I beg to differ... I see Mustang GT's all the time and the people driving them are either full throttle or will be in 5 minutes. Also, unlike the Vette, Ford offers a V-6 option for the status enthusiasts.

Psychological connection to the virility of their youth. :huh: "I'm still a stud. See, look." Perhaps subconsciously, or not so subconsciously also an attempt to attract somewhat younger women who in turn will be attracted to the display of apparent wealth. Plenty just get a genuine kick out of having something that can do X. Doing X is not necessarily required, and of course plenty buy when they're older just because it's the first time they could reasonably afford what they've wanted their whole lives. In any case, knowing you have the potential for something is often sufficient, like it's an option on the table. You don't have to exercise it.

I tend to agree. I'd be FAR less inclined to buy a used GT than a used Vette for this reason. GTs are often "rode hard and put away wet."

Maturity. I have high horsepower vehicles and rarely go above 70 when driving. I know that I can get going very fast, very quick and prefer not to get myself into trouble if I can avoid it. Simply driving sensibly on the street is not a good indication of driver ability.

Exactly. I can punch a hole in a cinderblock, but I don't need to or have to, and when I do, shit breaks. Same as a car.

I've gotta give Ford credit where it's due, and despite beating the piss out of my Mustang for the last 10 years it continues to run well and doesn't burn any oil despite 140k on the clock. Other than 2 sets of tie rod ends, a clutch, and a rear end rebuild this car has required zero unscheduled maintenance.

I'd say that's pretty good for a 15 year old car that gets beat on frequently.

I'vd broken axles, blocks, heads, transmissions, etc etc.

If you're directly pointing at me I use the hell out of it, or rather did when I enjoyed it. I am moving on now, I'm done with it. If not entertained, no point in investing any more in it including time.

While I agree, that's a hell of a way to spend 55k+!

I'm 2.5 times the rwhp output of stock and have never had a failed part. Not one.