Decent handling my ass.

 

While you may be decent at handling your own ass, I don't think the M3 would be considered any better than "decent handling" when compared to any of the true sports cars that are in its market segment. The sheer heft of the car is great from a ride/comfort standpoint, but don't do it any favors from a handling perspective, IRS or no.

And what is with the people assuming the OP was talking about new vs. new? Simple logic and common sense would tell you he was comparing similar priced vintages of each, i.e. older M3 than GT.

 

I think people are thrown off when he said "current M3" in his initial post. Anyone who thinks a mustang handles as well as an M3, obviously hasn't driven either one of them to know better. I say we end this worthless thread.

 

Christ, I read this whole thread. Thanks for wasting my precious time. Anywho, Jeremy Clarkson, renowned car reviewer, host of Top gear and dry witted Brit, reviewed the new Mustang. Among other things:
"This new version has been styled to resemble the original from 1965, and that

 

^^^ You obviously didn't read the whole article:
"Whenever I drive a GTI I

 

Ok, I'll bite this time.

Here's the problem. You ask for CONCRETE evidence. There is none.

Concrete evidence would be numbers, facts, etc.

The differences between these cars are mostly subjective.

Performance: As mentioned previously, the Buttstang, err Mustang sorry, is known for its straightline performance and not for its cornering. See, its not the numbers that matter, but the feelings evoked while putting those numbers down. The Mustang will put a better number than the M3 in the corners, but what tires did both have? Are they being tested in the same spot? How did the M3 feel at the limit? How did the Mustang feel at the limit? How did they both feel when approaching the limit?

All subjective. What you will find is that the M3 will be regarded as the better car. The shifter is smoother, the brakes and steering are both communicative and accurate. The INDEPENDENT suspension makes for a better planted car in the bumps.

Straight line is boring. Shoot, I can beat a GT in a straight line with my Legacy! (I did too)

Power is also important here. They both deliver their power completely differently. The Mustang is all about torque will the M3 is top end power. The mustang will let you know there's power (at least at lower RPMs) while the BMW's power sneaks up on you (ala S2000). You don't feel that's its so fast until you see the speedo.

Fit and Finish: The BMW's quality shows inside and out. The interior quality of the BMW is hands down considerably better put together than the Mustangs.

If you really meant it when you said you didn't care about the quality of the interior and what not, then just pick the Mustang and have a warranty. It's simple. When purchasing a luxury vehicle its more about the entire package.

A 35k car like the Mustang is like picking a mediocre priced restaurant. Its either going to be good at either performance or refinement. But not both. One that offers both is typically like a buffet. They offer a lot, but none of it is particularly memorable.

A 50-60k car has the opportunity to offer a whole package. Power and refinement.

Concrete numbers and facts are really not going to make up your mind here if you don't care about the additional luxury of the BMW. If that's really the case, then its simple. The Ford will be new and unfarted. It will come with a full warranty.


A good example of this "dilemma":

New STi vs. used 01-02 M3. They are both just as fast in the straight. However, the M3 offers refinement that the STi will never muster up.

I dealt with this very "problem". Had a modded STi that would kick M3 butt, but wanted to sell for a used M3. I wanted the whole enchilada. Power and refinement.

 

What about a used NSX?

 

Well written post and mostly accurate except for part of this statement...the shifter in the M3 blows. It is the same tranny as the E39 M5 but feels completely different...the M3 has probably the worst shifter of any car I've ever owned at least in normal every day driving. When you wind it out and pushing the car hard it's smooth as silk but for normal driving it's sub par at best especially considering the price tag. I love my M3 despite the poor tranny and while an SSK helps out it doesn't fix the problem. Also, while I agree the M3 doesn't have the grunt (torque) the Mustang does there is no mistaking the car for anything other than quick...it pulls at most any speed and if driven properly it is a tough car to catch at most any speed.

 

 

for $45000.00 nothing beats a Lotus Elise!!!