In the past on this board I've read a lot of posts from people thinking the 4th Gen F-body would handle better than the up coming Mustang. Though there's no road tests or data to prove either side at this point, I thought it would be fun to post some specs for both cars and threw the 2004 GTO in just for fun as many here have commented on how well they liked its handling.

2005 Mustang GT
Curb Weight: 3425 LBS / 1553.3 KG
Weight Distribution: 53 / 47
Length: 187.6 IN / 4764 MM
Width: 72.1 IN / 1831 MM
Height: 54.5 IN / 1384 MM
Wheelbase 107.1 IN / 2720 MM
Front Track: 62.3 IN / 1582 MM
Rear Track: Not Available (though no doubt very close to the front track)

2002 Camaro Z28
Curb Weight: 3439 LBS / 1559.6 KG
Weight Distribution: 56 / 44
Length: 193.5 IN / 4914 MM
Width: 74.1 IN / 1882 MM
Height: 51.8 IN / 1316 MM
Wheelbase 101.1 IN / 2568 MM
Front Track: 60.7 IN / 1542 MM
Rear Track: 60.6 IN / 1540 MM

2004 GTO
Curb Weight: 3725 LBS / 1690 KG
Weight Distribution: 55 / 45
Length: 189.8 IN / 4821 MM
Width: 71.4 IN / 1814 MM
Height: 55.0 IN / 1397 MM
Wheelbase: 109.8 IN / 2789 MM
Front Track: 61.8 IN / 1569 MM
Rear Track: 66.5 IN / 1690 MM

I think it's interesting to note the Mustang will be 6 inches shorter (body) than the Camaro, but have a wider track and longer wheel base. We can see the Mustang has basically the same weight of the Camaro (a tad lighter). Weight distribution is also slightly better (less plowing than the older models). Suspension setup is also very similar. Though not listed here, the turning radius is supposed to be 6 or so ft. shorter as well. We all know the Z28 is a good handling car for its size and weight and it looks like the new Mustang GT will be as well and maybe even better. Thoughts? BTW, looking at these numbers, the only thing that's really hurting the GTO from being a better handling car than the Mustang and Camaro IMO is its weight and suspension tune.

 

And the chitty 235 tires, which the mustang GT will be getting as well. Odd how they go from 245/45/17 to 235/55/17, wtf??

Both the GTO and GT could use more meat on the rear wheels.

Numbers should be interesting. I know the GT will be taller than the 4th gen, and so i'm wondering how well its center of gravity is.

 

The one stat that sticks out for me is the height of the new Mustang. Three inches taller than a 4th gen.........that's pretty big. If I'm not mistaken, that is even taller than the current Mustang.

 

Hey, welcome to 1998 Mustang!

 

Say, my 2004 Tahoe has a longer wheelbase (116-in) and wider track (78.8-inch) so I guess that means it will out handle a 2005 Mustang, huh?

 

Yeah, but probably weighs 1000 lbs more

 

More like 1600 lbs.

 

Holy crap, thats a lot of weight for a Mustang. I don't see why people are saying these things will stick with LS1's when they weigh the same but have 50 (rated) less horsepower...which probably actually translates to 30 less or so. Thats not going to make up for the 20 Lbs weight advantage.

 

I think its going to be close. The Camaro's upper/lower A-arm front is superior to the macpherson strut in the Mustang...provides a superior camber action. Plus you have more tire on the Z, and that is the single most important factor. Similar weight but Mustang's going to have a higher center of gravity due to the taller height.

Mustang clearly has the track/wheelbase advantage, and a better front/rear balance. I think it would be very close, the Mustang has the advantage of newness but the limitations in the strut front. The Camaro has an advantage of being a well sorted out setup that proved it self for years but suffers from a comparatively short wheelbase.

Nothing is said about spring rates or shocks though, and those are second only to tires in the question of handling.

Ultimately this is just another thread starter IMO, as the only real answer will come with both of these cars on a skidpad, slalom, and a few laps at Road Atlanta.

I'll put my money on the Z28 but with the caveat that I think its gonna be close.

 

Yeah, depending on which Mustang you got. They were around 1 inch shorter than the 2005 Mustang. Ground clearence to me is the bigger thing to worry about. The 2005 doesn't seem to have the 4 X 4 off road suspension look that the 2004 has. Three inches height difference probably won't be that big a deal considering the overall package, but we'll have to wait and see the road tests. For the Mustang crowd, they probably won't notice the difference unless the two cars are parked side by side.

 

Yeah, I can agree with this, but I'm thinking mostly of track racing and not so much drag strip.

 

Yeah, tires and suspension tuning will be a big factor. Doesn't the M3 use MacPherson struts? It seems to handle pretty well. It is a little disappointing that Ford is still using some older suspension technology on the new Mustang, but considering the price market the car is in, I can understand it.

 

You can make a strut front handle well, the BMW 3 series proves that, so did the 3rd gen F-body, but ultimately struts are a cost saver (which is why its on the entry level 3 series in the first place) and not a performance enhancer.

The latests generation civic went to a front strut to save money and ticked off the ricer enthusiasts because its not as capable a car anymore.

The Mac Strut Mustang could be fine but at its ultimate limits the double A arm suspension is usually superior. As with anything else its a total package and BMW got around the Strut's limitations by making the total suspension package excellent and tuned to work around the struts.

The road racers at the F-body autocross and Road racing forum (http://www.frrax.com) can explain the differences and deficiencies much better than I can.

 

I am with you there. I can understand the live rear axle for that reason....if the car is not affordable then is it really a Mustang? But the Mac Struts up front are a total letdown IMO. I thought Ford would try to evolve the suspension but other than maybe a bit more refinement I'm not impressed with the new Mustang's suspension setup at all.

It is interesting after years of Mustang drag racers begging for a Torque arm that the new Mustang copies the F-body's lca/track bar & tq arm arrangement, which is thought to be the most evolved live axle suspension possible.

 

Don't forget that 18's are an option...