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      02-10-2018, 12:26 PM   #1
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18 M3 CP 6spd (New) vs 18 GT350 (new)

I’m moving on from my 15 M4 w/ DCT and I’m torn between the M3 w/ cp or the GT350. I’ve watched many reviews on the GT350, especially obsessed garage, and can’t make up my mind. I have sat in the Shelby at an auto show but haven’t driven one. I have two little ones and the M3 makes more sense but we are conditioned to live with a 2 door. I lean towards the Shelby for the raw driving sensations (sound/gear box). I know the Shelby interior is spartan compared to the M3 but I can live without german luxury. Oddly enough, the Shelby would save me $500 a year on Insurance wherein the M3 is $29 more a month. All BS aside, I’m in an area where the Shelby is so rare I’m basically buying blind. I’ve been a Bmw fan since my parents bought their first bmw, a E34 525i new in 1995. Since the M3 is in the last couple months of production I don’t have much to make up my mind. What brings me back to the M3 is the substantial discount I’m getting on it. I’m paying Shelby msrp for a new M3. Has anyone jumped from their F8X to the Shelby recently? My wife wants me to get the M3 btw.. She despises the Ford because she can’t see past the Mustang appearance or understand the voodoo. Any thoughts?
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      02-10-2018, 12:44 PM   #2
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Go with M3. German build and quality plus class of BMW is way higher than Ford.
Chapter closed, M3 is it.

Lastly, agree with wife. Life get much easier and happier
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      02-10-2018, 12:49 PM   #3
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GT350 for more of a drivers car. M3 for the luxury appeal.
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      02-10-2018, 01:19 PM   #4
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I?m in the Ford dealership now trading the M4 for a Shelby. Very cool car in person
I feel the M is more of a daily driver and Shelby is a driving experience.
Had the M for almost 4 years and like it, not love though
We?ll see
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      02-10-2018, 02:57 PM   #5
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Sounds like you’ve made ur mind up already.

Enjoy the ride.
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      02-10-2018, 03:28 PM   #6
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I was dealing with a similar issue last summer, I love my M3 but the gt350 had my attention. Had a deal going on for an avalanche grey gt350 but decided to keep the M. At the time the M3 was my daily driver and I have a family of 4 so it was hard to give up the M. Now I have a Tacoma pro as a daily driver so I can now explore having something different, I still don't want a two seater but a two door coupe would be nice. I am now entertaining the gt350 once again, but this time I do need to really make up my mind. If I get the gt350 or keep the M, it will be long term. Not an easy decision at all. Both cars are great, but the sound track on that gt350 is just plane awesome and the M , well you already know. Interior wise I love the lay out and look of the M but can get past the Ford interior, what I do not like on the gt350 is that I feel like I sit a lot higher than the M. Anyway, good luck with whatever you decide is the best direction for you, time for me to also decide for my self.
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      02-10-2018, 05:05 PM   #7
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I own both a 18 M4 and a 17 GT350 currently. Here are some random thoughts.

This is my second GT350. I owned one for few months then got rid of it for a 17 M3 then few cars later ended up with both M4 and a GT350.

Sound and NA engine is the highlight of the Shelby. It does handle very well but it treks all over the place due to extremely wife front tires. You get used to it but after driving the M4, it's very noticeable.

Shelby also has this initial softness in the suspension which I think FP springs will take care of. Could be the bushings also, not sure yet.

M4/M3 CP is very impressive IMO. It may seem boring to some who DD the car only. Take it up to the mountains or a track and the car comes alive. Same could be said for the Shelby. But Shelby is definitely more fun as a DD.

Build quality is day and night both interior and exterior. Crap sound system in the Shelby which I suppose you can easily fix with aftermarket as I plan on doing.

I've already cut the resonators on the Shelby. I plan on tinting the windows, FP springs and maybe wheels.

The only car I'll get rid of the Shelby for is a new GT3. I am on a list for one but not sure if I'll get an allocation.
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      02-10-2018, 08:29 PM   #8
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Both awesome cars - but if you do the M3 ZCP - get the M Performance Exhaust - it is worth every penny. My 2015 M3 was stock exhaust - now I have the 2018 ZCP with MPE - and OH MY GOD - the SOUND!!!!!

