To Mustang, or Not to Mustang?
Bullitt Member
Joined: November 18, 2011
Posts: 301
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From: Daytona Beach, FL
I say if you want BMW handling with 5.0 power/sound, go for the Boss. It may not have 650hp but it does handle comparable to the german cars from all the magazine/car show tests. It's all a matter of how much you want to spend I guess.
Bullitt Member
Joined: January 5, 2012
Posts: 339
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From: Western Canada
hey everyone,
I have been lurking since the 2011 GT hit. I fell in love with it but (no offense) I've never been one for american cars. As far as sports cars go, I used to have a C63 AMG, and now I drive tuned up 2012 335is coupe in 6mt. I chose the 335is over the M3, and it is a great car. No need to praise the handling, as any 3-series is one of the best handling cars on the market, I would even go as far as to say it is not too far down the list from porsche 911's or lotus'. Anyway with the twin turbos, and the over boost along with my jb4 tune, cat less downpipes, and intake, it has very nice torque and power. Ive proven on multiple occasions that it is faster than an M3, and an SRT8 challenger, just to name a few. Interior finishing is as expected, great. Also, I've test driven '11 and '12 GT's a few times in 6mt. I want to say i loved em, but at the end of the day, a test drive is very limited. However, now that the '13 GT's are about to drop, I don't know if i can handle it anymore. I am all about german cars, however this GT has just got me. So what do you guys think. keep my rocket? or go for a GT? Ill sum up what factors are of concern to me:
1.) handling. i don't mind modding but even with suspension mods, can the GT handle like a german car?
2.) service. having a new bmw makes servicing almost a pleasant experience. whereas i feel like with Ford, you just pray the service doesn't suck.
3.) quality. lets face it. American quality is not top notch. i don't mind, but i feel like it might be an issue. with things like the transmission problems, etc. i don't want a car that will fall apart
PS if i were to get the mustang i would get a black '13 GT premium with brembo track pack, recaros, nav. i would go for the GT and not the Boss because i feel like the GT is more flexible, if that makes sense. cheaper and easier to mod and customize, i would say you might be able to make a GT better than a boss for cheaper.
anyway i came here for any input, advice, recommendations, etc.
thanks for reading my ridiculously long post
I have been lurking since the 2011 GT hit. I fell in love with it but (no offense) I've never been one for american cars. As far as sports cars go, I used to have a C63 AMG, and now I drive tuned up 2012 335is coupe in 6mt. I chose the 335is over the M3, and it is a great car. No need to praise the handling, as any 3-series is one of the best handling cars on the market, I would even go as far as to say it is not too far down the list from porsche 911's or lotus'. Anyway with the twin turbos, and the over boost along with my jb4 tune, cat less downpipes, and intake, it has very nice torque and power. Ive proven on multiple occasions that it is faster than an M3, and an SRT8 challenger, just to name a few. Interior finishing is as expected, great. Also, I've test driven '11 and '12 GT's a few times in 6mt. I want to say i loved em, but at the end of the day, a test drive is very limited. However, now that the '13 GT's are about to drop, I don't know if i can handle it anymore. I am all about german cars, however this GT has just got me. So what do you guys think. keep my rocket? or go for a GT? Ill sum up what factors are of concern to me:
1.) handling. i don't mind modding but even with suspension mods, can the GT handle like a german car?
2.) service. having a new bmw makes servicing almost a pleasant experience. whereas i feel like with Ford, you just pray the service doesn't suck.
3.) quality. lets face it. American quality is not top notch. i don't mind, but i feel like it might be an issue. with things like the transmission problems, etc. i don't want a car that will fall apart
PS if i were to get the mustang i would get a black '13 GT premium with brembo track pack, recaros, nav. i would go for the GT and not the Boss because i feel like the GT is more flexible, if that makes sense. cheaper and easier to mod and customize, i would say you might be able to make a GT better than a boss for cheaper.
anyway i came here for any input, advice, recommendations, etc.
thanks for reading my ridiculously long post
2012 Mustang Boss beats a 2010 BMW M3 on the track (Leguna Seca), the Mustang GT is not far. It will not handle LIKE a German car, it will handle better than most German cars.
