View Poll Results: Which would you have... Ford Mustang GT vs BMW M3
BMW M3
103
73.57%
Ford Mustang GT
37
26.43%
Voters: 140. You may not vote on this poll
Poll: Ford Mustang GT vs BMW M3
04-16-2010, 09:56 PM
#1
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
Poll: Ford Mustang GT vs BMW M3
Autoblog is having a poll between the New Mustang GT with the coyote engine versus the BMW M3, so I decided that I might as well make a poll over here and see how it goes...(I hope this is not a repost)
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/2...w-m3-tie-game/
You can vote on autoblog if you would like to as well...Right now the M3 is up 54.5% to the mustang's 45.5%
My vote is the BMW M3...Just because that is one of my realistic dream cars to have, no doubt the ford is great and a lot cheaper but i would put in the extra cash for the M3
Alright, fan boys (and girls), prepare for battle. The ever keen-eyed Sam Smith over at Jalopnik has spied an interesting phenomenon in the car universe. The new 2011 Ford Mustang GT performance figures are within spitting distance of the mighty 2010 BMW M3. The Bavarian bruiser produces 414 horsepower out of its milky-smooth 4.0-liter V8 and hits the scales at 3,652 lbs. Meanwhile, the 5.0-liter Mustang serves up two less horsepower, but weighs 40 pounds less, too.
At this point, odds are your blood is pumping no matter which side of the ring you happen to find yourself on. Stats that close yield frighteningly similar numbers when the two cars hit the track, too. The M3 can clip off the 0-60 dash in 4.3 seconds. The Mustang can do it in 4.4. Quarter mile? Deadlocked at 12.7 seconds at 111.3 mph.
It's true, a quarter mile doth not a sports car make, which is why these next figures are so important. While the M3 can come down from 60 mph in 105 feet, the Mustang can do the same in 104. And here's the real shocker: Both cars hold onto the skidpad at .97 g. Now, before the comments go superfly TNT, it's worth noting that the as-tested BMW will set you back an eye-widening $28,180 more than the Ford. We could think of a thing or two to do with an extra 30-large.
So the question remains, which would you take home?
At this point, odds are your blood is pumping no matter which side of the ring you happen to find yourself on. Stats that close yield frighteningly similar numbers when the two cars hit the track, too. The M3 can clip off the 0-60 dash in 4.3 seconds. The Mustang can do it in 4.4. Quarter mile? Deadlocked at 12.7 seconds at 111.3 mph.
It's true, a quarter mile doth not a sports car make, which is why these next figures are so important. While the M3 can come down from 60 mph in 105 feet, the Mustang can do the same in 104. And here's the real shocker: Both cars hold onto the skidpad at .97 g. Now, before the comments go superfly TNT, it's worth noting that the as-tested BMW will set you back an eye-widening $28,180 more than the Ford. We could think of a thing or two to do with an extra 30-large.
So the question remains, which would you take home?
You can vote on autoblog if you would like to as well...Right now the M3 is up 54.5% to the mustang's 45.5%
My vote is the BMW M3...Just because that is one of my realistic dream cars to have, no doubt the ford is great and a lot cheaper but i would put in the extra cash for the M3
04-16-2010, 10:12 PM
#3
Drifting
I think I may go for mustang. I grew up a bmw fan but the new cars just don't do it for me, and right now I'm in love with the mustang body style. That being said I usually fall out of love with the new mustang body style 2 years into it's production and I still love the e30 m3.
04-16-2010, 10:15 PM
#5
Three Wheelin'
That's a tough choice to make. The Mustang is a better value and like they stated in the article, you can add some serious mods for $30k. I'd still pick the M3 due to fit/finish and tech.
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04-16-2010, 10:30 PM
#8
Uh, for almost half the price? Mustang 5.0 easily.
Can get a loaded 5.0 for $38k, navigation, rear view camera, Track Pack + Brembos, etc. everything. Gotta shell out another $20k for an M3, and that's for a base.... plus there's the BMW/M tax for mods.
This is like C6 vs an R8. For the price the C6 gives you 90% of the performance. Of course when it comes down to it, for FREE, any sane person would choose the M3/R8. You save tens of thousands with the alternatives.
Can get a loaded 5.0 for $38k, navigation, rear view camera, Track Pack + Brembos, etc. everything. Gotta shell out another $20k for an M3, and that's for a base.... plus there's the BMW/M tax for mods.
