Article Comments - 2010 Ford Mustang GT vs. 2009 Nissan 370Z

22 messages, Last post on Sep 19, 2009 at 6:00 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Mustang, Nissan 370Z, Coupe

2010 Ford Mustang GT vs. 2009 Nissan 370Z - Go ahead; pick a car, any car. Both of them will reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds (4.9 seconds with 1 foot of rollout like on a drag strip). (more)

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#21 of 22 Re: 2010 Mustang GT with M-2005-FR3 Handling Package [jmaroun] by 2006vr6 Sep 19, 2009 (4:44 am)
Replying to: jmaroun (Sep 17, 2009 9:36 am) Wow - Joseph you certainly didn't waste any time! Can't wait to hear your impressions on your new setup! The 373 gear set does quicken your shifts. No doubt about that. There are improved shift kits on the market. I've always liked a "T" shifter vs the ball. My elbow rests right on the center console and my hand simply rides so much better on the "T" vs a ball. I shift better with it as well. This is of course isn't recommended for real racing as you need both hands on the wheel - but most of us drive on local roads and when the "Need for Speed" hits I guess I can shift better and I'm more comfortable with the "T". The "T" can also be rotated to make it a straight handle which some folks like as well. Real low cost with a different feel.
#22 of 22 2010 Mustang GT with M-2005-FR3 Handling Package: Impressions Vs Stock by jmaroun Sep 19, 2009 (6:00 pm)
M-2005-FR3 Handling Package http://www.fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=8976 The car should come stock with FR3 IMO. I hope this helps alot of folks out there thinking of upgrading their Stang's suspension. And I can tell you, stock suspension not only sucks..I'd say it's a bit dangerous. A stock 2010 Mustang GT rides high, ridiculously high which I guess relieves any concerns about rubbing bumpers on high curbs but such a setup also seriously compromises handling. Also, if anyone out there is worried about an excessively harsh ride with the FR3 package (which seems to be a rumor on some forums), let me tell you from experience.. I got mine installed with the most aggressive settings..and I honestly think the ride is just as comfortable as stock..Infact, a bit more comfortable since now, going over speed bumps or over abrupt drive way dividers has less recoil/bounce drama. Ride height is lowered significantly but is no lower than any other sporty car and I think it has plenty of clearance. It looks a heck of alot better now too. As for the twisties, aggressive throttle and braking manuevors, the car now stays planted and stabilizes rapidly with critical damping (meaning no under or over shoot). Major improvement which will be noticed immediately after stepping hard on the gas or brakes or while turning. Plainly, no more wobble from side to side and front to back when driven hard or going over bumps. I was a bit concerned about wheel alignment and body centering issues since she was lowered about 1.5". After inspection, I honestly see no shift and the alignment is dead on. This suspenssion system works well. In short, the FR3 handling package is an affordable and sure-bet worth getting. I'd like to recommend Dan at Irvine's Turtle- Click Ford dealership for anyone interested in the area. He knows his stuff and will take care of you. They had all the parts and installation went flawless..plus, I got a free car wash and rental included in the price ($2100 out the door). I'm glad I drove up all the way from San Diego to get it done there. As a side note, I'd like to compare this 2010 Mustang GT with FR3 handling package with my previous 08 335i with sports package: Although, the stang's handling greatly improved, there basically is no real contest. To my surprise, the FR3 package is actually softer than a 335i's suspension with Sports package which comes as a standard option from BMW's factory. Yes, the 335 is actually harsh compared to the FR3. While both 335i and stang feel planted and stable, the 335i is on its toes ready and capable to change direction on the spot and to execute flawlessly with urgency. This gives a driver massive confidence and power on the road or track. The stang is significantly more hesitant to change direction or even to accelerate in a straight line. In a stang, relatively speaking, you have to think longer before a quick manuevor compared to a 335. This has to do not only with the stang's sluggish steering and softer suspenssion, but also a lazy throttle response. The 335's independent rear suspenssion enables it to bend into a turn in a way the Stang will never be able to do with its live rear. The result is that you need to let the tail out more with the stang. The stang does this well and easily, but it's an inefficient and slower way to get around a turn. Mainly, the 335i is just more responsive all round making the stang look sluggish in comparison. While a 335i screams like a bobcat, the stang roars like a bear. The stang is louder, and perhaps a touch more powerful, but its slower and less agile. I'd say that's an accurate albiet corny analogy. They are worlds appart, and the obvious is true, no amount of modifications will ever be enough to bridge the gap. Unfortunately. But, at nearly half the price, that's OK though. I'm still having a bunch of fun with this GT. Thanks largely due to its engine grunt and roar, this Mustang offers a cool and fun driving experience. I'll hold mine for a couple years before I'll have to sell it as this economy picks up. As for my next mod, I'll probably put my stock tires in the garage, and get Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric max performance summer tires in a couple weeks. Throttle response upgrades would be nice but the one from fordracingparts (M-FR1-MGTA) doesn't seem impressive (only 10hp improvement). I wonder how the response is improved though. M-FR1-MGTA: http://fordracingparts.com/parts/part_details.asp?PartKeyField=11181 Is this package worth it? If anyone has this mod, please give me feedback. I can't risk going to other manufacturers since i don't want to void the warranty. For about $30k which is what I paid out the door including FR3 parts and installation, and with extended 6yr 100k, warranty/maintaince/gap.. I'm satisfied. At least until I find out what the next 3/M3 is gonna look like in a couple years. 2006vr6, I've never seen a T shifter..sounds strange for a stick shift. I'll check in to it.. By the way, I picked up a Roush white billiard ball shift knob which I thought would be fun in my black stang It twisted right on with no tools. It feels and looks good. Joseph San Diego