2) Service.
Ya it depends on what dealership you deal with, find a good one, get to know them and stay with them.
3) Quality.
According to the Consumer Reports statistics, recent model year Mustangs are one of the most reliable sports coupe you can buy. On the contrary, BMW/Benz/Audi have not so great reliability in the past few years.
I don't think you have anything to worry about going with a brand new Mustang.
Last edited by airoscar; Mar 1, 2012 at 07:45 PM.
Member
Joined: January 11, 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
I'm in the same boat as BlackMamba... I've never thought of owning a Mustang, but I'm suddenly quite interested.
I'm not worried about quality: Consumer reports rates the reliability of the Mustang to be really quite good. I was surprised.
I'm not worried much about handling, after watching that video of the Mustang versus the M3.
However, I do worry about the interior... for example, the speakers in the '12 GT Premium I sat in last month are really much lower quality than I expected. The last 2 cars I've owned had tweeters up high that raised the sound stage up by your ears. I was amazed to find the Mustang has only low-mounted speakers. :/
And I'm not wild about the interior styling. I'm hoping I'll learn to tune it out.
And it's true.. you see mustangs everywhere, lots and lots of V6s... so BM you'll have to be okay with driving a completely common car.
One comment about the depreciation of his BMW... that money is already gone, so in my mind it doesn't matter much if he sells it now or not.
Just make sure you drive the Mustang a lot more, because if you don't think it has some intangibly awesome thing then you'll be shopping for another car in a year.
I'm not worried about quality: Consumer reports rates the reliability of the Mustang to be really quite good. I was surprised.
I'm not worried much about handling, after watching that video of the Mustang versus the M3.
However, I do worry about the interior... for example, the speakers in the '12 GT Premium I sat in last month are really much lower quality than I expected. The last 2 cars I've owned had tweeters up high that raised the sound stage up by your ears. I was amazed to find the Mustang has only low-mounted speakers. :/
And I'm not wild about the interior styling. I'm hoping I'll learn to tune it out.
And it's true.. you see mustangs everywhere, lots and lots of V6s... so BM you'll have to be okay with driving a completely common car.
One comment about the depreciation of his BMW... that money is already gone, so in my mind it doesn't matter much if he sells it now or not.
Just make sure you drive the Mustang a lot more, because if you don't think it has some intangibly awesome thing then you'll be shopping for another car in a year.
V6 Member
Joined: February 28, 2012
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Honestly your BMW may be the quicker car, a newer car but to me the mustang just has so much more personality to it. Everyone who owns a BMW NEVER does any mods to it, they all look like they came right out of the cookie cutter whereas you see a bunch of mustangs lined up and they just scream the persons personality! Everyone has different combinations of mods, colours, rims, tints, decals, mufflers, engines, bodies, scoops, like its just endless! The BMW is a nice car when your an old business man looking to impress some young drunk cougar. Get the mustang, seriously. MUSTANGS FOR THE WIN!
Cobra Member
Joined: February 13, 2011
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 0
From: Southern NH
However, I do worry about the interior... for example, the speakers in the '12 GT Premium I sat in last month are really much lower quality than I expected. The last 2 cars I've owned had tweeters up high that raised the sound stage up by your ears. I was amazed to find the Mustang has only low-mounted speakers. :/
Banned
Joined: March 9, 2011
Posts: 16,242
Likes: 6
Originally Posted by MustangGirl7
Honestly your BMW may be the quicker car, a newer car but to me the mustang just has so much more personality to it. Everyone who owns a BMW NEVER does any mods to it, they all look like they came right out of the cookie cutter whereas you see a bunch of mustangs lined up and they just scream the persons personality! Everyone has different combinations of mods, colours, rims, tints, decals, mufflers, engines, bodies, scoops, like its just endless! The BMW is a nice car when your an old business man looking to impress some young drunk cougar. Get the mustang, seriously. MUSTANGS FOR THE WIN!
