2015 Mustang benchmarked against outgoing M3. Already trailing the upcoming M4?

[basscadet]

Originally Posted by R N M

Look at those huge panels gaps and cheap plastics.

The only large panel gap I see is around the driveshaft tunnel.

[ORIGIN M.]

Now that I look at the pictures again from the side it looks like a Cayman.

[///M Power-Belgium]

Originally Posted by swanson

Lets compare the interiors of both the BMW F30 and the new Mustang





Do most of you complaining about the interior really think that BMW F30 interior looks better then the new Mustang interior? The M3/M4 interior will be identical to that 3 series interior besides different trim offerings and different steering wheel and seats.

To be honest.....for me personal the interior of the Mustang looks way better...more a sporty look,about the quality that's another question

[catpat8000]

Originally Posted by tdizzle

So in short. Yes it will compete peformance wise as the older one wasn't too far off from the E9x M3.

Many people won't cross shop the two but that's mostly based on american muscle car vs german sports sedan. Put them on the track and I figure the M3 will be more capable, but dont expect the margin to be huge, at least not when considering the huge price premium. That has been the case ever since the new 5.0 was released though. People don't usually see them in the same class because of price and type of car but in reality the performance numbers place them pretty close.

I think you guys who say people won't cross-shop these cars are living in the past. If the new Mustang is good enough, people will definitely cross-shop.

Pat

[catpat8000]

Originally Posted by reborn

I think that a true comparison for a GT is the 335. The M3 is a much more expensive car and should be compared to special models of the mustang.

You are dreaming.

[catpat8000]

Originally Posted by BwoodBMW

yes to be clear... Ford was trying to compete with performance, not necessarily refinement. For a car who's base price will be in the low 20's I think this is going to be great. The GT looks hot, allegedly has lost more than 200 lbs and gains IRS. And people who have actually sat in it say the interior is lightyears better than the last car. I don't think there is much to complain about with this thing. Unless you are an E92M3 owner that has a problem with a much cheaper car keeping up with you.

+1

Everyone is judging the next gen Mustang based on impressions from the last gen.

[catpat8000]

Originally Posted by mlhj83

Even if the Mustang matched the M3 for performance, I think the biggest difference would be durability; how long can the Mustang withstand hard use before something wears out or breaks. We already know that the M3 in general has very good durability over many many miles of both road and track use. I think this is why the M3 costs so much more. It is one thing to produce a fast car, it is another to make it durable.

You need to start reading the bearing clearance wiki on the E90 boards and you'd have a different perspective...

[desertfox73]

Originally Posted by Smooth 330i

the front end, front side and interior is a mess. Too bad.

I think they look far better than the current F30/F32. The new front end on the BMW 3 and 4 is a sloppy mess with a million lines intersecting all over the place. In the designer/engineer conversations, the BMW designers lost. As for the iPad screen in the BMW sticking up...yikes.

[bk_g80_m3]

I will definitely shop the new mustang. I think the car looks great and will be a performer.

It would be great to have a car with the performance of the m3 that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. I track/autox my car and it's a lot easier mentally to thrash on a 40k car than it is a 70k car. The mustang aftermarket is so much better. You can get any part under the sun for a great deal. Go look up prices on BBKs for m3s vs mustangs.

That track pack with the recaro and brembos will be a better track car out of the box than the new m3 I bet. Unless the M engineers have figured out that it makes sense to put good brakes on a track ready car out of the box. I mean the e92 stock brakes are a joke.

The difference in the interior between the next mustang and m3 will be negligible. I recently had a service loaner 328. The interior was cheap as hell. The cheesey screen sticking out of the dash looks worse than modern toyotas. I think a lot of guys on this forum are blinded by badges. BMWs are great cars. I love my e90, that I got used but I could never justify paying 72k (original msrp) for this car it's just a joke. I could also never justify paying an arm and a leg for the next M3. Whereas the mustang is priced very aggressively.

Against ford I would say american car companies talk a big game but when it comes down to it they cheap out in significant ways. I find that people always have to make some excuse for American cars. As an American I sincerely hope the new stang wows me. I would happily buy the car and enjoy it.

I do think its nice that the mustang will be more common. Having driven nicer german cars for a while can be a pain in the ass. I has one of my cars pissed on, and had two others spit on. Not to mention the occasional shitty comments. I would suspect people wouldn't be as envious or negative toward a stang. That is nice too.

Also re affording an M3. Most people who have enough money to write a check for the M3 are likely to be frugal. That's how they got their money (and kept it) in the first place. As some other poster alluded to. Most people I know who could easily buy m3s rather get a good deal than have a brand/badge and bragging rights.

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by swanson

Lets compare the interiors of both the BMW F30 and the new Mustang





Do most of you complaining about the interior really think that BMW F30 interior looks better then the new Mustang interior? The M3/M4 interior will be identical to that 3 series interior besides different trim offerings and different steering wheel and seats.

