Mustang Bullitt Forum banner

Autoblog compares GT500 and Bullitt

1748 Views 33 Replies 15 Participants Last post by  RCSignals
1 - 20 of 34 Posts
I've driven both. I bought the Bullitt. Article is dead on-- except for the reported $10k difference in price. Hear in Cali..its still about a $20k spread.
There is a HUGE undeniable difference...

Well, as one of the few owners and drivers of both a 2008 GT500 and a 2008 Bullitt, I can say I think this writer needs to spend some more time behind the wheel of both, preferably during the same driving session.

My wife and I have taken both Mustangs out and driven the same roads then immediately switched cars and driven the other Mustang through the same curves and over the same roads. I assure you, in a side-by-side comparison, the GT500 handles and feels notably better than the Bullitt.

I was actually somewhat disappointed in the Bullitt because from all of the magazine write-ups and the figure and statistics I have read, I really expected the Bullitt to handle as good as or better than my GT500, it simply does not. I am driving these cars, people, I am getting four-wheel drifts, I am pushing these suspensions right to their limits.

Did I mention that in relatively normal spirited driving, the Bullitt spins the tires vastly easier than the GT500? Being able to spin the tires is cool, but I prefer the quickest possible acceleration without the spinning.

I would really like to drive the Bullitt with the GT500 tires and wheels on it. I think it would be a big improvement.

Again, side-by-side, the missing 185 horsepower is very noticeable. Standing full throttle starts aside, if you are not trashing nearly $1000 worth of rear tires, there is plenty of driving that can be done where the extra power can and will be clearly evident. The Bullitt simply cannot plaster you into the seat back from idle to redline like the GT500 does.

I AM NOT bashing the Bullitt, but I think this direct comparison is kinda silly, they are vastly different cars. I enjoy driving the Bullitt damn near as much as the GT500, but there is a HUGE undeniable difference.




Kirk said:
See less See more
Very good write up, I think I agree after having experienced both!
They suggest the Bullitt has an oil temp gauge?
The oil temperature gauge is also supplanted by a boost gauge in the GT500.
Maybe I just haven't noticed my oil temp gauge.

They also suggest the GT500 is only 10K more than a Bullitt? I guess maybe a fully loaded Bullitt plus 10K at MSRP might be close to a 'basic' equipped GT500, but then reality takes over.

Doesn't the GT500 have red stitching in the front seats?

It seems like an odd comparison, about like comparing the new Challenger SRT8 to the Bullitt
I like my 2008 Mustang Bullitt, so much better, I traded my 2008 Shelby GT500 for a 2008 F150 FX2 Sport truck.
I think the Bullitt ride is more comfortable, the clutch engagement is easier, the shifter is smoother, the price is about $20,000 less and I prefer the stealth look.
I don't think you can really compare the two. It's apples and oranges.
Black GT500 said:
Well, as one of the few owners and drivers of both a 2008 GT500 and a 2008 Bullitt, I can say I think this writer needs to spend some more time behind the wheel of both, preferably during the same driving session.

My wife and I have taken both Mustangs out and driven the same roads then immediately switched cars and driven the other Mustang through the same curves and over the same roads. I assure you, in a side-by-side comparison, the GT500 handles and feels notably better than the Bullitt.

I was actually somewhat disappointed in the Bullitt because from all of the magazine write-ups and the figure and statistics I have read, I really expected the Bullitt to handle as good as or better than my GT500, it simply does not. I am driving these cars, people, I am getting four-wheel drifts, I am pushing these suspensions right to their limits.

Did I mention that in relatively normal spirited driving, the Bullitt spins the tires vastly easier than the GT500? Being able to spin the tires is cool, but I prefer the quickest possible acceleration without the spinning.

I would really like to drive the Bullitt with the GT500 tires and wheels on it. I think it would be a big improvement.

Again, side-by-side, the missing 185 horsepower is very noticeable. Standing full throttle starts aside, if you are not trashing nearly $1000 worth of rear tires, there is plenty of driving that can be done where the extra power can and will be clearly evident. The Bullitt simply cannot plaster you into the seat back from idle to redline like the GT500 does.

I AM NOT bashing the Bullitt, but I think this direct comparison is kinda silly, they are vastly different cars. I enjoy driving the Bullitt damn near as much as the GT500, but there is a HUGE undeniable difference.
3920lbs!!! OINK OINK - Still a very nice porker. :lol:
What the hell is your point?

