As a journalist with a unique perspective, having owned both the iconic 2005 Ford GT and the cutting-edge 2019 Ford Gt, I feel obligated to share my insights. My history includes 13 years and over 30,000 miles in my 2005 Ford GT before passing it on, and now, I proudly own a 2019 Ford GT Carbon Series. This personal connection allows for a deeply informed comparison between these two remarkable vehicles, though I acknowledge it may also introduce a degree of bias. Consider this fair warning as we delve into the world of the Ford GT.
The Legacy of the Ford GT Continues with the 2019 Model
My journey with the Ford GT lineage began with the 2005 model, a car that left an indelible mark over 13 years and 31,000 miles. Collecting my 2005 Ford GT from Santa Monica Ford back on August 23rd, 2005, with a mere 7 miles on the clock, marked the start of an enduring relationship. Interestingly, during the press launch of the new Ford GT in Salt Lake City, my trusty 2005 model ticked past the 30,000-mile milestone amidst the vast Utah landscape. That 700-mile drive back to Los Angeles provided ample time to reflect on the new Ford GT and its place in the evolving GT story.
My ownership philosophy for the 2005 Ford GT was simple: treat it like any other car. Supercars, in my view, shouldn’t be fragile museum pieces. If it has plates and wheels, it should perform as a vehicle, a standard the 2005 GT consistently exceeded. I’ve encountered many cars that fail this test, but the 2005 Ford GT was a genuine performer. I even know someone who has clocked close to 150,000 miles in their 2005 GT. During my Utah trip, the 2005 GT faced high winds, rain, and even hail – a first for me in that car – yet it remained unflappable, showcasing its inherent stability and composure even in challenging conditions.
Adding to its credentials, Ford factory racing driver Billy Johnson, a key development driver for the 2019 Ford GT but a newcomer to the original, had the chance to drive my 2005 GT at the new model’s press launch. After some spirited laps on the Utah Motorsports Campus race course, often more sideways than straight, Billy gave my 2005 Ford GT his unequivocal endorsement: “What a pure machine.”
The Allure of the 2005 Ford GT: A Driver’s Car
The 2005 Ford GT boasts remarkably precise steering, delivering substantial feedback to the driver. While it might not quite reach the communicative heights of a Ferrari or Porsche, it comes close, instilling confidence and making high-speed driving, whether on track or road, remarkably accessible. The Ricardo 6-speed manual transmission is a standout feature, considered among the finest three-pedal setups ever created. Its shifts are rapid and intuitive, demanding minimal effort. Clutch pressure and pedal arrangement are equally driver-friendly, with ample footwell space and clutch pedal feel akin to a contemporary Mustang GT or BMW sedan. The pedal positioning facilitates effortless heel-and-toe shifting.
Combine these driver-focused controls with the 2005 Ford GT’s broad, torque-rich power delivery, and you have a supercar that’s incredibly rewarding to push hard. Its 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, featuring aluminum block and heads and a dry-sump oil system, was enhanced in my car with a Ford Performance/Borla exhaust, creating a glorious soundtrack to the engine’s 550 horsepower and 500 pound-feet of torque. While factory figures were impressive, my modified GT, with a smaller supercharger pulley and computer re-flash, dyno-tested at 618 rear-wheel horsepower, equating to roughly 700 horsepower at the crank. Performance figures improved accordingly, dropping the 0-60 mph time to 3.5 seconds and the quarter-mile to 11.6 seconds at 126 mph. Factory top speed was certified at 205 mph, a figure corroborated by numerous owners. Surprisingly, the 2005 Ford GT is also relatively fuel-efficient, achieving over 20 mpg on the highway and averaging 17 mpg over 30,000 miles.
In the mid-2000s, the Ford GT was among the fastest cars available, and a modified 2006 model even holds the Texas Mile world record at over 300 mph. However, focusing solely on performance numbers misses the 2005 Ford GT’s broader appeal. Its durability, low maintenance, reasonable running costs, high comfort, and timeless design are equally compelling. Decades from now, the 2005 Ford GT will undoubtedly remain an automotive icon, admired for its stunning aesthetics.
The very existence of the 2005-2006 Ford GT, achieved under significant time and financial pressures at Ford, is remarkable. This, in part, explains why these cars have only appreciated in value since production concluded in 2006.
The 2019 Ford GT: Reborn as a Le Mans Winner
The 2005 Ford GT set an exceptionally high standard for any successor. Understanding Ford’s objectives for the new 2019 Ford GT is crucial when comparing the two. While the earlier model was a street car honoring the GT40 legacy, the 2019 Ford GT was conceived with a singular goal: racing success. Specifically, it was engineered to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2016, marking the 50th anniversary of Ford’s historic first victory at Le Mans with the GT40. As racing enthusiasts know, the new GT achieved this mission, securing 1st, 3rd, and 4th places at the 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours.
