2011 Mustang vs M3

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The Motortrend video was off by about 200lbs, an E92 M3(one tested in the video) is roughly 3800lbs. Their numbers were also pretty skewed, I wouldn't believe that video at all really.

Though its obvious an M3 is still beyond the Mustang in terms of handling and technology, this new Mustang surely has proven to be quite an improvement. Its good to see Ford heading in such a positive direction.
 
EiFFeL
I said the M3 was lighter because I heard it in the drag race video (or I think I heard it, however, my English is not perfect).

3648 lb for the M3 and 3605 for the Mustang :)
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Face it, the M3 is a fat pig: 3704 pounds. Ninety nine pounds makes a difference in a drag race, especially when the competing car has a softer suspension which doesn't load the rear tires so absuptly, and has a live rear axle which keeps the drive wheels standing vertical, instead of cambering under load of acceleration. The Mustang has a tremendous traction advantage in that respect.
 
I think this seems a bit strange to compare these cars as they're light years away in purpose and construction. It's like comparing, it's like comparing a standard C6 'Vette to a 911 GT2.
 
I know the E92 M3 is too heavy. That's why it has lost some of its spirit. I hope the next one to be lighter, if not, it will suck... I think the E46 M3 CSL could destroy the E92 M3... At least I prefer it.
 
and the 'vette Z06 laps even Faster. and costs about the same.

trollface.jpg


((I'd get the GT-R though. Because I love cars everyone hates. apparently.))
 
The Z06 laps as fast as the GT-R? Didn't know so... I knew the ZR-1 does, but the ZR-1 is more expensive.
 
...Actually, I think it was the ZR1, now that I back-check myself. Wrote that at work and got my Zs mixed up. I remember Famine making some claim about some Z-Corvette, and couldn't remember which one.
 
ZR-1 was faster. Now that the new DBA-R35 is coming out, their positioning might change on some tracks.
 
I've driven an acquaintance's 2011 Mustang & honestly, the ride's pretty smooth & yup, it's equally as fast as a 6-speed regular manual e92 M3 (7-speed DCT would be slightly quicker). It's comfy but nowhere near as comfy as in the M3, the build quality's lacking (compared to the M3), I really can't stand the cheap horrendous looking interior & I'm not feeling the deep low v8 rumble as I much prefer the high-pitch Euro v8 sound (personal preference). Yes, it's pretty much a drivers race in a straight line & on the track (again, w/a 6-speed regular manual as the 7-speed DCT M3 would be a tad quicker). My point is, a potential Mustang buyer wouldn't be cross shopping an M3 & vice-versa. You buy the Mustang for the bang for the buck (nothing wrong w/that) & you buy the M3 for the great luxury & sport combination it provides. If I wanted all out performance (w/no luxury) then I would've gotten a Z06 for roughly the same price (when you factor in option packages for the M3).

As for the maintenance, BMW covers everything (besides tires) for the first 4-yrs/50k miles. Only thing that sucks about European cars is that mods are much more expensive but for the obvious reasons such as most aftermarket parts made in other countries then getting shipped overhere & these manufacturers know if you're willing to pay at least 2x more for a Euro car then you can afford to pay at least 2x more for aftermarket parts while most aftermarket parts for the Mustang are made overhere, etc.

Do I like the 2011 Mustang?!?...Yup, I sure do as I think they're nice cars for what you get (especially against it's true competition, the Camaro & Challenger). However, if I had to do it all over again, there's no way I'd be considering a Mustang as an option for the reasons already stated. I've had my M3 pretty much since it came out 2.5-yrs ago & I love driving it every second I get (it's my weekend toy). It's not always about performance as I love the comfort, luxury & build quality it has. Am I a douche bag, pompous arrogant a$$hole many peeps perceive a BMW/Porsche owner to be?!?...Nope, I just love my M3 & everything overall it has to offer. I didn't buy it to impress others and/or pickup chicks. I bought it b/c (again) I love everything it has to offer. Then again, I love my FJ Cruiser since it looks like a life sized Tonko toy, LOL!

Hope that helps.

- Jimmy
 
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Good post, and I think you hit the nail on the head when you correctly stated that Mustang GT and M3 (3-series in general really) buyers do not cross shop. 👍
 
The Mustang sure sounds like it has done quite a lot of improvements. If I'm going to choose based on my opinion, I would still take the M3. Furthermore, I cannot even get the Mustang here... The cost to import the car and blablabla could've bumped up almost twice of its price + only available in LHD (if I'm correct).
 
I love the sound of the M3, also it just looks flat out amazing.

However, if I had enough money to purchase either, I'd pick the Ford. The refresh has done wonders for it's looks, the new motor doesn't hurt either. I would option it up nicely, and promptly call Rehagen Racing for a few choice add on items :D!

If I we're looking at either car to use for anything other than track days, or auto crossing, as in serious racing, I would likely seek one pre-prepared from a company like Fall-Line, or Rehagen.
 
