As a long-time automotive enthusiast and content creator for obd2global.com, I’ve had the unique privilege of experiencing two generations of automotive icons: the 2005 Ford GT and the new Ford GT. My journey with the GT lineage is personal; I owned a 2005 Ford GT for over a decade, accumulating 30,000 miles before passing it on, and I am currently the proud owner of a 2019 Ford GT Carbon Series. This dual ownership provides a rare perspective when comparing these two remarkable vehicles. While some might argue my views are inherently biased, I believe my extensive experience with both models offers valuable insights for anyone interested in the legacy and evolution of the Ford GT.
Consider this your fair warning: I am undeniably passionate about the Ford GT. Now, let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison of what many consider two of the most extraordinary cars ever conceived, exploring their individual merits and how they represent distinct chapters in the Ford GT story.
A Legacy Reborn: The 2005 Ford GT
My deep-seated affection for the Ford GT stems from the exceptional ownership experience my 2005 model provided over 13 years and 31,000 miles. Receiving my 2005 Ford GT in August 2005 with a mere 7 miles on the odometer marked the beginning of a long and rewarding relationship. A testament to its real-world usability, my GT crossed the 30,000-mile milestone during a late-night drive from the new Ford GT press launch in Utah back to Los Angeles. This journey, undertaken to avoid city traffic after a full day of driving and filming, underscores my philosophy: a car, regardless of its supercar status, should be treated and driven like a car. I have little patience for garage queens; vehicles with license plates are meant to be driven, and the 2005 Ford GT consistently proved itself a reliable and engaging companion.
This Utah trip, and countless others, solidified my respect for the 2005 GT. It endured high winds, heavy rain, and even a hailstorm without faltering. This robustness is not just my experience; I know of owners who have clocked nearly 150,000 miles on their 2005 Ford GTs, demonstrating its surprising durability. Through every challenge, my GT remained composed, never exhibiting the skittishness sometimes associated with supercars when conditions turn adverse.
Adding to the accolades, even Ford factory racing driver Billy Johnson, a key development driver for the new Ford GT, had the chance to experience my 2005 model at the new GT’s press launch. His enthusiastic endorsement, calling it “What a pure machine,” after several spirited laps on the Utah Motorsports Campus race course, further validates the 2005 Ford GT’s inherent driving appeal.
Driving Dynamics and Performance of 2005 Ford GT
The 2005 Ford GT boasts steering that is both precise and communicative, providing substantial feedback to the driver. While it might not quite reach the telepathic levels of a Ferrari or Porsche, it comes remarkably close, instilling confidence and making high-speed driving, whether on track or public roads, genuinely enjoyable. The Ricardo 6-speed manual transmission is a standout feature, widely regarded as one of the finest manual transmissions ever created. Its short, intuitive throws and light effort clutch, combined with perfectly placed pedals for effortless heel-and-toe downshifts, contribute to an engaging and rewarding driving experience.
Coupled with a broad, torque-rich powerband, the 2005 Ford GT becomes an exceptionally approachable supercar to drive aggressively. Its 5.4-liter supercharged V8, featuring an aluminum block and heads and a dry-sump oil system, delivers a potent 550 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque in stock form. My car, enhanced with a Ford Performance/Borla exhaust, smaller supercharger pulley, and computer re-flash, pushes those figures even higher, dyno-tested at 618 rear-wheel horsepower, translating to roughly 700 horsepower at the crank. Performance figures are impressive: stock models achieve 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds and a quarter-mile in 11.8 seconds at 124 mph. My modified GT shaves those times to 3.5 seconds and 11.6 seconds at 126 mph, respectively. While top speed is electronically limited in the stock version, many owners have confirmed reaching the certified 205 mph. Remarkably, despite this performance, the 2005 Ford GT can achieve over 20 mpg on the highway, with my long-term mixed fuel economy averaging a respectable 17 mpg.
The 2005 Ford GT: More Than Just Numbers
While performance numbers are undoubtedly impressive, they don’t fully capture the essence of the 2005 Ford GT. Its true appeal lies in its blend of durability, low maintenance, reasonable running costs, comfortable ride, and timeless styling. Even decades from now, the 2005 Ford GT will undoubtedly be celebrated as a design icon, admired for its aesthetic purity and connection to its legendary GT40 predecessor.