To maintain its Le Mans victory, homologation rules required Ford to produce street-legal versions of the new GT. Ford continued its racing program while offering approximately 1,350 street models over four years. With a price tag around $500,000 and a selective buyer program, the 2019 Ford GT is a significant investment, even considering its racing pedigree. The question is, does it justify its cost?
The resounding answer is yes. Attending the press launch as a future owner, I was particularly keen to assess the 2019 Ford GT. My initial impression confirmed Ford’s description: it’s a street-legal race car, albeit slightly tamed for road use. From its carbon-fiber monocoque and body panels to the carbon-ceramic brakes, compact interior, and fixed driver’s seat, every aspect is performance-oriented. If you approach the 2019 Ford GT expecting a grand tourer like its 2005 predecessor, you might be surprised.
However, when appreciated as the street-legal race car it is, the 2019 Ford GT is surprisingly adaptable. Ride comfort benefits from its advanced pushrod suspension, offering five 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 quality comparable to an Aston Martin or Corvette.
Engaging “Track” or “V-MAX” mode lowers the car by nearly 2 inches and stiffens the suspension dramatically. This transformation is achieved by the pushrod suspension effectively disengaging one spring in these modes, relying on an electronically adjustable damper and torsion bar. This system also provides a front-end lift function for navigating driveways and uneven surfaces.
Another practical feature is the Getrag 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Unlike the manual-only 2005 Ford GT, the 2019 model can be effortlessly driven in stop-and-go traffic in full “automatic” mode. Gear changes are swift and smooth, particularly in “Wet” and “Normal” modes. “Sport,” “Track,” and “V-Max” modes hold gears for enhanced power and acceleration, while the “M” button activates paddle shifters for rapid manual gear changes.
The 2019 Ford GT’s technological sophistication provides levels of adaptability absent in the 2005 version, including ride-height adjustments, multiple suspension settings, and an automatic transmission. Yet, despite these concessions to daily driving, the 2019 Ford GT remains fundamentally a race car.
Stepping inside reinforces this impression. The fixed driver’s seat is positioned intimately close to the passenger seat. Spaciousness is not a priority; even average-sized occupants will find the cabin snug. The fixed seat is a deliberate design choice for optimal weight distribution and control placement. Instead, the steering wheel, with its 16 integrated controls, and pedals are adjustable to accommodate different drivers. However, taller drivers might find headroom limited, and larger individuals should experience the interior before committing to purchase.
These compact dimensions are a consequence of the narrow passenger cell and the compact 3.5-liter EcoBoost V6 engine. 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 slim profile is crucial to the GT’s aerodynamics, enabling a tightly tapered body that channels air effectively through intakes and the dramatic flying buttresses. Combined with active aerodynamics, the 2019 Ford GT generates significant downforce in “Track” mode or maximizes airflow in “V-Max” mode, enabling a top speed of 216 mph.
More remarkable than the top speed is the V6 engine’s instantaneous power delivery. In “Sport,” “Track,” or “V-Max” modes, the turbos remain spooled, providing immediate thrust and endowing the engine with muscle car-like responsiveness, achieving sub-3-second 0-60 mph times. The engine note is also exhilarating, a deep, powerful sound that resonates within the cabin. However, this cabin noise level at highway speeds might be a limiting factor for long-distance driving. While Ford could reduce noise with more sound deadening, it would compromise the GT’s light 3,100-pound curb weight.
Despite its race-bred nature, the 2019 Ford GT exhibits surprisingly refined street manners. However, many of these cars may spend more time stationary than in motion, despite Ford’s efforts to prevent this through its allocation process. This would be a missed opportunity, as the 2019 Ford GT excels in driving dynamics, mirroring the 2005 model’s engaging character. At its limits, the 2019 GT delivers exceptional feedback through precise hydraulic steering and the supportive driver’s seat. Pushing it hard reveals its communicative nature, allowing drivers to confidently explore the edges of grip and enjoy controlled slides, always with a keen awareness of the rapidly climbing speedometer.
While fully exploiting a $500,000+ supercar isn’t practical for everyone, the 2019 Ford GT rewards those who seek its playful and engaging driving experience.
In comparison to the 2019 Ford GT, the 2005 model’s enduring strength lies in its intuitive controls and the confident driving experience they foster. I often describe my 2005 GT as a “sweetheart” because it encourages spirited driving while remaining forgiving. While any supercar can be unforgiving at the limit, the 2005 Ford GT distinguishes itself with its exceptional communication through the steering, shifter, and seat, enabling drivers to confidently explore its performance envelope and enjoy occasional drifts.
Ultimately, both the 2005 and 2019 Ford GT represent extraordinary achievements. The fact that Ford conceived and executed the 2005-2006 GT under considerable constraints is remarkable. Similarly, the 2019 Ford GT, born from a desire to conquer Le Mans and engineered with cutting-edge technology, redefines the boundaries of a street-legal race car. Both models stand as testaments to Ford’s engineering prowess and passion for performance, each captivating enthusiasts in their own distinct way.
