2003DropTopGT

Hey, I've got a 2003 Mustang GT Convertible, and I'm looking for something with better gas mileage. I average 15-17 miles per gallon on each tank (this is with a light foot, I push it maybe once per tank). However I've been thinking about "upgrading" for a while, and I'm thinking about selling or trading in the GT for a Z.

Couple questions:
1) I'd like to spend only around 20,000 for an '05 (at a dealership, most likely). Is this possible?
2) What kind of gas figures do you guys get with your Z's?
3) What octane is recommended for fill up?
4) Is anyone in the same situation as me? Going from a 99-04 Stang to a Z?
5) I noticed a set of rims that come stock on the Z's. 5 spoke 19/20"'s? What package will I need to look for, for these rims?
6) Can a Z keep up with a S197 (05+) Stang GT, straight line?
7) I've driven a Z (convertible), and I noticed it's actually not as comfortable as my car, it's really stiff. Did you guys ever complain about the ride? If so, did you just get used to it? In addition to this, I like to lean back a little while driving, and I noticed that I couldn't lean back as much as I wanted in the Z convertible. Is the Z coupe the same?
8) (edit) How much quicker is the 306hp version than the 287? (difference between 05/04 models?)

Thanks you guys,
John

DavesZ#3

iTrader: (26)

1) 20K might be a little low for an '05. All depends on mileage, model, etc.
2) I get about 19mpg, mostly city driving, some highway. I'm a little agressive so mileage could be better.
3) Premium only.
4)
5) There is a 18"/19" combo on the 35 anniv '05 model and the track or grand touring of 06 & 07. Those are the high end models so they will cost you more.
6) Probably.
7) Yes, the Zs ride is rather stiff. It also handles great. The two go together. You should be able to lean the coupe seats back more than in the Roadster if I remember correctly.
8) In theory, 7% faster. In reality, there's not much difference.

HighwaySpeed

Welcome!

JunkStory

1) yep

2) 16-20 mpg in town.. 21-28mpg on highway

3) Premium

4) Nope.

5) If you're buying used.. I don't think it matters

6) I think so.

7) Stiff = sports car. This is not a minivan!!

2003DropTopGT

Thanks you guys! I'm still trying to decide if it's worth it to upgrade, or if I should wait a little more (my stang is my baby, it'll be really hard to let go), but I'm starting to really like the Z's more and more.

I don't need the 2+2 design, as the only person I'll need to be driving is my girlfriend or one of my buddies.

DIGItonium

iTrader: (1)

The 350Z isn't stiff enough for me, and [IMO] it's more plush than the 300ZX-TT. I honestly like the feel of the 300ZX more. It's probably out of your comfort zone, though. :-P

The 306HP Z cannot be directly compared to a 287HP Z because of differences in SAE measurements. The 287HP Z is roughly 275HP under new SAE rating. Other than that, the 306HP Z is much more refined and is about as fast, if not faster, than the new Mustang GT. Part of this is due to the weight difference. The new motor is much more responsive and pulls harder to the top than previous Zs.

[EDIT] Oh yea, I'm pretty sure you can make the Z sound just as throaty as your Mustang. Tee hee!

Zmazing03

iTrader: (9)

My friend had a Mustang GT, and test drove a Z.

His biggest issue was the lack of power below 4k. He is used to the American V8, down low torque.

Also, the Z clutch catches REALLY high. I don't know if you drive stick or not, but the Z is "different" than most cars out there.

An a Z will be faster than a 2003 GT Convert, assuming stock. Not substantially, probably not that much to notice. But I think it is fair to say it is.

DIG you are one of the few people I have heard that didn't think the Z suspension was stiff enough. I personally could go a little stiffer, but I daily drive it, so that isn't going to happen.

I STILL want to drive an '07 badly lol.

2003DropTopGT

The GT is a stick, but I've adjusted the clutch so that it catches higher than normal (personal preference), just a couple bolt ons too. I'm not sure how much slower the Z roadster was than the coupe, but it definitely had a lot less grunt in the lower end, when I drove it.

Also, was it 05 when the Z started having 300 hp? or 06?

Swiffer

iTrader: (8)

05 track and 35th anniv 6MT's had the 300hp engine. They were the first.

