[JadedTuner]

Originally Posted by Chris B.

Ignorant comments like this make me laugh. Before I bought my current Mustang, most of my cars were 1900-2400 lb cars that handled very well. I wasn't sure if I would like the Mustang until I drove it. Yes, its a bit heavy compared to a Miata or Civic, but that's the price you pay for having a V8 and meeting modern safety standards. You can always find something that handles better than something else, but to say it handles like crap is just plain ignorant

A 2008 Mustang GT weighs 3350 lbs. with no options. That's within 30 lbs of a 2008 350Z. Yet, I hear no one saying the 350Z weighs too much and handles like crap. The 2005-2011 Mustang GT's have a 55%/45%-53%/47% weight balance depending on options. That's similar weight balance to the 3 series BMW and 350Z. On a road course, the 2008 350Z track and 2007/2008 Mustang GT ran times within a few seconds of each other when completely stock. Both the 350Z and Mustang GT would suffer brake fade after a few laps. The brake fade issue is easily solved when the street pads are replaced with race pads and the brake fluid is replaced.

Currently the 2005-2009 Mustang GT is the dominant car in SCCA F stock. Not only is it fast, but at many divisional events, the F stock Mustang GT's are running faster times than the stock class RX-8's and S2000's.

I've run faster lap times in my Mustang when it was nearly stock than the Spec Miatas were running on the same track the same day. I'm sure the Miata doesn't handle like crap. In Car & Driver's lightning lap competition, a 100% stock 2010 Mustang GT ran faster lap times than the new Miata, Civic Si, the Mugen Civic Si, Mini cooper S, the VW GTI, WRX STi, RX-8, G37 Sport, the Mini Cooper John Cooper Works edition, 2010 WRX, Lotus Elise SC, Mazdaspeed3, Solstice GXP, Honda S2000 CR, Genesis Coupe, 3.8, BMW 135i, and EVO MR. That's not a sign of a car that handles like crap. For 2011 the track pack will include 4 piston Brembo brakes and upgraded springs, shocks, and sway bars. I can't wait to see how much faster it is on a road course after that.

i love how you instantaneously choose to compare it to various imports especially the 350Z. (oh and the Z handles like crap too and weighs a butt load).

A few seconds in the racing world can be the difference between first and last. So your point is moot. I never said it didnt have any potential to be a great handling car (as all cars do with the right amount of $$$$ cough KR cough).

And to be fair about your car and driver mention, track selection plays a huge key in what car will come out on top. On a tight road course the smaller cars will shine, and on a large drawn out course the larger more powerful cars will shine. I'd love to know what track they tested at. Also, gearing plays a KEY role.