Old vs New

[R31X]

I need some wisdom. I currently own a 2001 GT with 23K miles. I love the car but if feels too smooth and I like the raw feeling of older cars. I’m about to put some good money into the car to make it handle more aggressively. I don’t plan on racing it just running it on the street. Ok, maybe an autocross just for the fun.

So here is what I’m thinking about. Instead putting money into the new car maybe I should get a 60’s car as it is already rawer. I spoke to my local dealer about this idea and he said that an older car will never handle as good as a new car. Do you think an older car will never handle good? What manufacturers can help me?

 

[Ozsum67]

Well this is new. Most guys on here spend boo-cue money trying to get their old cars to ride and handle like a new one. To answer your question....NO, it never will.

 

[6Stang7]

I have to disagree with Ozsum67. You can make the old cars handle as good or even better then the new cars; it's all a matter of much much time and, most importantly, money you are willing to put into the car. I can't understand why you want to "raw" feeling of driving an older car. Have you ever driving an older car as a daily driver before? If not, then I suggest you really think this over. You may have felt it before and liked it, but trust me, after a couple months you're gonna want the ride and handling of the newer car back.

-Shaun

 

[Ozsum67]

I have to disagree with Ozsum67. You can make the old cars handle as good or even better then the new cars; it's all a matter of much much time and, most importantly, money you are willing to put into the car. I can't understand why you want to "raw" feeling of driving an older car. Have you ever driving an older car as a daily driver before? If not, then I suggest you really think this over. You may have felt it before and liked it, but trust me, after a couple months you're gonna want the ride and handling of the newer car back.

-Shaun

Given enough time and money, anything may be posible IF your last name is Trump. You will always fight an uphill battle though, because of design flaws, and modern engineering is simply that.....MODERN. Thinking that obsolete engineering can compete with todays materials and concepts is glue sniffing at best.

 

[Edbert]

Your old car will NEVER outhandle the new car assuming you put the same money into each.

I do want to suggest you follow through with your plans on getting a toy though. I bought a brand new Cobra in 1996 and still use it as a daily driver. It is docile, refined, and reliable. It gets 20MPG even when i use the throttle (23 if I take it easy) driving to work each day. This car had only the oil/tires/brake pads changed on it for over 7 years, and the AC is nice here in Texas I can tell you!

If you want to build a balls-out performance toy (as most of us here do) you do not want to have to rely on it for daily transportation to keep the cash flow up. It is a wonderful gift to have the second car when your weekend project runs into a snag and the car is on the jack stands on Sunday evening.

Back to the old vs new handling question...with a modest investment you can have a classic stang match or even beat the performance of your new GT. I wont do that AND have good manners though. It will be as you say "raw", nothing to make it not worth doing but it might make it not worth driving to work and WalMart every day though

You wont need to be Donald Trump either. I have over $20K into my '67 (including the price of the car itself) and it will trash the Cobra in a straight line, hang with it in turns and lose by a margin the braking tests. But my Cobra cost me $25K not including the interest, yet is only worth 5-figures.

 

[Ozsum67]

You said straight line and he said "handle". I assumed he meant something more than a straight line. My mistake. Power is relatively cheap in the way of HP production, but when it comes to body roll and flex, call the Donald.

 

[R31X]

Guys thank you for your input. I think I haven't been clear on what I'm looking to do. I really just want a daily driver that is fun to drive. I don't expect awesome lap times. Hell, I love my GT too much to toss it around a track!

By the time I get my '01 where I want I will be in about $20K (taking the current debt on the car and then adding upgrades). Could I do what I'm thinking for less? Based on a 60’s coupe.

Thank you all again for your input and even though I read all the mags I still have no idea what I'm talking about

 

[1973mach1]

My brother has a 2002 GT, I have a 1994 v6 and a 1973 mach 1 351c that im restoring. The 94 is a good daily driver but lacks power. My brothers car is fast, and sounds good no cats 2.5in pipes into 40 series flows. But I dont think anything compares to the sounds or looks of a muscle car rolling down the street. New Mustangs are common, old ones not so commin. Plus they seem alot easier to get power out of. My Cleveland with a new intake, carb, cam and headers should make some good power, none of that computer or emissions stuff. That being said I wouldn't drive it in traffic or in the rain. They tend to rust alot if not well kept. A new car will probally out handle it but I just care about going fast in strait lines, the roads here at least are strait. I usually dont race around curves or windey roads.

Jim

 

[allcarfan]

With a really good suspension setup ($7500+) with good wheels and tires.....

Given the lightweight of the classics...especially64-66s...

I do believe the classic would hand an 01 GT its butt in a road race.