This is like C6 vs an R8. For the price the C6 gives you 90% of the performance. Of course when it comes down to it, for FREE, any sane person would choose the M3/R8. You save tens of thousands with the alternatives.
04-16-2010, 10:42 PM
#10
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
04-16-2010, 10:44 PM
#11
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
04-16-2010, 11:16 PM
#12
The performance numbers disagree. Sure the driving dynamics are apples to oranges, but for the M3 to be $30k more and to not have $30K more performance, leaves something to be said.
Comparisons like this are what make the auto industry great. This will only make BMW step up their game and you can bet the next M3 will have staggering numbers that other manufacturers will yearn for.
04-16-2010, 11:24 PM
#14
I'm inclined to agree. Both may have similar performance, but each has a specific demeanor and appeal. The 5.0 Mustang appears to have performance equalling cars much higher in price, but the M3 achieves it's performance with a particular aplomb and refinement.
I really can't see anyone preferring either the Mustang or the BMW cross-shopping it with the other.
I suppose if I were paying for one or the other, I would choose the Mustang.
Terry
Last edited by teranfon; 04-16-2010 at 11:26 PM.
04-16-2010, 11:30 PM
#15
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
The performance numbers disagree. Sure the driving dynamics are apples to oranges, but for the M3 to be $30k more and to not have $30K more performance, leaves something to be said.
Comparisons like this are what make the auto industry great. This will only make BMW step up their game and you can bet the next M3 will have staggering numbers that other manufacturers will yearn for.
Comparisons like this are what make the auto industry great. This will only make BMW step up their game and you can bet the next M3 will have staggering numbers that other manufacturers will yearn for.
04-16-2010, 11:47 PM
#16
I'm inclined to agree. Both may have similar performance, but each has a specific demeanor and appeal. The 5.0 Mustang appears to have performance equalling cars much higher in price, but the M3 achieves it's performance with a particular aplomb and refinement.
I really can't see anyone preferring either the Mustang or the BMW cross-shopping it with the other.
I suppose if I were paying for one or the other, I would choose the Mustang.
Terry
I really can't see anyone preferring either the Mustang or the BMW cross-shopping it with the other.
I suppose if I were paying for one or the other, I would choose the Mustang.
Terry
This.
04-17-2010, 12:24 AM
#18
The performance numbers disagree. Sure the driving dynamics are apples to oranges, but for the M3 to be $30k more and to not have $30K more performance, leaves something to be said.
Comparisons like this are what make the auto industry great. This will only make BMW step up their game and you can bet the next M3 will have staggering numbers that other manufacturers will yearn for.
Comparisons like this are what make the auto industry great. This will only make BMW step up their game and you can bet the next M3 will have staggering numbers that other manufacturers will yearn for.
Car and Driver spotted the new 5.0 in development with R-compounds around a road course and the lap times were "roughly on par" the M3.
Says a lot about BMW and the M3 that weighs 200 lbs more than the 5.0 and has a torque disadvantage of ~100 lb/ft and slightly inferior tires to run the same track times.... but it also says a lot about Ford and how they can come out with said 5.0 that starts off almost $30,000 less than the M3. We all know the 2011+ Mustang is no rough around the edges muscle car either.... all the magazines are saying great things about its refinement.
http://blog.caranddriver.com/2011-fo...-hp-5-0-liter/
04-17-2010, 12:36 AM
#19
The Third Ball
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In the end, you always end up seeing a million of both on the road, so its not like you gain any exclusivity out of it.
04-17-2010, 12:43 AM
#20
Senior Moderator
Mustang hands down for the price vs performance. 5k in the mustang for a SC and the M3 will never touch it.
04-17-2010, 12:43 AM
#21
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
Car and Driver spotted the new 5.0 in development with R-compounds around a road course and the lap times were "roughly on par" the M3.
Says a lot about BMW and the M3 that weighs 200 lbs more than the 5.0 and has a torque disadvantage of ~100 lb/ft and slightly inferior tires to run the same track times.... but it also says a lot about Ford and how they can come out with said 5.0 that starts off almost $30,000 less than the M3. We all know the 2011+ Mustang is no rough around the edges muscle car either.... all the magazines are saying great things about its refinement.
http://blog.caranddriver.com/2011-fo...-hp-5-0-liter/
Ohh no doubt the 2011+ Mustangs are an amazing car, and if someone doesnt think so, they probably have brain damage or have no clue about automobiles. For me when considering cars its not only about numbers, its got to hit me on a personal level. What appeals to me is what I will most likely go with even though it may be the slower one. That is probably the most case with most car enthusiasts...its not always about numbers
04-17-2010, 12:48 AM
#22
The Third Ball
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SMS 302 Mustang...same price (or more pending trim) than the M3 and will blow it out of the water six ways to sunday.