Bob, What the hell is your point? You sound like a 125 pound cross country runner who can barely bench press 120 pounds laughing about a 320 pound linebacker who can bench press 400 pounds and run the 50 yard dash quicker for having 195 more pounds of muscle.

The 185 extra Horsepower more than makes up for the 300 pound difference.

500 horsepower!!! Oink Oink

onefastbob said:
3920lbs!!! OINK OINK - Still a very nice porker. :lol:
:lol: I think boB is just trying to be irritatingly funny :lol:
Black GT500 said:
500 horsepower!!! Oink Oink
Yes but a lowly 405 hp C5 Z06 at 3030 lbs will own you in acceleration (0-60 in 3.9), braking (60-0 in about 110 ft) and cornering- over 1 g on a skidpad.

Be careful--there is always someone faster, quicker etc..........
it'll own that 'mighty' SRT8 Challenger too.
But how you gonna drive two cars David?

Mustang 3 said:
Yes but a lowly 405 hp C5 Z06 at 3030 lbs will own you in acceleration (0-60 in 3.9), braking (60-0 in about 110 ft) and cornering- over 1 g on a skidpad.

Be careful--there is always someone faster, quicker etc..........
I didn't read the comparison yet.But I'll give you my take on both cars.The Bullitt at roughly 32K(Mine was)is an good performer in everyday driving,The interior with the GT500 style seats and steering wheel is as comfy as a Mustang gets.The fuel mileage was outstanding for a 3500+ pounder.Handling was a pretty good compromise between comfort and performance.The GT500 is as comfy,as a heavier clutch action that may be too for the average person.Plenty of power,Smoother on the highway,And gets better gas mileage,JK!Average for me at 400 miles is still in the 20-21 range,OUCH!These cars are as similar as an ElCamino and a pick-up truck.One is more purpose designed and the othe does a fine job of double duty.Both awesome cars at their MSRP.The main reason I bought a 500 was because of the need for speed.The Bullitt+ mods to a forged bottom end and supercharger for starters would have pushed it past the GT500 price.And the warranty would for the most part be void.Be proud of the Bullitt,it is a fine car that everyone wants to compare to 425hp(Challenger)and 500hp(GT500) cars.Not a fair comparison,But if you are looking for bang for the buck and a good platform for modest mods the Bullitt can't be beat!
See less See more
Mustang 3 said:
Yes but a lowly 405 hp C5 Z06 at 3030 lbs will own you in acceleration (0-60 in 3.9), braking (60-0 in about 110 ft) and cornering- over 1 g on a skidpad.

Be careful--there is always someone faster, quicker etc..........
But.... I can put four people in my GT500 and Bullitt. and, the Z06 is twice the price of my GT500 so comparing the two is like comparing the Bullitt to a GT500. Nevertheless, I never back away for a SHALLANGE! Bring on the Z06's I'll be as scared of them in my GT500 as I'm scared of Terminators in my Bullitt. Don't sing it BRING IT! :rotfl:
08 Shifter said:
I didn't read the comparison yet.But I'll give you my take on both cars.The Bullitt at roughly 32K(Mine was)is an good performer in everyday driving,The interior with the GT500 style seats and steering wheel is as comfy as a Mustang gets.The fuel mileage was outstanding for a 3500+ pounder.Handling was a pretty good compromise between comfort and performance.The GT500 is as comfy,as a heavier clutch action that may be too for the average person.Plenty of power,Smoother on the highway,And gets better gas mileage,JK!Average for me at 400 miles is still in the 20-21 range,OUCH!These cars are as similar as an ElCamino and a pick-up truck.One is more purpose designed and the othe does a fine job of double duty.Both awesome cars at their MSRP.The main reason I bought a 500 was because of the need for speed.The Bullitt+ mods to a forged bottom end and supercharger for starters would have pushed it past the GT500 price.And the warranty would for the most part be void.Be proud of the Bullitt,it is a fine car that everyone wants to compare to 425hp(Challenger)and 500hp(GT500) cars.Not a fair comparison,But if you are looking for bang for the buck and a good platform for modest mods the Bullitt can't be beat!
I think that says it all. Thanks Mark.
In my opinion I think it is a great compliment that people keep comparing the Bullitt to cars the at are or should be in a totally different class. Kind of like comparing sugar ray Leonard to Mike Tyson they both could fight but went about it differently. Is the Bullitt the baddest car on the road heck no is it a great value OH YAH remember you can get the Bullitt at X-Plan and some of got the rebate. I wonder when they will compare the Bullitt to the AC Cobra or the Viper.
08 Shifter said:
I didn't read the comparison yet.But I'll give you my take on both cars.The Bullitt at roughly 32K(Mine was)is an good performer in everyday driving,The interior with the GT500 style seats and steering wheel is as comfy as a Mustang gets.The fuel mileage was outstanding for a 3500+ pounder.Handling was a pretty good compromise between comfort and performance.The GT500 is as comfy,as a heavier clutch action that may be too for the average person.Plenty of power,Smoother on the highway,And gets better gas mileage,JK!Average for me at 400 miles is still in the 20-21 range,OUCH!These cars are as similar as an ElCamino and a pick-up truck.One is more purpose designed and the othe does a fine job of double duty.Both awesome cars at their MSRP.The main reason I bought a 500 was because of the need for speed.The Bullitt+ mods to a forged bottom end and supercharger for starters would have pushed it past the GT500 price.And the warranty would for the most part be void.Be proud of the Bullitt,it is a fine car that everyone wants to compare to 425hp(Challenger)and 500hp(GT500) cars.Not a fair comparison,But if you are looking for bang for the buck and a good platform for modest mods the Bullitt can't be beat!
Hi Mark!