I'm sure GT350 sounds incredible too - but the difference in practicality goes way in favor of the M3. If you then add the MPE to the M3 ZCP, you've now just significantly narrowed the "sound" gap as well (closer to a "win-win" situation)...
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      02-10-2018, 08:35 PM   #9
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Happy Wife....Happy Life! Go with the ///M3!
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      02-10-2018, 09:44 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Powerslide View Post
Both awesome cars - but if you do the M3 ZCP - get the M Performance Exhaust - it is worth every penny. My 2015 M3 was stock exhaust - now I have the 2018 ZCP with MPE - and OH MY GOD - the SOUND!!!!!

I'm sure GT350 sounds incredible too - but the difference in practicality goes way in favor of the M3. If you then add the MPE to the M3 ZCP, you've now just significantly narrowed the "sound" gap as well (closer to a "win-win" situation)...
Yeah, a lot of this.

For me I have a little one at home so a coupe is a non-starter. Plus, I really just don't like the looks of the Mustang, its just meh to me. I get it drives and sounds awesome.

But with the MPE I actually like the sounds my car makes, plus I need 4 doors so I don't think for a second to get the gt350, despite how good it is.

Plus OP has two kids at home and is considering a 2door? godspeed my friend.
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      02-10-2018, 09:50 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by neilum View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by Powerslide View Post
Both awesome cars - but if you do the M3 ZCP - get the M Performance Exhaust - it is worth every penny. My 2015 M3 was stock exhaust - now I have the 2018 ZCP with MPE - and OH MY GOD - the SOUND!!!!!

I'm sure GT350 sounds incredible too - but the difference in practicality goes way in favor of the M3. If you then add the MPE to the M3 ZCP, you've now just significantly narrowed the "sound" gap as well (closer to a "win-win" situation)...
Yeah, a lot of this.

For me I have a little one at home so a coupe is a non-starter. Plus, I really just don't like the looks of the Mustang, its just meh to me. I get it drives and sounds awesome.

But with the MPE I actually like the sounds my car makes, plus I need 4 doors so I don't think for a second to get the gt350, despite how good it is.

Plus OP has two kids at home and is considering a 2door? godspeed my friend.
I have 3 kids. 6, 4 and 15 months and I have 2 2-door cars. Lol. Don't let that stop you if you an SUV or minivan also.
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      02-10-2018, 10:00 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by elitex View Post
I have 3 kids. 6, 4 and 15 months and I have 2 2-door cars. Lol. Don't let that stop you if you an SUV or minivan also.
to each his own! Wife has an MDX and I just don't see the value in getting a coupe (in this price range). The loss I'd take to get something like a GT350 just isn't worth it.

I think it really boils down to me truly enjoying my car and don't want anything else


Got MPE, coding, tune, 295 Ad08's... I love this thing.

I will admit before I dialed it in I just liked it, when it was bone stock, but now its badass.

Although it sounds like the OP has made up his mind on the Mustang. Just get it mang, can't go wrong. Took Ford long enough but they finally made it badass and truly good.
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      02-10-2018, 10:12 PM   #13
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I traded GT350in for M3in December. Things I miss....V8 sound, driving a somewhat uncommon American muscle car (I was surprised how much attention I received), shifting at 8200 rpms, did I mention the sound?, lower payments....

Things I don’t miss....dumping a quart of oil in it every 700 miles, crappy stereo, tram lining due to wide front tires, being full race car everywhere I went (daily driver), wife complaining when we took my car places.

