M4 CP to GT350

[OC335sedan]

I recently owned and daily drove a 2016 GT350 and wasn't impressed. While I thought the car looked awesome and sounded good with the exhaust valve open, my M240i coupe is a lot more fun on the street.

The GT350's low end is surprisingly weak, so you have to constantly drive it like you stole it in order for it to feel fast. The recaro seats looked cool but were a pain to get in and out of...in fact I had to slide the seat back each time to get past the steering wheel (and I'm 5' 11' and 150 lbs). Hardest car I've ever owned to get in and out of, including a few Corvettes, Audis, BMWs, and other Mustangs.

The interior wasn't as bad as some say, but does have cheap plastic in some areas. I wasn't impressed by the suspension or ride that much either, steering was so-so, and the car feels huge. And yes, it tramlines fairly bad.

Maybe on a track it's great, but I put it up for sale after 2 months of ownership if that says anything. Still glad I tried it though as I had always loved the look and sound!

[BimmerMan33]

Originally Posted by ANP202

I also had E92 M3 6MT before my M4. I honestly never warmed up to M4 like I did to M3. M4 was way more capable and better daily but was never as fun and involving as M3. Btw M4 was not my daily driver, I daily e90 330xi and have JL Jeep Rubicon, so sole purpose of M4 was to be a fun car.

IMO you’d have more fun in GT350, no question. M4 Is more “friendly” car though, does not tramline, feels (and is) more luxurious, quieter and drives under radar. I prefer magna ride in GT350 over M4 adaptive suspension and I think it’s more comfortable for daily driving. I’d suggest driving them back to back few times if possible and see how you feel.

Thank You!

[stiboss]

Originally Posted by OC335sedan

I recently owned and daily drove a 2016 GT350 and wasn't impressed. While I thought the car looked awesome and sounded good with the exhaust valve open, my M240i coupe is a lot more fun on the street.

The GT350's low end is surprisingly weak, so you have to constantly drive it like you stole it in order for it to feel fast. The recaro seats looked cool but were a pain to get in and out of...in fact I had to slide the seat back each time to get past the steering wheel (and I'm 5' 11' and 150 lbs). Hardest car I've ever owned to get in and out of, including a few Corvettes, Audis, BMWs, and other Mustangs.

The interior wasn't as bad as some say, but does have cheap plastic in some areas. I wasn't impressed by the suspension or ride that much either, steering was so-so, and the car feels huge. And yes, it tramlines fairly bad.

Maybe on a track it's great, but I put it up for sale after 2 months of ownership if that says anything. Still glad I tried it though as I had always loved the look and sound!

right on the money.

[techlogik]

Bang for buck? Confused, but are we talking the Shelby? The $60k based car? Ok then. The center stack looks like my daughter's 2016 Ford Fusion Titanium console mostly. Which I bought her that car because it was a lot of bang for the buck. Thank goodness the when at 58k miles her tranny went out and needed a rebuild, 5yr/60k power train covered it. otherwise...dodged a bullet. This theory about Euro cars being expensive...that crappy tranny would have cost 4k to rebuild. So yeah....

To each his own. My dad's a Corvette guy, since a '63 split window coupe when he was in his 20s...now a C5 series he has still.

[sublime1996525]

How are you liking the GT350? I have owned one for almost 3 years and I love it. I'm at 18k miles with no issues.

My current DD is a Focus RS and I was just rear-ended...up to $15k in damage with a lot of it being structural and the insurance wants to fix it...so I'm going to get rid of it once I get it back and am considering a used M3/M4.

[someguywithanm3]

How about the new Shelby GT500? That thing is pretty amazing. I hope it doesn't come with that many issues.

[ANP202]

Originally Posted by ANP202

I’m taking GT350 to the same track in April so will be able to compare track times then. BTW I used to think that both cars were fantastic too, until I realized that only one of them really is.

Well I FINALLY took Gt350 to the same track I took my M4 CP to and while I was a bit rusty, M4 put up a faster lap in my hands. GT350 is also a lot more handful and does not catapult out of corners like M4 does, straight line speed is similar, brakes are WAY better on GT350 and surprisingly fun factor is tossup, Boost vs Sound. GT350 is heavier and I did feel the weight difference. In short M4 CP exceeded my expectations on track while GT350 was slight let down. Every day driving enjoyment is still in favor of GT350... M4 fit and finish is on another planet from Ford though.

[vehiclesandmore]

Originally Posted by ANP202

So my lease on M4 ended and I bought GT350 and all I can say is wow, what a car! M4 is better looking, smaller, lighter, nicer interior and is just as fast or even faster in straight line and on a track (I tracked my M4 CP stock on multiple occasions). However when I drive a Shelby I could care less about all of that because this car is so much more of a driver’s car that it’s not even close. Has character for days while M4 feels regular in comparison. We all have our preferences and priorities but if “driver’s car” is first and foremost what you’re looking for, get a GT350.

Having the GT350 for some time now, did you ever regret switching to it? I have a 2018 M4, but I'm currently experiencing some transmission/differential issues with the dealers telling me that it needs to break down more in order for them to be able to find the problem. So with that and also my warranty about to expire I'm also thinking of switching either to the GT350 or C63s. The only thing that I'm worried about with the GT350 is it not being as refined and well finished on the inside.

[Peertwelve]

Well done OP! Drive it like it's meant to be, and fix it is it breaks. I'm surprised so many negative posts in this thread. I think you made the right choice. Sounds like an e92 M! This thread is worthless without pics!!

[ANP202]

Originally Posted by vehiclesandmore

Having the GT350 for some time now, did you ever regret switching to it? I have a 2018 M4, but I'm currently experiencing some transmission/differential issues with the dealers telling me that it needs to break down more in order for them to be able to find the problem. So with that and also my warranty about to expire I'm also thinking of switching either to the GT350 or C63s. The only thing that I'm worried about with the GT350 is it not being as refined and well finished on the inside.

I am going back to M4 CP. I loved driving GT350 and do not regret picking one up, ultimately I missed smaller size and low down torque of M4 the most. I also missed refinement and not having to fill it up every 180 miles. I will miss sound and character of GT350. We only live once and I’d like to try to experience different characteristics and brands. Id definitely give C63S a try, I test drove them heavily and they are special cars however I’m going with M4 with DCT (my last one was MT) over C63s since I plan to do as many track days as I can this year and M4 is just better fit for the track. I will pick up G82 next and once I tire of that I will try C63S.

[jpy1980]

Originally Posted by ANP202

I am going back to M4 CP. I loved driving GT350 and do not regret picking one up, ultimately I missed smaller size and low down torque of M4 the most. I also missed refinement and not having to fill it up every 180 miles. I will miss sound and character of GT350. We only live once and I’d like to try to experience different characteristics and brands. Id definitely give C63S a try, I test drove them heavily and they are special cars however I’m going with M4 with DCT (my last one was MT) over C63s since I plan to do as many track days as I can this year and M4 is just better fit for the track. I will pick up G82 next and once I tire of that I will try C63S.

Good man. Welcome back.