Motor Trend Comparison Test: 2011 Mustang GT vs. 2011 BMW M3 Coupe

[snoopyc4]

Drag Race:



Track:

[Sector_15504]

I think they are two different cars...... not a good comparison.....

one is a straight line car, one is track car.....

[protias]

Go Mustang!

[protias]

I think they are two different cars...... not a good comparison.....

one is a straight line car, one is track car.....

Did you watch the video?

[Obsidian]

I think they are two different cars...... not a good comparison.....

one is a straight line car, one is track car.....

Did you watch the video?

I agree with Sector_15504.

First I will give the new Mustang props ...

HOWEVER, I suspect that result would have been VERY different with a European driver at the 'ring. The thing that jumped out at me the most was how the driver was either unwilling or very resistant to keeping the M3 at high RPM's. He clearly stated that's where the torque was, he mentioned it like six times. He even said during his lap he was not at the proper RPM ... Part of driving fast in a high revving car, is to, duh, keep it in the power band. If the good stuff is up top, keep it up top.

Good thing they didn't give points for looks ... M3 all f*cking day over the Ford (is that a serious color option?). But again, props to Ford for making a seemingly huge improvement in the Mustang, and it does not appear that it blew up so more props.

[Sector_15504]

I did. Yes, the Mustang and M3 were tied on the drag strip, and pretty well balanced on the track.

But IMO, while similar, this is like comparing a Chevy Tahoe to a Chevy Traverse, they may look the same, feel the same, and drive the same, they are two different segments. The BMW is more autobahn track car while the mustang is drag strip engine noise (in a good way) car.

Ive driven a M3 Sedan but not the new mustang. The M3 is sporty and really controlled. I drove an '03 mustang and it was everywhere, but damn sure faster in a straight line. Yes, comparing a '03 mustang to a '11 mustang is pointless because they are separate cars completely, but they were designed for different segments....

[Obsidian]

While I'm at it I will also add that for the average Joe with no race or track training ... the M3 will be faster, guaranteed. Anyone who thinks they are going to just hop in a Mustang and stick with an M3 at the track is crazy. A professional driver can make up for a lot of deficiencies. Again though, props to Ford for the huge improvement ... I just think the real world won't be quite the same as the second video ...

[scottp999]

Very enjoyable video. The new 5.0 mustang is a great car at a reasonable price.

[mellowbob]

Good job Ford but I still rather take the M3 any day. The exclusivity and overall packaging just isn't there for the 5.0. The euro interior finish and feel is a whole different class.

[r1owner]

[QUOTE=Obsidian;764140][QUOTE=protias;764133]

The thing that jumped out at me the most was how the driver was either unwilling or very resistant to keeping the M3 at high RPM's. He clearly stated that's where the torque was, he mentioned it like six times. He even said during his lap he was not at the proper RPM ... Part of driving fast in a high revving car, is to, duh, keep it in the power band. If the good stuff is up top, keep it up top.

Way to go Mustang!

I've ridden with Randy Pobst in my Dad's Z06 at Road America. Believe me, he was driving that BMW to the best of it's abilities! He's a multi-time national champion in SCCA.

I just love how people bag on the live rear axle.... proof is in the lap times. Sounds to me like the 5.0 is a simple set of shocks/springs away from spanking the M3.

I'd take the Mustang EVERY day over the M3 simply cause I can actually afford a 5.0. M3 is a little harder to obtain. If you're just looking to drive around and look cool in your M3, I guess that's OK. Just don't get upset when you get spanked at the 1/4 AND the Auto-X by a new Mustang... but hey, you paid 20K more to look "cooler".