I think you have all the info you need in this thread. Honestly, the other day I was secretary me guessing myself a bit. Then I took the M3 out for a bit and that feeling went away.
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      02-10-2018, 10:29 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Gstone View Post
I?m in the Ford dealership now trading the M4 for a Shelby. Very cool car in person
I feel the M is more of a daily driver and Shelby is a driving experience.
Had the M for almost 4 years and like it, not love though
We?ll see
I would love to cross shop the cars in person. Ordering the Shelby unseen or without test driving one is making this “extra” hard. I went to the Bmw dealer and I could sit in a few CPs with various colors on the lot. Makes it easier to swallow spending 61k on an order.
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      02-10-2018, 10:42 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by elitex View Post
I own both a 18 M4 and a 17 GT350 currently. Here are some random thoughts.

This is my second GT350. I owned one for few months then got rid of it for a 17 M3 then few cars later ended up with both M4 and a GT350.

Sound and NA engine is the highlight of the Shelby. It does handle very well but it treks all over the place due to extremely wife front tires. You get used to it but after driving the M4, it's very noticeable.

Shelby also has this initial softness in the suspension which I think FP springs will take care of. Could be the bushings also, not sure yet.

M4/M3 CP is very impressive IMO. It may seem boring to some who DD the car only. Take it up to the mountains or a track and the car comes alive. Same could be said for the Shelby. But Shelby is definitely more fun as a DD.

Build quality is day and night both interior and exterior. Crap sound system in the Shelby which I suppose you can easily fix with aftermarket as I plan on doing.

I've already cut the resonators on the Shelby. I plan on tinting the windows, FP springs and maybe wheels.

The only car I'll get rid of the Shelby for is a new GT3. I am on a list for one but not sure if I'll get an allocation.
I didn’t believe the hype about the CP when I was in the market for an F8X so I decided to go used, as the market was thin at the time. Now I totally get what the CP brings to the table. I love the style 666s in the “black”. The burbles are a nice touch to “blender” sound that is the sound track of the S55. I unplugged my valves and even that helped me enjoy my stock exhaust. At this point I can’t afford both so I have to roll with the car I can see myself living with/loving for the next 5-7 years. I’m supposed to drop off my check to secure a build slot for the M3 on Monday. If that happens, I’m set on BSM/SO, CP, black 666s, and 6spd. Carbon roof and interior trim too. It should be illegal to order without the latter haha JK. The salesman tried to sell me on the exec pac but other than the heated steering it’s mostly filler for me. I wanted YMB/SS but the wife vetoed that rather quickly...
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      02-11-2018, 12:17 AM   #16
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I own 16 gt350. If you want a car that excites you every time you get in it, get the gt350. Not to mention it will retain better resale value. Esp if you plan on tracking, i wouldnt even think twice.
its one of those rare cars that you wont get bored of. This 5.2 voodoo engine wont be avail soon, since 18 is last yr for gt350 prod. Gt500 comes w crossplane crank n superchatger. These type of na motors will be classics in the future.
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      02-11-2018, 01:43 AM   #17
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I own 16 gt350. If you want a car that excites you every time you get in it, get the gt350. Not to mention it will retain better resale value. Esp if you plan on tracking, i wouldnt even think twice.
its one of those rare cars that you wont get bored of. This 5.2 voodoo engine wont be avail soon, since 18 is last yr for gt350 prod. Gt500 comes w crossplane crank n superchatger. These type of na motors will be classics in the future.
Well I live like an hour and a half from the Ring. And I have twisty roads to and from work too. I’ll keep you guys posted
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      02-11-2018, 10:52 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zero_Cool View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by elitex View Post
I own both a 18 M4 and a 17 GT350 currently. Here are some random thoughts.

This is my second GT350. I owned one for few months then got rid of it for a 17 M3 then few cars later ended up with both M4 and a GT350.

Sound and NA engine is the highlight of the Shelby. It does handle very well but it treks all over the place due to extremely wife front tires. You get used to it but after driving the M4, it's very noticeable.

Shelby also has this initial softness in the suspension which I think FP springs will take care of. Could be the bushings also, not sure yet.

M4/M3 CP is very impressive IMO. It may seem boring to some who DD the car only. Take it up to the mountains or a track and the car comes alive. Same could be said for the Shelby. But Shelby is definitely more fun as a DD.

Build quality is day and night both interior and exterior. Crap sound system in the Shelby which I suppose you can easily fix with aftermarket as I plan on doing.