04-17-2010, 02:21 AM
#23
Safety Car
Cars are not priced solely by their performance. There is branding, appearance, and all of that.
The 370Z apparently has the same performance as a Porsche Cayman S at half the price. Would anybody say that Porsche's position in the market place is threatened by Nissan? They are two completely different markets.
BTW I just created a thread earlier about the 5.0 Mustang. I'm a big fan of it. And I haven't been a fan of BMW products since 2004 when they last looked best. But if I was in the market for a luxury performance car, it would be the BMW. I don't care if the 5.0 beats it at the track. I've been driving for over 10 years and I've been to the track for two days out of those years. Balls to the wall performance doesn't matter 99.9999% of the time.
Last edited by wackjum; 04-17-2010 at 02:26 AM.
04-17-2010, 02:38 AM
#24
Ohh no doubt the 2011+ Mustangs are an amazing car, and if someone doesnt think so, they probably have brain damage or have no clue about automobiles. For me when considering cars its not only about numbers, its got to hit me on a personal level. What appeals to me is what I will most likely go with even though it may be the slower one. That is probably the most case with most car enthusiasts...its not always about numbers
I think the M3 is every bit a world class automobile. But if you blindfolded me and then surprised me with a 2011 Mustang GT along with stacks of $100 bills equivalent to $27,000 behind one door, and a 2011 M3 behind another door..... I think that's an easy decision. There are people out there contemplating using 89 instead of 91/93 to save a couple of bucks per fillup.
This isn't a 335i vs. G37 vs. S4 vs. TL SH-AWD comparison. People were screaming heresy for comparing an S4 with an $18k price difference from the lowest priced car. I think the thing here is that there are some people who could never truly see themselves in a "Ford" or a "Mustang" no matter how good, especially compared to being in a "BMW" or "M3". Most members around here know how much respect I have for BMW, and you can even click on the above thread to see which car I chose out of the above 4.
I don't even bring in $30k after taxes yet, so that speaks louder to me than any amount of luxury, refinement or prestige. Most members here wouldn't even make such a drastic financial decision even if they could.... no offense to anyone since I share the same stance.
04-17-2010, 02:52 AM
#25
Cars are not priced solely by their performance. There is branding, appearance, and all of that.
The 370Z apparently has the same performance as a Porsche Cayman S at half the price. Would anybody say that Porsche's position in the market place is threatened by Nissan? They are two completely different markets.
The 370Z apparently has the same performance as a Porsche Cayman S at half the price. Would anybody say that Porsche's position in the market place is threatened by Nissan? They are two completely different markets.
BTW I just created a thread earlier about the 5.0 Mustang. I'm a big fan of it. And I haven't been a fan of BMW products since 2004 when they last looked best. But if I was in the market for a luxury performance car, it would be the BMW. I don't care if the 5.0 beats it at the track. I've been driving for over 10 years and I've been to the track for two days out of those years. Balls to the wall performance doesn't matter 99.9999% of the time.
If we're bringing in luxury into the debate, then there's no denial. The M3 is certainly a more luxurious car. You could compare it to an Elise, or a Z06, or even a McLaren F1. The M3 is going to win when it comes to being a luxury performance car
I certainly get your drift, but luxury is one of the less important factors of a potential Mustang buyer or Mustang designer/engineer.
04-17-2010, 03:27 AM
#26
Guess we aren't the only ones debating over this.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/2...w-m3-tie-game/
A commenter made an interesting post.... if given more options he would take a C6 Grand Sport over an M3. I think I would too, the GS is damn sexy. You can say performance isn't all that, but the GS lapped a full second faster than a V10 R8.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...3a58.8_page_14
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/2...w-m3-tie-game/
A commenter made an interesting post.... if given more options he would take a C6 Grand Sport over an M3. I think I would too, the GS is damn sexy. You can say performance isn't all that, but the GS lapped a full second faster than a V10 R8.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...3a58.8_page_14
04-17-2010, 04:03 AM
#27
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The Mustang had slightly better Figure 8 numbers than the M3 as well though.