The very existence of the 2005-2006 Ford GT, conceived and executed under significant time constraints and financial pressures at Ford, is an achievement in itself. This extraordinary feat of engineering and design explains why these cars have consistently appreciated in value since production ceased in 2006.
The New Era of Speed: The New Ford GT
Understanding the design philosophy behind the new Ford GT is crucial when comparing it to its predecessor. Unlike the 2005 Ford GT, which was conceived as a street car honoring the GT40 legacy, the new Ford GT was engineered with a singular focus: to dominate on the racetrack, specifically to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans on the 50th anniversary of Ford’s historic 1966 victory. As racing enthusiasts know, the new GT achieved this mission spectacularly, securing 1st, 3rd, and 4th places at the 2016 Le Mans.
This racing pedigree directly informs the character of the new Ford GT street car. Ford’s commitment to racing success necessitates producing and selling street-legal versions. Approximately 1,350 new Ford GTs were offered over a four-year production run, each carrying a substantial price tag of around $500,000 and available only to carefully vetted buyers through a bespoke concierge program. This exclusivity and price raise the question: is the new Ford GT truly worth the investment?
In my experience, the answer is a resounding yes. Attending the press launch as a future owner, I was particularly keen to assess the new GT’s execution. My initial impressions confirmed Ford’s narrative: the new Ford GT is essentially a street-legal race car, albeit slightly tamed for road use. From its 100 percent carbon-fiber monocoque and body panels to its carbon-ceramic brakes, minimalist interior, and fixed driver’s seat, every aspect of the new GT is engineered for peak performance. Anyone expecting a grand touring experience akin to the 2005-2006 model will likely be surprised.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Performance of New Ford GT
However, when viewed as a street-legal race car, the new Ford GT exhibits surprising civility. Ride quality, for instance, benefits from its highly advanced pushrod suspension system, offering five distinct driving modes and adjustable ride height from 4.70 to 2.75 inches. In “Wet,” “Normal,” or “Sport” modes, the GT maintains a 4.7-inch ride height and delivers a ride surprisingly comparable to an Aston Martin or Corvette in terms of comfort.
Switching to “Track” or “V-MAX” mode dramatically lowers the car by nearly 2 inches and stiffens the suspension considerably. This transformation is achieved by effectively disengaging one of the springs in these modes, relying on an electronically adjustable damper and torsion bar to manage the GT’s dynamic behavior. This sophisticated system also incorporates an instantaneous front-end lift function for navigating driveways and uneven surfaces.
Further enhancing its real-world usability is the Getrag 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Unlike the manual-only 2005 Ford GT, the new model can be driven effortlessly in heavy traffic in full “automatic” mode, offering smooth and rapid gear changes, particularly in “Wet” and “Normal” modes. Selecting “Sport,” “Track,” or “V-Max” modes prompts the transmission to hold gears longer for optimal power delivery and acceleration. For manual control, the “M” button on the center console engages paddle shifters for rapid upshifts and downshifts.
These advanced technologies provide a level of adaptability absent in the 2005 Ford GT. Adjustable ride height, multiple suspension settings, and an automatic transmission might seem to dilute its race car essence, but in reality, they enhance its versatility without compromising its core performance.
The Street-Legal Racecar Experience of New Ford GT
Despite these concessions to daily driving, the new Ford GT remains unequivocally a race car at heart. This becomes immediately apparent once you are inside the cockpit.
The fixed driver’s seat, positioned snugly against the passenger seat, emphasizes weight distribution and control optimization. Steering wheel and pedal adjustability accommodate drivers of various sizes, though taller drivers might find headroom limited. The narrow passenger cell, dictated by the aerodynamic requirements and housing the compact 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6, reinforces the car’s focused design.
