GT vs. Boss 302?

Javelin wrote: Boss 302 with the $1995 Torsen + Recaro package is *exactly* what I would buy. It's so much more than the GT and for really not that much more coin (especially compared to a GT Premium), plus the enhanced resale and no need to do any real mods at all.

And since you'd be keeping it stock, it would also retain its warranty.

Good wisdom above. I just can't see laying down that sort of money for a track car where one stupid driver, overcooked turn or coolant spill could mean you have a highly priced lump of scrap metal. Conversely, why buy the hottest version if you won't use it at 10/10ths? It's a dilema only solved by being rich or devil-may-care.

Where is Lesley? Didn't she go haulin ass around the track in one of these not to long ago?

kreb wrote: It's a dilema only solved by being rich or devil-may-care.

I'd always opt for the latter if it were not possible to be both. "What ifs" are for mature adults. I'm only 43.

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote:

kreb wrote: It's a dilema only solved by being rich or devil-may-care.

I'd always opt for the latter if it were not possible to be both. "What ifs" are for mature adults. I'm only 43.

Precisely, it's not like my local track even needs a beast like that.

I want one for purely emotional reasons, but I'm only 30. But I have no intention of growing up.

kreb wrote: Good wisdom above. I just can't see laying down that sort of money for a track car where one stupid driver, overcooked turn or coolant spill could mean you have a highly priced lump of scrap metal. Conversely, why buy the hottest version if you won't use it at 10/10ths? It's a dilema only solved by being rich or devil-may-care.

I would see myself using a Boss 302 as a track-day car, but not a race car unless I was paid to do it or I was uber-rich. Funny thing, I am a member of a Mazdaspeed3 fan group on Facebook and we were talking about what sort of car we would buy if we only had $45,000 to spend and could buy only one. Boss 302 + Torsen/Recaro package + undercarriage coating + winter wheels/tires was my answer.

Sadly, I'm 26 and have only V-6 Mustang money. But I really like the new V-6 Mustang, too.

I drove all three. The Boss 302 is a different animal than the GT, you can't just order Boss bits and upgrade it. It was developed from scratch, motor, suspension bits are all Boss specific. I thought the GT500 was a blast as a straight-line bludgeon, and even handled better on the autocross than I expected, but the 302 is really athletic - even in "base" non-Laguna form. Talked to the engineers behind it, their primary goal was to beat the M3 around Laguna Seca. And it did - 1 second better for the regular 302 and 2 seconds faster with the Laguna Seca model. I liked all the Mustangs to be honest, even the V6 is fun and sounds great. (my impressions below) http://www.auto123.com/en/ford/mustang/2012/review?carid=1121803601&artid=128247

Lesley wrote: I drove all three. The Boss 302 is a different animal than the GT, you can't just order Boss bits and upgrade it. It was developed from scratch, motor, suspension bits are all Boss specific. I thought the GT500 was a blast as a straight-line bludgeon, and even handled better on the autocross than I expected, but the 302 is really athletic - even in "base" non-Laguna form. Talked to the engineers behind it, their primary goal was to beat the M3 around Laguna Seca. And it did - 1 second better for the regular 302 and 2 seconds faster with the Laguna Seca model. I liked all the Mustangs to be honest, even the V6 is fun and sounds great. (my impressions below) http://www.auto123.com/en/ford/mustang/2012/review?carid=1121803601&artid=128247

See? That's why you need to apply for Tom's job.

Thanks, but I didn't say I knew how to build one from scratch using old Yugo parts.

Lesley wrote: I drove all three. The Boss 302 is a different animal than the GT, you can't just order Boss bits and upgrade it. It was developed from scratch, motor, suspension bits are all Boss specific. I thought the GT500 was a blast as a straight-line bludgeon, and even handled better on the autocross than I expected, but the 302 is really athletic - even in "base" non-Laguna form. Talked to the engineers behind it, their primary goal was to beat the M3 around Laguna Seca. And it did - 1 second better for the regular 302 and 2 seconds faster with the Laguna Seca model. I liked all the Mustangs to be honest, even the V6 is fun and sounds great. (my impressions below) http://www.auto123.com/en/ford/mustang/2012/review?carid=1121803601&artid=128247

So, since you've been able to drive them all...........

If this was going to be a weekend play car, maybe occasional Auto-X/HPDE, do you think the BOSS is worth the ~$9k over the GT?

For that type of use, I wouldn't mind taking a GT and adding some bits to it.

Anyone know what the Coyote is making with an intake/exhaust tune?

I would say Boss, even though it is way out of my Radar range. SWMBO wants a Mustang one day, it is her dream car (in convertable form) so Boss is out for us but if I could get her to think hard top I would be all over the Boss as the total package.

Lesley wrote: Thanks, but I didn't say I knew how to build one from scratch using old Yugo parts.

We all have skills we need to learn. In one of these threads I am going to convince you to at least apply.

I heard Lesley hasn't applied for the GRM job yet. Is this true??!?

They are both Mustangs....

I think the regular GT is a great car. If I had plenty of money, I'd buy the Boss in a heartbeat though. Really liked how wonderful it was to fling around, how flat it cornered and how much it seemed to love the track. And holy hell did it sound good.

How is the Boss street ride quality? Could you tolerate it as a 3 season DD somewhere it snows? (potholes etc)

Yah, we drove it all over the mountains and through city streets. It's fine, clutch isn't too grabby either. I wouldn't have the Laguna Seca as a DD though, that front spoiler wouldn't last a week, and there's no back seat.