I've already cut the resonators on the Shelby. I plan on tinting the windows, FP springs and maybe wheels.

The only car I'll get rid of the Shelby for is a new GT3. I am on a list for one but not sure if I'll get an allocation.
I didn’t believe the hype about the CP when I was in the market for an F8X so I decided to go used, as the market was thin at the time. Now I totally get what the CP brings to the table. I love the style 666s in the “black”. The burbles are a nice touch to “blender” sound that is the sound track of the S55. I unplugged my valves and even that helped me enjoy my stock exhaust. At this point I can’t afford both so I have to roll with the car I can see myself living with/loving for the next 5-7 years. I’m supposed to drop off my check to secure a build slot for the M3 on Monday. If that happens, I’m set on BSM/SO, CP, black 666s, and 6spd. Carbon roof and interior trim too. It should be illegal to order without the latter haha JK. The salesman tried to sell me on the exec pac but other than the heated steering it’s mostly filler for me. I wanted YMB/SS but the wife vetoed that rather quickly...
Wait, so will everyone be laughing at me in Germany as I drive by in my M3 with my moonroof open?......first stop, tint shop!
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      02-11-2018, 12:45 PM   #19
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I would say that the Mustang would get old really fast. It may be a better drivers car, it will become a pain to drive on a daily basis a lot faster than the M3 would I feel. M3 is better rounded IMO. But if it's not a daily driver and you're going to drive it occasionally then perhaps a better driving oriented car would be the way to go.
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      02-11-2018, 02:14 PM   #20
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I would say that the Mustang would get old really fast. It may be a better drivers car, it will become a pain to drive on a daily basis a lot faster than the M3 would I feel. M3 is better rounded IMO. But if it's not a daily driver and you're going to drive it occasionally then perhaps a better driving oriented car would be the way to go.
I've tried to avoid posting in this thread as I don't want to be "that guy" that feels like he has to defend his purchase etc. I've had a F80, F82 and driven the comp pack also. I also have had a 16 Tech Pack GT350 and now a 17 GT350. I'll try and keep it short and as unbiased as possible.

It actually doesn't get old depending on what you value. The Mag ride actually rides much better than any version of M3/4 I've driven and I've driven them all except the CS and GTS. Visibility is much better in the M3/4 and if you want an Auto (sorry a DCT is just a fancy/extremely good auto tranny). But, the clutch is nice and light and the stock gearbox is decent so for me it isn't a problem to DD in any condition except I don't drive it in the winter.

The GT350 is the better drivers car and more fun IMO and a lot of others that have made the switch. But, that does come at the cost of the obvious usability advantage that a M3 and even a M4 have over it. Fit and finish is much much better in the BMW as would be expected. The stereo is crap in the GT350 and it is a very spartan interior, but really not bad and purpose built. The Recaros are better than any M3/4 seat I've sat in though as well. Also if you want ventilated seats the standard GT350 suede/leather seats offer that.

If you like to mod you can mod many things on the Ford for a hell of a lot cheaper than on the M cars. The M tax is real and it is utter bullshit IMO in a lot of regards.

I would give reliability and maintenance advantage to the BMW as well. The Voodoo is an awesome engine, but it likes oil and I would recommend checking it at least once a week. It is fairly normal to add a quart every 1000 miles give or take even during normal driving. My 16 was a nightmare and had an engine replacement in the first 5000 miles. My 17 has been rock solid and I added about 2 quarts of oil in 7000 miles and 2 track days last year. Both cars have their share of rattles and creaks here and there. The GT350 does have more vibration due to the FPC V8 up front. The thing just feels alive even at idle. The GT350 does tramline on bad roads, but decent roads it isn't a problem and I have 305/325s on my car. Some mistake that for steering feel coming form a M3/4. Sorry I couldn't resist.

Sound no conversation based on individual taste of course. I had and heard other aftermarket exhausts on M3/4s and none of them sound great to me. I'm not a S55 sound hater, but none sound great IMO. The GT350 obviously does IMO and most others.

