Ts50 Or Xr8

[pizza_sleek]

the ford dealers are now offering the ts50 and xr8 for the exact same price, so wat would be the better to get? their performance figures are very similar

[Mondie]

l would be seriously tempted by the TS50 (l assume you are talking about a T3?)

The BA is a much better base car than the AU, but the T3 is just an awesome car, last of the line, last of the AU's, last of the Windsors and the only stroked factory Windsor made in the world. its pretty unique. The body kit is wild, love the TS wheels, nice handling and especially good steering (better than a BA)

However as much as l love the T3 l wouldnt buy one personally, mainly because of the lack of traction control. My wife drives the car as much as me and she isnt the worlds smoothest driver; lack of TC in such a powerful car would make me nervous. This comes down to your personal situation l guess.

If l was single l would get the T3, but since l am married then the XR8.

[plonky]

The attraction of the TS50 is it's collectability.

Like the Mustang Cobra, if you want a unique car that will be worth something down the track then go the TS50.

If you want a good car that you will trade in a couple of years, go the XR8.

The TS50 has the collectability of a handbuilt Windsor (no longer produced) and assembled by Tickford (no longer exists)

The BAXR8 has the beauty of a quad cam V8, beautiful body and great dynamics.

Personally (as I can see the long term value in a car - hence the purchase of a Ford Australia RHD conversion Mstang Cobra) I would go the TS50.

If you don't want to keep the car buy the BA XR8.

Both cars are great value!!

[Guest matchew]

I just purchased my TE50 in August and had the same comparison to weigh up. Drive them back to back if possible.

This is only my thoughts so here goes. BA xr8, the car is built around a great engine and drivetrain. The engine gearbox rearend are fantastic, love the induction roar under hard acceleration. that's about it for me.

Not so good points of the XR8. The way the car understeered when tipped into a corner with moderate momentum was a dissappointment. Body roll. These points may be fixed with suspension mods. This point has been made many times before by media and owners alike.

I found the interior to be very low rent with the use of hard plastic everywhere. Especially the door trims, yuk, what happened to the nice soft vinyl covering and something that atleast looks like carpet on the floor. These cars are built to a budget but I found these points very noticable. The car I tested was already permenately marked with foot scuff marks on trims and side of gearlever surround. Std seat materials were cheap in looks and feel. I haven't heard of many complaints in regards to brake problems in the xr8 as in the xr6t.

Deciding factor for me was the bang for bucks. Priced an xr8 with the options I would receive on the T-Series and it was surprising how expensive the xr8 became.

18 inch rims, premuim brakes, leather, auto and it was just shy of $60,000. My previous car was a EL2XR8 which has the best seats produced in any xr to date.

I personally feel that because the small block sits low in the engine bay compared to the xr8 that the t-series handles, stops and goes better than the ba xr8. It is 1705kg which I think is about 60-70kgs less than the xr8. It does lack the refinement that the ba has but then I like the lumpy idle of the stroker and the rawness of the car. The t-series ride is firmer than the ba but is in no rough to ride in. When you find I good challenging piece of road the TE50 eats it up.The seats are very average in their lateral support. I will see if I can have them modified. The bodykit you either like it or you don't but one thing is for sure, T3's are not common like the 1000's of xr8's on the road and I'm sure in a five year period a t3 in good condition and klms travelled should have some value to it.

I'm not sure on the ts50's but I have figures of 204 te50's built, 114 manuals and 90 auto's. Not sure on ts50's but I think there are approx 400 t3 t-series built combined.

My thoughts only.

Matt

[Guest matchew]

Luv the avatar Mondie.

[Mondie]

  matchew said:

Luv the avatar Mondie.

Thanks Matt.

Microwave man started to get a bit tired :D

[HSE2]

Went throught the same thing myself. There is no doubt you are buying more car for your dollar with the TS, and for me it is the better drivers car.

I decided against the TS.

[Guest TIC-302]

I often dream about making a decision like that,

and if it would be me, If I wanted a everyday car I would choose the XR8

I don't think I could leave my TS50 at the shops on a thursday night!!

[XRBloke]

how much are they selling for at the mooment, is there much stock left>

[Grant]

Ok it's been four days... what did you choose???