DavesZ#3

iTrader: (26)

Yes, the Rev-up (300HP) was available in 05 on the 35th anniv and track model and in 06 on all MT cars. The HR (306hp) is available on the 07s.

zbeater

I don't own a Z, but I have owned 3 Stangs 96,00,06 GTs aswell as 2 G35s 04and currently an 07 Sedan so I can give you some help.

1) Not Likely, but anyting is possible
2) Not sure but I would imagine 19-21 MPG.
3) Premuim
4) No, but I did go from 2 stangs to Gs. 00 GT to 04 G and 06 to 07 G. Biggest difference is there is much low end torque in the stangs, but the VQs rev much higher and smother.
5) IDK
6) 07 will be a drivers race. All others not likely. Also keep in mind S197 are easy/cheap to mod. CAI and Tune picks up 20+ RWHP and RWTQ.
7) Probably, but that is all part of the charm.
8) Can't say, but I hear it is noticeable.

2003DropTopGT

So bolt ons won't do as much as our cars?

zbeater

Nope, you have to spend a lot more and get a lot less from NA mods. FI is really the best way to go if you need more power.

Armitage

iTrader: (15)

Couple questions:

1) I'd like to spend only around 20,000 for an '05 (at a dealership, most likely). Is this possible? I think so. Base model most likely, maybe Enthusiast.
2) What kind of gas figures do you guys get with your Z's? 16-18mpg city, 24-30mpg highway.
3) What octane is recommended for fill up? Premium.
4) Is anyone in the same situation as me? Going from a 99-04 Stang to a Z? Not me.
5) I noticed a set of rims that come stock on the Z's. 5 spoke 19/20"'s? What package will I need to look for, for these rims? Probably the new Rays track rims. 18" front/19" rear. They come on the 2006 Track/Grand Touring.
6) Can a Z keep up with a S197 (05+) Stang GT, straight line? Not sure.
7) I've driven a Z (convertible), and I noticed it's actually not as comfortable as my car, it's really stiff. Did you guys ever complain about the ride? If so, did you just get used to it? In addition to this, I like to lean back a little while driving, and I noticed that I couldn't lean back as much as I wanted in the Z convertible. Is the Z coupe the same? My friend says my Z is stiffer than his G35c, but I don't mind it.
8) (edit) How much quicker is the 306hp version than the 287? (difference between 05/04 models?) Pretty quick. Same guy with a 2004 base that ran 13.6 ran a 13.3 with a 2007 Base.

2003DropTopGT

^Those are stock times?

zbeater

If they are he is one hell of a driver, bc those are both about .3 below what I have seen others post.

AlvinHuyN

iTrader: (73)

1) Yes if you get the lowest trim (BASE) and private seller. No if you want to get from dealer you won't even get a BASE 05 for that price...and if you do it'd be high mileage.

2) Premium
3) 91+
4) Never owned a domestic
5) 05 base comes with 17" rims and tourings comes with 18" Track and GT comes with 18" forged wheels. If you want to buy a Z it wouldnt really matter since you'll probly go aftermarket wheels anyway
6) Yes, the 07 actually beat the new GT 500 in 1/4 mile.
7) I actually like the Z to be stiffer thats why I'm getting different suspension.
8) I heard it's noticeable but in the long run you're saving a lot more with the older Z and going FI with the difference if power is what you seek.

zbeater

[QUOTE=AlvinHuyN]
6) Yes, the 07 actually beat the new GT 500 in 1/4 mile.
QUOTE]

LMAO. He is refering to a recent comparison between the Z, TT, Rx8 and a Shelby GT. It is really funny that people who know absolutely nothing about Mustangs think the Shelby GT (basically a mustang gt with CAI, tune and suspension work) and the Shelby GT500 are the same. Its even more amusing that they want to beleive the Z could possibly hang with a 500 hp 5.4 supercharged V8.

Armitage

iTrader: (15)

He is a helluva driver. You can check the Drag Forums. Bone stock, down to the tire. Verified with timeslips.

2003DropTopGT

Yea, the GT500 is the 500 horsepowered version.

Shelby GT is just a bit over the 300 that the standard GT's got. People really get this just for the cosmetic differences, imo.

What do you guys think of this? I'm not a big fan of the rims though..

http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...=1&cardist=284