If you want an easier ownership experience and value fit finish plus some luxury get the M3/4. Especially if you value the usability of the M3s four doors etc.

If you value one of the most unique and rewarding driving experiences available today get the GT350. But, keep in mind it will need more attention and TLC generally speaking over the BMW.

Oh yeah, also if you value dealership experience obviously BMW generally wins hands down there as well.

Hope that helps OP, good luck.

Last edited by minn19; 02-11-2018 at 02:27 PM..
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      02-11-2018, 03:26 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by minn19 View Post
I've tried to avoid posting in this thread as I don't want to be "that guy" that feels like he has to defend his purchase etc. I've had a F80, F82 and driven the comp pack also. I also have had a 16 Tech Pack GT350 and now a 17 GT350. I'll try and keep it short and as unbiased as possible.

It actually doesn't get old depending on what you value. The Mag ride actually rides much better than any version of M3/4 I've driven and I've driven them all except the CS and GTS. Visibility is much better in the M3/4 and if you want an Auto (sorry a DCT is just a fancy/extremely good auto tranny). But, the clutch is nice and light and the stock gearbox is decent so for me it isn't a problem to DD in any condition except I don't drive it in the winter.

The GT350 is the better drivers car and more fun IMO and a lot of others that have made the switch. But, that does come at the cost of the obvious usability advantage that a M3 and even a M4 have over it. Fit and finish is much much better in the BMW as would be expected. The stereo is crap in the GT350 and it is a very spartan interior, but really not bad and purpose built. The Recaros are better than any M3/4 seat I've sat in though as well. Also if you want ventilated seats the standard GT350 suede/leather seats offer that.

If you like to mod you can mod many things on the Ford for a hell of a lot cheaper than on the M cars. The M tax is real and it is utter bullshit IMO in a lot of regards.

I would give reliability and maintenance advantage to the BMW as well. The Voodoo is an awesome engine, but it likes oil and I would recommend checking it at least once a week. It is fairly normal to add a quart every 1000 miles give or take even during normal driving. My 16 was a nightmare and had an engine replacement in the first 5000 miles. My 17 has been rock solid and I added about 2 quarts of oil in 7000 miles and 2 track days last year. Both cars have their share of rattles and creaks here and there. The GT350 does have more vibration due to the FPC V8 up front. The thing just feels alive even at idle. The GT350 does tramline on bad roads, but decent roads it isn't a problem and I have 305/325s on my car. Some mistake that for steering feel coming form a M3/4. Sorry I couldn't resist.

Sound no conversation based on individual taste of course. I had and heard other aftermarket exhausts on M3/4s and none of them sound great to me. I'm not a S55 sound hater, but none sound great IMO. The GT350 obviously does IMO and most others.

If you want an easier ownership experience and value fit finish plus some luxury get the M3/4. Especially if you value the usability of the M3s four doors etc.

If you value one of the most unique and rewarding driving experiences available today get the GT350. But, keep in mind it will need more attention and TLC generally speaking over the BMW.

Oh yeah, also if you value dealership experience obviously BMW generally wins hands down there as well.

Hope that helps OP, good luck.
Nicely reviewed.

What kind of performance mods are popular on the gt350 these days?
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      02-11-2018, 03:34 PM   #22
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Nicely reviewed.

What kind of performance mods are popular on the gt350 these days?
Thanks, I’ve done Ford Performance springs and sway bars. I’m going to add a couple of other minor suspension bits as well. Also the stock non R wheels are extremely heavy so I replaced them with Forgelines. I also had a short throw MGW shifter installed. Not really performance related, but I have a four point harness I can put into the rear and front seat belt points, which is obviously very nice for track days.

I’m thinking and this sacrilegious to most, but installing a headers back Kooks exhaust system this year.

These seem to be the most popular, especially the shifter. The stock one is not bad, but not great.

Edit: I also switched out my steering wheel for one that is very similiar in dimensions to the M ones. I wasn’t a fan of the stock thin alcantara one

Last edited by minn19; 02-11-2018 at 03:40 PM..
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