Member
Joined: January 11, 2012
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
Perhaps I stand corrected on the mustang speakers... after reading this, it might not be *that* bad:
http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtest...io-review.html
I also noticed the sound stage improving when I selected "driver only".
http://blogs.insideline.com/roadtest...io-review.html
I also noticed the sound stage improving when I selected "driver only".
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: March 1, 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
I'm in the same boat as BlackMamba... I've never thought of owning a Mustang, but I'm suddenly quite interested.
I'm not worried about quality: Consumer reports rates the reliability of the Mustang to be really quite good. I was surprised.
I'm not worried much about handling, after watching that video of the Mustang versus the M3.
However, I do worry about the interior... for example, the speakers in the '12 GT Premium I sat in last month are really much lower quality than I expected. The last 2 cars I've owned had tweeters up high that raised the sound stage up by your ears. I was amazed to find the Mustang has only low-mounted speakers. :/
And I'm not wild about the interior styling. I'm hoping I'll learn to tune it out.
And it's true.. you see mustangs everywhere, lots and lots of V6s... so BM you'll have to be okay with driving a completely common car.
One comment about the depreciation of his BMW... that money is already gone, so in my mind it doesn't matter much if he sells it now or not.
Just make sure you drive the Mustang a lot more, because if you don't think it has some intangibly awesome thing then you'll be shopping for another car in a year.
I'm not worried about quality: Consumer reports rates the reliability of the Mustang to be really quite good. I was surprised.
I'm not worried much about handling, after watching that video of the Mustang versus the M3.
However, I do worry about the interior... for example, the speakers in the '12 GT Premium I sat in last month are really much lower quality than I expected. The last 2 cars I've owned had tweeters up high that raised the sound stage up by your ears. I was amazed to find the Mustang has only low-mounted speakers. :/
And I'm not wild about the interior styling. I'm hoping I'll learn to tune it out.
And it's true.. you see mustangs everywhere, lots and lots of V6s... so BM you'll have to be okay with driving a completely common car.
One comment about the depreciation of his BMW... that money is already gone, so in my mind it doesn't matter much if he sells it now or not.
Just make sure you drive the Mustang a lot more, because if you don't think it has some intangibly awesome thing then you'll be shopping for another car in a year.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: March 1, 2012
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Honestly your BMW may be the quicker car, a newer car but to me the mustang just has so much more personality to it. Everyone who owns a BMW NEVER does any mods to it, they all look like they came right out of the cookie cutter whereas you see a bunch of mustangs lined up and they just scream the persons personality! Everyone has different combinations of mods, colours, rims, tints, decals, mufflers, engines, bodies, scoops, like its just endless! The BMW is a nice car when your an old business man looking to impress some young drunk cougar. Get the mustang, seriously. MUSTANGS FOR THE WIN!
Bullitt Member
Joined: May 15, 2011
Posts: 413
Likes: 0
From: Fremont, California
Originally Posted by wanted33
Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you may have already decided. Let me say this, there's nothing like the sound of an American built V8. Even the German's can't replicate that sweet growl.
Mach 1 Member
Joined: January 8, 2011
Posts: 542
Likes: 1
From: CO
The speed of a defined track can be measured of a kit install, but not its general feel, that's subjective.
Bullitt Member
Joined: October 28, 2010
Posts: 439
Likes: 0
From: Palm Beach, FL
Originally Posted by MustangGirl7
Honestly your BMW may be the quicker car, a newer car but to me the mustang just has so much more personality to it. Everyone who owns a BMW NEVER does any mods to it, they all look like they came right out of the cookie cutter whereas you see a bunch of mustangs lined up and they just scream the persons personality! Everyone has different combinations of mods, colours, rims, tints, decals, mufflers, engines, bodies, scoops, like its just endless! The BMW is a nice car when your an old business man looking to impress some young drunk cougar. Get the mustang, seriously. MUSTANGS FOR THE WIN!
Legacy TMS Member
Joined: May 19, 2010
Posts: 280
Likes: 12
From: Chicago area
Good post.
My 2011 Mustang GT is the first American car I've bought in 10 years, and I'm happy generally with the quality/service, though I've only put a little over 4,000 miles on it since buying it a year and a half ago (I don't drive it in winter).