That, and I prefer the sound of the V6 to V8, it's slightly lighter and thus has slightly better weight distribution. Power makes one fast on straights, being lighter makes you fast everywhere.
 
I don't know... depends on the V6 and V8 in question. Some sixes sound better than some eights... but some eights sound epic.
 
Meh. It's still a Camaro, and even with a V6, it's still a porker. It's no GT-R, but weighs nearly as much as a NASCAR stock car...
 
I'd buy a used E46 M3 over those two, save a lot of money and still would think I bought the overall best car.
E92 M3 doesn't hold a candle to the previous one in a few aspects, most notably the feel when at the wheel. Feels like a fat pig with no soul really. A clear case where more hp doesn't make it better, BMW screwed up with this one.

The Mustang... meh.
I don't like the looks, I don't like the fact it has a live axle, though engine performance and noise is awesome, and I positively hate the fact that American brands are still making cars with interiors using the same materials Fiat had in the 1st Panda...
 
Beerz
I'd buy a used E46 M3 over those two, save a lot of money and still would think I bought the overall best car.
E92 M3 doesn't hold a candle to the previous one in a few aspects, most notably the feel when at the wheel. Feels like a fat pig with no soul really. A clear case where more hp doesn't make it better, BMW screwed up with this one.

The Mustang... meh.
I don't like the looks, I don't like the fact it has a live axle, though engine performance and noise is awesome, and I positively hate the fact that American brands are still making cars with interiors using the same materials Fiat had in the 1st Panda...
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I agree with your comments about the Mustang but are you serious about the comments about the e46 M3 vs the e92 M3? LOL, to each their own. Have you driven both extensively back-to-back (not just around the block) or are you basing your "feel when at the wheel" comment on a few reviews when the e92 M3 1st came out? After some of the 1st few reviews, most of the reviews (since then) said the journalists loved the driver feel at the wheel especially compared to other current sports cars (GT-R, C63, IS-F, RS4 & now RS5) & I agree w/that statement since I've pushed most of those cars rather hard (some of my friends cars w/the exception of the RS5 since it's not available in the U.S. yet). And yes, I've driven both extensively (currently own an e92 M3 & had an e46 M3 for a few years) especially on the local tracks to make my claims. I loved the e46 M3 but I love the e92 M3 even more (best car I've ever had)! But like I said, to each their own.
 
Beerz
I'd buy a used E46 M3 over those two, save a lot of money and still would think I bought the overall best car.
E92 M3 doesn't hold a candle to the previous one in a few aspects, most notably the feel when at the wheel. Feels like a fat pig with no soul really. A clear case where more hp doesn't make it better, BMW screwed up with this one.

The Mustang... meh.
I don't like the looks, I don't like the fact it has a live axle, though engine performance and noise is awesome, and I positively hate the fact that American brands are still making cars with interiors using the same materials Fiat had in the 1st Panda...
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Ill buy a used mustang any day of the week over the bmw.
 
Mustang or M3? That pretty much depends on personal taste.

If we're talking about the 5.0 GT 'stang pitted against the M3, I would get the bimmer.

However if the Boss 302 is the car to pit against the bavarian artwork, I would still take the M3.

It's more sober, it looks better and it is famous for the keen handling, lovely added technology and on the top of that, has a subtle elegance that is lacking on the pony car.
 
JCE
Good post, and I think you hit the nail on the head when you correctly stated that Mustang GT and M3 (3-series in general really) buyers do not cross shop. 👍
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Eh, the average customer who just wants a cool car likely won't cross-shop, but I know a few enthusiast types who are test driving all manner of different cars, including 3s and mustangs. If you just want a reasonably nice and fun car I see no reason to avoid one or the other. 👍

If money is no object, between a GT and an M3, M3 coupe no question. Between a 302 Laguna Seca and the M3, definitely the Laguna Seca as long as I can get rid of the tacky decals.
 
Leonidae@MFT
That, and I prefer the sound of the V6 to V8, it's slightly lighter and thus has slightly better weight distribution. Power makes one fast on straights, being lighter makes you fast everywhere.
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It weighs 17 thousand pounds regardless of which engine you choose (so who cares how that weight is distributed), it drives like a wet sponge unless you get the top of the line option package (and then it drives like a wet sponge that happens to handle well), and it would not surprise me in the least if the V8 was the lighter engine of the two anyways. The only V6 model of the 3 worth getting is the Mustang. Otherwise you should get the Genesis Coupe.
 
Were i live, BMW owners are a**holes who think they own the road. They don't know how to use a turn signal, cut people off, drive like a granny, etc. So damn annoying.
 
Lil Ape
Were i live, [insert car brand you do not own] owners are a**holes who think they own the road. They don't know how to use a turn signal, cut people off, drive like a granny, etc. So damn annoying.
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ftfy

Same can be said for taxi drivers, cops, women, 20-something males, people with tattoos, the elderly, and so on...

The only cars you really should be worried about will be uninsured vehicles or cars with Mexican plates...the latter will run you over w/o a second thought.
 

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