Great to read your comparison! :wink:

I'm not in a position to judge the two, but I'll just say I'm thrilled with my Bullitt... from a power, style, driving comfort, and exhaust note point of view. I appreciate your "need for speed".. and that you're okay with the GT500's heavier clutch. That wouldn't have been much fun for me yesterday, when I was in bumper to bumper traffic! :eek:

:cool:

Steve
Another comparison/NOT, Not a FORD but interesting High performance (4 Dr.)
Pontiac G8 GXP- 402 HP * 0-60 in 4.2 SEC. * Curbe Wt. 4,050 * $38,000 Est.
My comment- Too bad so many doors, and so heavy, but so is the Charger/Challenger. Next car to Rag-On CAMARO?
kaylan1521 said:
But.... and, the Z06 is twice the price of my GT500 so comparing the two is like comparing the Bullitt to a GT500. :rotfl:
Not a Vette vs Stang debate (one is a two seat sports car and the other a 4 seat pony car-two different worlds)--just that there is always 'something' faster in response to the 500 hp oink oink comment sent in Bob's direction...sorry but just having 500 hp doesn't cut it in today's world--you also need handling, breaking etc...and weight is a huge issue in that compartment....

I listed the figures for a C5Z06 (01-04) (just sold mine in Feb- great offer could resist--currently shopping for a C6 Z-- and yes I can only drive one at a time...Vette, Bullitt and truck - a fulfill different moods and needs)...The 505 hp C6 Z is so far beyond the GT500 its not even a topic for consideration. A nice clean low mile C5 (01-04) Z06 can be had for $29-36k. That is clearly in the price range of a GT500...which in Cali you still can't touch for under $55k - and how I tried. The C6 Z is another $15k more (far from double in price) at $70k new optioned, &67k with no opitons(no adm--but about $8k off MSRP usually from Corvetteforum dealers).

The proper comparison for a GT500 is a base C6 Corvette...now at 436 hp...you can buy a stripper (same option level as the GT500) for about $44k...same MSRP for the GT500. The GT500 does well and can almost keep up with it. And for a 3900 lb porker that is a good!
See less See more
The only 2 seat sports car from Ford in recent years is the GT. Can't compare the 'vette to the 'stang. Chevy threw up on themselves by wussing up the Camaro and then stopping production. Now they have been running to catch up and produce one that is as close to price points and performance to today's Mustang. Once Chevy catches up with Ford on pony cars, then we can have a proper comparo. As for the Challenger, it is not fair to compare the SRT8 to the Bullitt. Compare SRT to SVT - then it would be more fair - and a Ford blow-out.

Let's not forget GM's brilliant idea to rebadge the Ausie Holden and try to serve it up as a GTO. More GM throw-up on themselves. Great engine in a Cavalier on steroids.

Z06s eat Lamborghinis for lunch. No arguements on their badness. And I don't think Ford was ever intending to steal 'vette buyers over with the GT500.

Sorry for the rambling - cold medicine taking over...
See less See more
1 - 20 of 34 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top