I can't comment on handling because I basically drive it straight to work and back on the highway.
I love the power, and it just feels great to drive.
What's also nice is that while you do see a lot of Mustangs out there, it's rare in my neck of the woods (North Shore suburbs of Chicago) to see a 2011-2012 Mustang GT. Mostly V6s from 2005-2009. I can probably count on my fingers how many times I've seen a 2011 or 2012 GT since I bought mine. So unlike BMWs, which are as common as snow flakes up here, the Mustang, at least the GT, does attract some notice.
No complaints about the 6MT, in fact, it's my favorite thing about the car. I've owned BMWs (long, long ago), and this is more satisfying to shift than I remember the BMW being (though this was 25 years ago and I assume BMWs have gotten better since then).
I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinions about the interior, but I love it. I have brick red leather and it gets compliments from everyone. Doesn't look cheap at all, and no tears or anything to date.
As far as the dealer, I haven't been in for much, but am generally satisfied with service. Just one anecdote: When I first got the car, I noticed that the wheel caps just had the Ford logo, and I wanted the Mustang logo, so I ordered replacement ones and had the dealer install. When I got the bill, I was happily surprised to see that they'd given me a freebie. It would only have been $65 for parts and service, so it's not like they were losing that much, but I appreciated the thought.
I highly recommend the Mustang. You won't regret it
My 2011 Mustang GT is the first American car I've bought in 10 years, and I'm happy generally with the quality/service, though I've only put a little over 4,000 miles on it since buying it a year and a half ago (I don't drive it in winter).
I can't comment on handling because I basically drive it straight to work and back on the highway.
I love the power, and it just feels great to drive.
What's also nice is that while you do see a lot of Mustangs out there, it's rare in my neck of the woods (North Shore suburbs of Chicago) to see a 2011-2012 Mustang GT. Mostly V6s from 2005-2009. I can probably count on my fingers how many times I've seen a 2011 or 2012 GT since I bought mine. So unlike BMWs, which are as common as snow flakes up here, the Mustang, at least the GT, does attract some notice.
No complaints about the 6MT, in fact, it's my favorite thing about the car. I've owned BMWs (long, long ago), and this is more satisfying to shift than I remember the BMW being (though this was 25 years ago and I assume BMWs have gotten better since then).
I guess everyone is entitled to their own opinions about the interior, but I love it. I have brick red leather and it gets compliments from everyone. Doesn't look cheap at all, and no tears or anything to date.
As far as the dealer, I haven't been in for much, but am generally satisfied with service. Just one anecdote: When I first got the car, I noticed that the wheel caps just had the Ford logo, and I wanted the Mustang logo, so I ordered replacement ones and had the dealer install. When I got the bill, I was happily surprised to see that they'd given me a freebie. It would only have been $65 for parts and service, so it's not like they were losing that much, but I appreciated the thought.
I highly recommend the Mustang. You won't regret it
Mach 1 Member
Joined: July 19, 2011
Posts: 547
Likes: 0
From: Albany
Originally Posted by danimal15
What's also nice is that while you do see a lot of Mustangs out there, it's rare in my neck of the woods (North Shore suburbs of Chicago) to see a 2011-2012 Mustang GT. Mostly V6s from 2005-2009. I can probably count on my fingers how many times I've seen a 2011 or 2012 GT since I bought mine. So unlike BMWs, which are as common as snow flakes up here, the Mustang, at least the GT, does attract some notice.
Cobra Member
Joined: May 25, 2005
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 0
From: Skopje, Macedonia
You should decide what you want from your car. Comparing a BMW to a Mustang to a Mercedes, et al is pretty much a waste of time. Each car will give you something the other will not, unless of course you mod it. Don't expect a Mustang to handle and perform like a BMW, or a BMW to handle and perform like a Mustang. If you want a family sedan that's handles great and speedy the BMW is for you. If you want a two door sports car that you can take to the track or twist around the mountains, the Mustang is for you.
