The Mach 1 had the following feature content for approximately $5000 more on top of the Mustang GT of the time -

- re-worked DOHC engine with improved heads, intake cams, and model-specific tune
- a well-engineered and tested shaker scoop air intake system
- a styled hood to complement the shaker scoop
- improved front brake rotors and calipers
- model-specific shocks and struts
- model-specific interior leather seating surfaces on improved seats
- shift **** and shift trim ring
- model-specific gauge cluster

The engine, induction, and suspension changes would probably qualify as reasonably significant changes as opposed to simple, given the amount of engineering work and testing needed for production.


Indeed! The amortization of the engine sharing most likely helped the value equation quite a bit. I remember thinking at the time that $5000 seemed like a lot of money, especially when you looked at the MSRP as compared to the GT. However, the engine and shaker scoop induction system were definitely worth the price of admission, given the uniqueness of it at that time.

 

The M3 is more expensive, but you also get free maint. for 4/50K and arguably better resale value. My brother's M3 held it's value very very well. You also get a luxury car interior and the BMW brand prestige (I can care less what the badge says, but some people do).

As for performance, I still feel that the M3 will be faster around a road course. Really the only performance stat that the GT500 will beat the M3 in is acceleration.

 

M3 could still be faster, but at this point that is far from a slam dunk since the existing GT500 laps right on the heels of an M3 on some road courses now. Knock a hundred pounds or so off the nose, tweak the handling a bit, and add even better acceleration and positions could easily shift relative to which car is actually faster in every respect.

I suppose we'll see how things shake out when the numbers come in.

 

They are about 2 seconds apart right now, but the 2011 will close that gap a bit. The GT500 will take a much more talented driver to extract the performance numbers due to it's hp and balance issues (even with the AL block it's still front heavy). I am not sure if you've driven an M3, but it's a very rewarding car to drive. BMW always seems to get the dynamics right so that the driver feels attached to the vehicle.

 

If only they could design good looking cars they'd be golden. BMW is the kind of bland, "all our cars look the same" styling.

 

Ford is starting to the do same thing with their corporate look. I happen to like the 3 series styling.

 

That might be true somewhat, but MOST Fords look completely unique whereas every bmw from the 1 to the X6 all have the same front fascia

 

What BMW has done is create a brand identity. You can easily identify a BMW by it's styling cues. Ford is starting to do this with their corporate front fascia.

 

Jason, please don't confuse the pricing of my GT500s with the pricing of my regular Mustangs. Yes, I do order the V6/GT at $300 over, but the GT500s, I am selling for MSRP only. This I have no say in, as it comes from the top.

 

Here's a video of the car upon cold start..only revving to 1300rpm as my neighbors (fellow condo owners) would shoot me if I rev this car. Its actually quite loud and ear splitting at 4k rpm and up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28uLDWVoG4U

I'm going to do a new video with my bro holding the cam while I drive away.

Dave

 

IMO that's what the bmw badges are for. I don't want my coupe looking exactly like my SUV.

Stupid management

Although GT500s are worth msrp...

 

The GT500 and M3 aren't in the same category. Drive both and you'll understand.

 

M3's are for figure skaters....GT500's are for hockey players...........

 

Perhaps the older E36 & E46 were for figure skaters, but not the E92 M3s. More like a Gretzky and Messier comparison, different styles but both great!

 

Im not saying its a chick car...just not a ground pounder like the shelby

 

I think you're trying to say the M3 is more finesse and the GT500 is more raw power. Right?

 

while M3's have plenty of power finesse etc...they're obviously more refined as well...but I kinda like the raw nature of the GT500.

 

I guess that's my point. At the price of the GT500, you are attracting a buyer who wants refinement and finesse. A 50K+ Mustang is still hard for some to swallow.

 

I finally and "officially" ordered my 2011 grabber blue GT500 with SVT package today.
I think this car is made to provide U L T R A M A J O R F U N ! ! !

Now the cruel waiting period will begin...

 

I disagree. I think there is a big enough market for people willing to spend $50K on a raw fire-breathing beast.