I think I am waivering just a bit here guys!

Guest · 12-26-2007, 03:03 AM

Yes I'm excited about the SRT Challenger.

No I can't wait for it to arrive.

BUT I am still having a nagging itch for the Shelby. And not just the regular GT500 now... I want the GT500KR that is due out at the same time as my Challenger is supposed to deliver.

Here's my train of thought. Maybe you'll see why I am having a hard time deciding:

Options: Chally wins EASILY. On the Shelby you can only get a NAV, a nice stereo and "ambient lighting". The list of standard options on the Challenger is longer than the list of UPGRADE OPTIONS on the current SRT line. It's no contest at all.

Lean towards the Challenger.

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Styling: I am REALLY a fan of the new Mustang's design. That is a manly car. Especially when you look at how aggressive the GT500KR is going to look.

The Challenger, well... no one really knows how much more will change from the concept we all know to the production car. The best eye-candy (to me) already changed (the rear section tails and all) and so far there are NO full shots of the actual car (like the Shelby), and ZERO ideas on what the actual interior will look like.

As it looks now I do like it, but the Shelby does look more aggressive.

Edge: Shelby (for now anyway)

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Performance: Same 425hp 6.1 Hemi will be in the Challenger, with only a nominal weight loss over the current SRT line. The Shelby however will be 540hp, and traditionally the Shelby's have been proving MORE power than advertised. Tuning is no issue on the Shelby, and for about $3k "regular" GT500 cars have been able to add another 80rwhp, so I would expect the same on the KR version.

The Chally will be SAFER with a traction system that actually works as intended unlike the Ford, and the great ESP system (should I choose to actually leave it on!). The Brembos of course are far superior to the brakes on the current GT500, not sure what the upgrade will be on the KR yet.

Edge goes to the Shelby for sure.

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Bang for the buck: Well neither will be selling for anywhere near MSRP, but MSRP is the only "real price" you can use for comparison since dealer hikes aren't all alike. So the Chally at $41k loaded and the KR with an estimated $55k price, well option-wise the Chally is a steal, but performancewise the Shelby is a nice deal.

Advantage: Well, read on to the next section.....

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Exclusivity: While I never buy a car for an investment, you always want to get the best value, and retain the most value in the end IF POSSIBLE. Well, we've seen the Shelby hold up very well for a new car, and we all know what the vintage ones have done. All new Dodge's value went in the crapper, but try to buy a pristine 70 Challenger for anywhere less than 6 figures!

Dodge has already "pre-sold" over 8,000 FISRT RUN Challengers. There will only be 1,000 of the KR's made.

The KR is supposed to be a one-model-year production (my info may be outdated however) while the Challenger is a multi-year. At least we know it is a definite for 08 and for 09. So how many will we see of each on the road?

Edge to the Shelby.

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When you're spending $45k on a Lexus or something, you expect to see others on the road because that is a mid-level price on that type of car. If you want exclusivity you spend over $80k to get it.

BUT when you spend $45k on a domestic made "muscle car" you expect that elite type of model, and one that is rarer. Otherwise it should be MUCH cheaper like the standard Mustang or GTO.

The Chally and the Shelby of course fall into that musclecar category (not in a sports car category that can get expensive easily a'la Corvette), so at that top level price structure one should expect somewhat of a limited run, or something "special" along those lines.

So here I am, torn between the two. I am still keeping my Chally order of course... not giving up on a sure thing, but will I want the Shelby MORE? Why can't I take my mind off of it knowing that the Chally has so much going for it?

Ugh... sometimes I hate myself!

**STAGE 3 R/T** · 12-26-2007, 03:25 AM

hmmmmmm got any

lol

**BUTWEET** · 12-26-2007, 03:31 AM

Pleeeeeze stick with the Challenger! Everyone drives a Mustang. Be unique! (Not that you aren't already.)

**STAGE 3 R/T** · 12-26-2007, 03:35 AM

Originally Posted by BUTWEET

Pleeeeeze stick with the Challenger! Everyone drives a Mustang. Be unique! (Not that you aren't already.)

well said weet!

**Slim** · 12-26-2007, 04:39 AM

The Shelby's are a real consideration. This one belongs to a buddy of mine. Minimal mods, about 2k worth and it's running 11.48
They told him to slow down or put a cage in it.

**Cam** · 12-26-2007, 05:02 AM

A real man would own both

**MR. J** · 12-26-2007, 05:23 AM

Originally Posted by Cam

A real man would own both

Hells Yes!

**SilvaSurfer** · 12-26-2007, 07:18 AM

I agree why not have the best of both worlds.....

**stroguy** · 12-26-2007, 08:36 AM

I was gonna ask if you got a bra for Christmas. You change your mind or preference more than a woman. Get both and let the sun shine!

Originally Posted by Cam

A real man would own both

Guest · 12-26-2007, 10:15 AM

LOL, you guys suck!

I only have a 2 car garage, and the wifey ain't putting hers outside.

And I don't really want to spend over $100k on 2 cars to get what I want. Honestly if I were considering that I would wait a few more months and just buy the upcoming ZR-1 (which is in the back of my mind).

Plus I want to be sure the wifey can get her 09 Camaro when it releases in late 09 as well.

**Super T** · 12-26-2007, 10:24 AM

My $0.02... if you can swing it, get the KR. Seriously, it will outperform the Challenger. But Ford guys are most of the reason I was so shocked when I came to this site... it's night and day between them and us (of course there are exceptions). Lotta big-headed, "nothing can run on a Mustang," "my Mustang will get me laid" kinda guys out there. That kind of ruins the car for me. Plus, when I test-drove a Mustang prior to buying Magnum v1.0, to say that I was underwhelmed is an understatement. And I don't just mean performance, which you will get. The options list is PATHETIC. And every single part of the interior that I touched felt like it was going to break off in my fingers. As far as aftermarket... the KR has the Roush Stage III supercharger, if I remember reading correctly. If that's the case, you really can't do a whole world of upgrades on it for reasonable money. The other GT's that get big HP/$ returns involve adding and/or upgrading blowers for the most part.

**GoofyTimL** · 12-26-2007, 10:48 AM

Originally Posted by Bandit

LOL, you guys suck!

....

And I don't really want to spend over $100k on 2 cars to get what I want. Honestly if I were considering that I would wait a few more months and just buy the upcoming ZR-1 (which is in the back of my mind).

Plus I want to be sure the wifey can get her 09 Camaro when it releases in late 09 as well.

This from the guy who traded is MSRT8 for a GTO and three weeks later traded it back for the same MSRT8... plus all the mods before and after...

How much did you put in two cars then, and now you have only the one?

Bandit... you are a nut case! LOL

j/k sort of....