The point is the M3 is a more well-rounded car -as it should be- but the extra refinement isn't worth $30k.
Then we start talking about prestige which is another discussion.
It's a great car but it isn't a great value.
04-17-2010, 06:17 AM
#28
Cars are not priced solely by their performance. There is branding, appearance, and all of that.
The 370Z apparently has the same performance as a Porsche Cayman S at half the price. Would anybody say that Porsche's position in the market place is threatened by Nissan? They are two completely different markets.
This comparison was not an intentional one....the numbers were pulled from two different MT tests.
With the M3's performance numbers being somewhat of a standard for "affordable" performance, this comparo now shows that the M3's highly regarded numbers are now much more affordable.
What made the M3 great is that it had better numbers than the rest, even average joe cars. This is no longer the case.
04-17-2010, 07:45 AM
#30
Three Wheelin'
The people who are really gonna be pissed are not the guys who bought m3's (like me) but will be the ones who paid 60k for a Shelby. I know the Shelby has more power than the new GT, I bet the performance numbers are close.
04-17-2010, 09:53 AM
#31
Senior Moderator
Ditto. Doesnt bother me as I personally think both cars have their own place.
I hold the GT in high regards for its bang for the buck performance. Its hard to touch those numbers for under $35k.
Reason I would pay extra for the M3 is for the luxury and refinement aspects of it. Which would you rather be in when driving cross country? Pretty sure the M3 would be quieter and more comfortable.
Plus the M3 has different adjustablity settings depending on your mood. Dont want the stiff performance suspension? No problem, adjust to it comfort. Dont want a sensitive throttle response when crusing around town? No problem, turn it off. Want 11 different settings for your transmission? No problem, adjust it to your driving style. List goes on and on with things like steering, traction control, etc..
Im sure most people dont care about all that but for a guy who gets car-bored easily, it sure helps feeling as if the car has several different personalities to choose from. Always feels like a new car each day because of it. To me its the best all around sports car.
Now if you asked me which i rather have for a weekend car.. you know.. i would say the Ford. Actually, I would say a used NSX with a turbo kit.
04-17-2010, 01:24 PM
#34
אני עומד עם ישראל
It's hard to fault the Stang and makes me want to take a hard look at it after all of the praises that have been sung. However, I never wanted one like I "want" an M3. Without taking price into consideration the M3 hands down.
You put price/cost to own into the equation and my choice changes. With that M you have insurance, maintenance after warranty, cost of parts if repairs are needed, etc etc. The GT is a no brainer.
You put price/cost to own into the equation and my choice changes. With that M you have insurance, maintenance after warranty, cost of parts if repairs are needed, etc etc. The GT is a no brainer.
04-17-2010, 01:48 PM
#35
Whats up with RDX owners?
iTrader: (9)
As much as I love the Mustang, Id take the comfort of the M. IRS > live axle
04-17-2010, 03:21 PM
#39
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
Guess we aren't the only ones debating over this.
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/2...w-m3-tie-game/
A commenter made an interesting post.... if given more options he would take a C6 Grand Sport over an M3. I think I would too, the GS is damn sexy. You can say performance isn't all that, but the GS lapped a full second faster than a V10 R8.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...3a58.8_page_14
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/04/16/2...w-m3-tie-game/
A commenter made an interesting post.... if given more options he would take a C6 Grand Sport over an M3. I think I would too, the GS is damn sexy. You can say performance isn't all that, but the GS lapped a full second faster than a V10 R8.
http://www.caranddriver.com/features...3a58.8_page_14
I wanted to see what AZ feels about this topic and how different the results are here to over at autoblog. Of course autoblog is more accurate since there are a lot more people voting
04-17-2010, 03:23 PM
#40
Suzuka Master
Thread Starter
Alright let me ask you guys this, say you are financially stable and you can afford a moderately equipped M3 without putting a huge dent in your wallet... now the question is would you go with the M3 or would you wanna save money and go down a class and choose the ford...
I think I would still go for the M3...Of course in the future if money is a great issue and there is no way i can buy a M3, the GT would be highly considered since it outperforms most in its price range
I think I would still go for the M3...Of course in the future if money is a great issue and there is no way i can buy a M3, the GT would be highly considered since it outperforms most in its price range