This twin-turbocharged, dry-sump aluminum block engine produces 647 horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 550 pound-feet of torque at 5,900 rpm. Its narrow profile is integral to the GT’s aerodynamic efficiency, allowing for a tightly sculpted body with prominent air intakes and dramatic flying buttresses. Combined with active aerodynamic elements like the rear spoiler and front grille openings, the new Ford GT generates significant downforce in “Track” mode and achieves a top speed of 216 mph in “V-Max” mode.
More remarkable than its top speed is the instantaneous power delivery of the V6 engine. In “Sport,” “Track,” or “V-Max” modes, the turbos remain spooled, providing immediate throttle response reminiscent of a large-displacement muscle car, enabling sub-3-second 0-60 mph times. The engine note is equally captivating, a throaty and powerful exhaust sound that fills the cabin. The cabin noise level at highway speeds, however, might be a limiting factor for long-distance driving, a trade-off for the GT’s svelte 3,100-pound curb weight.
Despite its race-car origins, the new Ford GT retains surprisingly approachable driving dynamics. Its laser-precise hydraulic steering and supportive driver’s seat offer exceptional feedback at the limit. Pushing the car hard reveals its communicative nature, allowing drivers to confidently explore its handling capabilities, even inducing controlled slides. However, its immense speed potential demands constant vigilance of the speedometer.
Ford GT 2005 vs. New Ford GT: A Detailed Comparison
In the context of the new Ford GT, the 2005 model’s enduring strength lies in its intuitive primary controls and the confidence they inspire. It’s a “sweetheart” in driving dynamics, rewarding skillful inputs and offering a playful character. While any supercar demands respect, the 2005 Ford GT distinguishes itself with exceptional communication through the steering, shifter, and chassis, allowing drivers to confidently explore its limits and enjoy occasional drifts.
The 2005 and 2006 Ford GT set an exceptionally high benchmark, making the new Ford GT’s mission even more challenging. While both cars carry the GT badge, their intended purposes diverge significantly. The 2005 Ford GT was a celebration of heritage, a street-focused machine that paid homage to the GT40. The new Ford GT, conversely, is a race-bred weapon, designed to conquer Le Mans and bring racing technology to the road.
Performance and Handling
The 2005 Ford GT offers a raw, analog driving experience centered around its supercharged V8 and manual transmission. It’s powerful, yes, but also surprisingly forgiving and user-friendly. The new Ford GT, with its twin-turbo V6, dual-clutch transmission, and advanced suspension, delivers a more technologically sophisticated and track-focused performance. It’s faster, more agile, and aerodynamically superior, designed for outright speed and precision.
Technology and Features
The 2005 Ford GT is relatively spartan by modern standards, prioritizing driving purity over technological gadgetry. The new Ford GT, in contrast, is packed with cutting-edge technology, including active aerodynamics, adjustable suspension, driver-selectable modes, and a digital instrument cluster. These technologies enhance performance and offer a degree of adaptability absent in the older model.
Comfort and Practicality
The 2005 Ford GT is surprisingly comfortable and practical for a supercar, offering decent ride quality and luggage space for weekend trips. The new Ford GT prioritizes performance above all else. Its fixed seats and snug cabin are less accommodating, and cabin noise is significantly higher, making it less suited for long journeys.
Design and Styling
Both Ford GTs are visually stunning, but they represent different design philosophies. The 2005 Ford GT is a retro-modern masterpiece, faithfully capturing the spirit of the original GT40 while incorporating modern elements. The new Ford GT is a radical, forward-looking design, dictated by aerodynamic efficiency and race-track performance.
Conclusion
Ultimately, both the 2005 Ford GT and the new Ford GT are exceptional automobiles, each representing the pinnacle of Ford’s engineering and design capabilities in their respective eras. The 2005 Ford GT remains a beloved classic, celebrated for its analog driving experience, timeless design, and surprising usability. The new Ford GT is a technological marvel, a street-legal race car that pushes the boundaries of performance and innovation. Choosing between them depends entirely on individual priorities: heritage and analog engagement versus cutting-edge performance and race-bred technology. Regardless of preference, both the 2005 and new Ford GT stand as testaments to Ford’s enduring commitment to automotive excellence and the legendary GT nameplate.
