch it on the drive home in the warmer months of the year, or pretty much anytime I was at a red light next to a modded Camaro, Mustang, R8, 911, etc. because they all thought they would smoke me...it was a ton of fun.

Like actually go through the 23 sub-menus to engage launch control, or just floor it off the line?

[Anonymous User]

As someone who knows nothing about cars, just curious: are Shelby’s only betters than 911s on a straight line? What y’all are saying is contrary to everything I’ve ever heard (but again, I’m not a car person myself). I remember asking my motorhead friends which car I should get if I were interested in joining them on a track sometime and they shot down the idea of a mustang due to its handling.

Actually, it's slower in a straight line. Everything I have read shows Ford claiming a 0-60 in low low 3 second range on the GT500. The 911 C2S with Sport Chrono (not a base 911, albeit, but only 1 step up) is claimed to do 0-60 in ~3.3 seconds, and Porsche is widely known to be highly conservative on their estimates. The 911 will probably actually do it somewhere around 2.8-2.9.

Hell, even the new BMW M5 is faster in a straight line, doing 2.8 0-60 if you get the competition model.

Once you get into the 500+hp club, 0-60 times are mostly a measure of off-the line traction and not straight line speed. The GT500 is going to be super traction limited off the line- 0-60 would be the same even if it had 2000 hp. The 911 has a rear-mounted engine (much better for launching) and the M5 is all-wheel drive. 1/4 mile trap speeds should be much higher in the GT500 (better indication of straight line performance when you aren't going from a dig). Based on ~720+ HP and curb weight of around 3,600, the GT500 should be good for low 10 second quarter miles, and probably 9s on drag radials if not high 8s on slicks. The 911 runs low 11s in the 1/4 and the M5 runs high 10s.

I agree it's a great track car. My point was more that all the power is useless for someone that doesn't plan to track the car at all, since on the typical commute to and from work (on "normal" performance tires, not drag radials or anything), the GT500 can't hookup, whereas the 911 can and will be a better daily driver, IMHO.

The only reason these cars started to get compared side by side I think is because of the high ADM on the GT500, putting it in the price range of the 911.

Well, I don't think anybody is engaging launch control on the M5 or 911 on their daily commute either Any of these cars will be stupid fast for a daily driver. Agree though that a 911 would be a better daily- it's a lot less hardcore.

Don't want to out myself, but I actually had an F90 M5 for awhile, and maybe it's partly due to my age, but I would regularly launch it on the drive home in the warmer months of the year, or pretty much anytime I was at a red light next to a modded Camaro, Mustang, R8, 911, etc. because they all thought they would smoke me...it was a ton of fun.

Like actually go through the 23 sub-menus to engage launch control, or just floor it off the line?

On the F90 launches are pretty simple: Press M2 button, press DSC off button, mash the brake, floor it and then release the brake.

[clshopeful]

I work in a satellite office of a big firm, and we are in a warm climate pretty much year round. I was considering purchasing the new Ford Mustang Shelby GT500, and because of the climate here, I would be able to daily drive it (it would be my only vehicle, aside from my wife's car).

So, would I look like a super douche if partners or other associates saw me getting out of this car at the office, or worse, if I drove it to an off-site work event where I have to valet the car in front of everyone else at the event? The exhaust has different modes, but I assume it will still be pretty loud even in "quiet" mode, and mustangs just don't really look like the typical car for a biglaw attorney.

So, is it douchey and I should get something normal like a 5-series BMW, or am I overthinking this?

Live your life! no one will care what car you drive, unless it's something ridiculous like a ferrari as a fourth year associate.