Well, to my eyes, the Stang interior does look quite a bit cheaper than the bimmer. What can I say?

With that in mind, I will still consider the car as the higher end "specialty" models come out. Looking for a good interior fix. Utlimately, however, you can still have a nice custom interior made for $20k.

[Falafel Combo]

Originally Posted by PawnStar

hell yeah, huge GT500 brakes, new independent suspension, big honkin' V8 with 420+ hp with a proper 6 speed manual at a sub $35k?! Better yet, a convertible for sub $40k?!

That'll be likely less than half the price of the upcoming M4 vert...Is it less than half the car?? We'll just have to see what the market participants have to say about that...

And that's the bottom line. It's not fair to beat up on a car of half the price. Compare it to a 428i or stripper 435i. Has nothing to do with the Ms.


And damn, that thing looks good. I like it a lot. I hope Ford has the balls to make a 4 door version this time around (gran coupe-ish). It would appeal to a lot more people and would look sweet!

[stefan]

My bet is that this Mustang will be more fun to drive than the M4 in every aspect. Turbo BMWs are fast and capable.. but they are sterile and boring.

My wife has an ST. You'd be amazed the strides Ford has made in quality. It's extremely surprising.

[kdiggz]

Originally Posted by catpat8000

I think you guys who say people won't cross-shop these cars are living in the past. If the new Mustang is good enough, people will definitely cross-shop.

Pat

+1... A cool car is a cool car. I drive an M3 and I would certainly buy a Mustang if I thought it was fun. This looks like it could be a winner so props to Ford

[DASHOCKER]

Originally Posted by swanson

I am really feeling this.. I might get this in dark gray with black rally stripes.. my own Eleanor.

[khanyam4]

Ill see most of you on this board in you m3 or m4. Let be real if most of you are about getting the most for your money you wouldn't be on this board.

[khanyam4]

Originally Posted by Amans_e90

I just turned 23 last month. I drive a 335i. My dad drives a gl550. My dad owns a business and 8 houses. I own my own 7-Eleven.

By looking at all that I think I could afford an m3. My next car choices are a ZR1,2016 C63 ( or when ever the next gen one comes out), and a Mustang.

You should stop doubting things lol

You sure mommy and daddy not helping you?

[benzo23]

I like it, I think the boss and gt500 model will definitely be something to consider.

[XtoM]

Does anyone go out to benchmark a mustang when they make a new car?

[swanson]

Originally Posted by XtoM

Does anyone go out to benchmark a mustang when they make a new car?

Keep laughing. You'll be the looking at taillights.

[amanuuh]

Originally Posted by khanyam3

You sure mommy and daddy not helping you?

No they are not. Why you mad? Cause I know how to manage my money at a young age? I'm doing more than you and I'm only 23?

Let's say my parents buy me a 7-Eleven. They are going to buy it for me and it's gonna run it self?

I don't know why y'all get mad when young people are doing shit that took you guys so long. This part isn't directed towards you unless you're an older person.

I can afford an m3. What you said is you can afford it you wouldn't be thinking about getting a mustang.

A lot of people are. So you should get off your high horse with the 04 m3 and possibly stock 5 series that has rims and tint and you think it's modded.

[Kayani_1]

+1

As for the looks this picture of Mustang looks better then the F series BMW. The BMW with its pathetic EPS setup and overly soft nature of cars is not the best anymore.

If this car is benched to be better then E9x M3 in all apsects and comes ahead of the E9x M3 as an overall pkg. Then that in my mind will be hell of a job by Ford.. I would take it in a heart beat.

The new M4/M3 are going to be super expensive and have a lot to prove. No one knows how the new turbo engine will be. How will they make the horrible EPS setup to give proper feel and feedback. If anything the M3/M4 has a lot to prove after the initial debacles of BMW in producing F series car that should have never left the factory with overly soft suspension and life less steering and cheaper quality of plastic materials used in interior and at best luke warm looks. Also, basic F 30/F32 335i gets no upgrades in power since 2007. In fact the torque is rated 5 lb-ft lower. The least they could have done is give it 30-50 extra hp and torque in base 335i version. But no they will rather sell you an expensive tune to bump power up instead. The E9x 335i vs E46 330i was a huge jump in power not so the case here.

I am overall impressed with GM and now if Ford can do what GM is doing with C7. It will be awesome. I am already planning on getting a C7 instead of a M3/M4.

Originally Posted by checkmate

You should sit inside the new corvette. Pisses on my current M3 for sure.

The new M3/M4 looks droopy + sounds like an angry fart. If the new 3/4 series interior is any indication, the new Mustang is definitely the best among the two.

[professor_yo]

That's a nice looking car! Period!!! Sometimes writers, critics, etc. want to be sooo deep and philosophical.
Bro chill out and just call a spade a spade...it's a nice car! The end.