Member
Joined: January 5, 2012
Posts: 6
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Had a 2002 e46 330i with MT and sports package. Currently have 2012 Brembo package base trim. 330 had nicer interior but not as much as you would think (long term comparison). Have friends with newer Beemers (base 3 and 135i) The mustang is solid where the BMWs are exceptional.
On handling... It's just not a direct comparison as they have different strengths but the bottom line in my opinion is that the upper echelon Beemers these days (starting e46 it seems) come from the factory with a definite under steer bias at the limits for safety reasons where ford opted for a much more neutral at the limits setup on the upper tier performance mustangs (GT Brembo package, Boss and even V6 performance package).
The end result is that the low initial torque and conservative (not to be confused with boring) BMW suspension inspires more confidence where the Mustangs raw grunt and generally undersized shoes is a little tail happy and somewhat intimidating. But in the hands of people who know how to get the most out of them with a clock running the basic 3's (even the is) slot in above the base Gt but below the Brembo optioned cars. The M car slots in pretty much in a dead heat with a slim advantage and the Boss sits on top of the pile. But overall they are all pretty close together.
To sum up, if you are talking about running around town my experience vrs a very nice handling e46 is that the GT is a touch harsher, a bit more eager on turn in, a lot more likely to slide its *** out when careless with the throttle and obviously no comparison power wise. Compared to the newer twin spool turbo? at a track the professionals all seem to agree they are on par with each other via different means.
Choose your poison accordingly.
On handling... It's just not a direct comparison as they have different strengths but the bottom line in my opinion is that the upper echelon Beemers these days (starting e46 it seems) come from the factory with a definite under steer bias at the limits for safety reasons where ford opted for a much more neutral at the limits setup on the upper tier performance mustangs (GT Brembo package, Boss and even V6 performance package).
The end result is that the low initial torque and conservative (not to be confused with boring) BMW suspension inspires more confidence where the Mustangs raw grunt and generally undersized shoes is a little tail happy and somewhat intimidating. But in the hands of people who know how to get the most out of them with a clock running the basic 3's (even the is) slot in above the base Gt but below the Brembo optioned cars. The M car slots in pretty much in a dead heat with a slim advantage and the Boss sits on top of the pile. But overall they are all pretty close together.
To sum up, if you are talking about running around town my experience vrs a very nice handling e46 is that the GT is a touch harsher, a bit more eager on turn in, a lot more likely to slide its *** out when careless with the throttle and obviously no comparison power wise. Compared to the newer twin spool turbo? at a track the professionals all seem to agree they are on par with each other via different means.
Choose your poison accordingly.
Currently a Corvette Owner!
Joined: December 16, 2011
Posts: 2,003
Likes: 48
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
I suggest you watch this video. It should make your decision a little easier.
Super Coupes Track Attack! - 2011 Ford Mustang GT vs 2011 BMW M3 Coupe - YouTube
Super Coupes Track Attack! - 2011 Ford Mustang GT vs 2011 BMW M3 Coupe - YouTube
/\ EXACTLY! I was getting ready to post the same vid, perfect.I went from my Infiniti G35s to the GT, and I could not be happier.
Currently a Corvette Owner!
Joined: December 16, 2011
Posts: 2,003
Likes: 48
From: Las Vegas, Nevada
its a lease. as much as i love german cars, i would never make the mistake of actually buying one.... i guess that says a lot haha. so basically it costs me nothing to get rid of it, someone will just take over the lease, and I've only paid a few months payments since i also did not make the mistake of putting anything down. the mods will come off and get sold. so getting rid of it is not a big issue. but keep the feedback comin, i appreciate your inputs. its a tough decision haha. I'm not high maintenance but I expect a lot out of my car and i expect it to deliver. i don't think its a ridiculous statement to say that a perfect sports car exists. i think it does exist in many forms. anyway, as far as quality goes, how solid is the mustang? i mean i know i won't be doing this on a regular basis but I've been 180+ in german cars and it felt solid even at those speeds. obviously i don't know, but i feel like a mustang would not be stable over 130.
Go on to YouTube, search Mustang GT 5.0, look for videos of drivers doing 0-140MPH, and see how stable the car is. The camera barely shakes. I think you'll be impressed.
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