2013 5.0 Mustang vs 08-09 e92 m3

[Marcadelic]

First off let me start by saying i have searched the forums and found a few 5.0 threads, read them just have a few more questions/comments.

Alright so I'm in a 335i right now but my lease is up in December. I've pretty much narrowed it down to these two options. This will be the first car I'll be financing 100% on my own and I really want to make sure I make the right choice. I've driven the 5.0 but have yet to drive the m3, I'm expecting it to drive similar to my 335i but with much more power down low and a more refined suspention. In a perfect world I would love to have a 2010+ e92 and go mod crazy on it, but that's not the case as I we'll know parts for an m3 don't come cheap. So here's biggest question, which would you choose. A close to fbo auto 5.0 or a DCT m3 with a full exhaust and maybe a tune?

Here's my break down of the two.
5.0
-Faster
-Looks great
-Getting out of an e92
-cheaper mods, (both cosmetic and performance)
-Amazing exhaust note
-Better on gas

M3
-Better interior
-Visabilty is much better
-IDrive < ford sync
-IMO second only to the gtr, its the best looking car for <100k
-Aftermarket parts and expensive as hell
-Fuel economy is guna be worse
-Much better transmition + paddle shifters
-Get to stay on the e90 forums

I would love to hear from others that have driven/owned a 5.0 too!!!

[anacondatp]

i have driven a 5.0 and trust me there are more to a car than just a 5.0. everybody has their own opinion and to my humble one, 5.0 = cheap plastic interior, cheap radio and sound, gear dont feel so smooth, clutch is a b*tch, gigantic, and you'll be over the place when you turn

[Hisam135i]

Based on your opinion on the 5.0 you're looking for more of a muscle car, look into the C63 also an M3 does not have more power down low than a 335i, it has more power up top!

[Marcadelic]

Originally Posted by Hisam135i

Based on your opinion on the 5.0 you're looking for more of a muscle car, look into the C63 also an M3 does not have more power down low than a 335i, it has more power up top!

Haha I would love to have a c63, I think the used ones are still alittle out of my price range. But yes more power up top, got mixed up for a second.

[fusionchicken]

coming from a guy who's owned 2 Evo's, a MY2000 impreza RS coupe with STi powertrain, a 91 mr2 turbo...basically cars with worthless interiors redeemed by their powertrain...I could not stand the 5.0's interior at all i passed on a screaming deal about a year ago partly due to this.

as with any car comparison you really need to drive both cars, nothing we say here will weigh as much as your own interpretation of both cars after you've driven them.

what did you like/dislike about the 5.0 you test drove? was it an auto/manual?

putting the massive interior/ride quality/build quality advantages aside, the m3's steering and shifter feel are also much better. despite putting up similar numbers the mustang's handling feel is nowhere near the m3s. YMMV. for an American v8 pony car the Mustang also didn't have as much low end torque as I had hoped for, but this is complete personal preference as the m3 also makes its power up top.

If you are going for the 6mt mustangs be very careful of the Chinese made transmissions, this was the main reason (interior was a close 2nd) I passed on the mustang. To my understanding this issue has been addressed but not resolved.

if you are looking for an auto car then the DCT in the m3 obviously also destroys the auto tranny in the 5.0

stock for stock i don't believe the mustang is faster as you stated, but definitely with just intake and tune the mustang will gain significant performance gains.

Regarding exhaust note don't be too quick to dismiss the m3's...look up some with aftermarket exhaust - it sure surprised me! There's no denying the mustang sounds great though, much better than my Vette's exhaust note even with the Corsa catback IMHO.

between the 2 choices i would most likely still go with a 6mt mustang with 3.73 gear but that's because i get bored of cars fast and the mustang will be cheap to even supercharge and make ridiculous power out of; but i believe once you test drive an m3 the choice will become quite clear for you.

[Marcadelic]

Originally Posted by fusionchicken

coming from a guy who's owned 2 Evo's, a MY2000 impreza RS coupe with STi powertrain, a 91 mr2 turbo...basically cars with worthless interiors redeemed by their powertrain...I could not stand the 5.0's interior at all i passed on a screaming deal about a year ago partly due to this.

as with any car comparison you really need to drive both cars, nothing we say here will weigh as much as your own interpretation of both cars after you've driven them.

what did you like/dislike about the 5.0 you test drove? was it an auto/manual?

putting the massive interior/ride quality/build quality advantages aside, the m3's steering and shifter feel are also much better. despite putting up similar numbers the mustang's handling feel is nowhere near the m3s. YMMV. for an American v8 pony car the Mustang also didn't have as much low end torque as I had hoped for, but this is complete personal preference as the m3 also makes its power up top.

If you are going for the 6mt mustangs be very careful of the Chinese made transmissions, this was the main reason (interior was a close 2nd) I passed on the mustang. To my understanding this issue has been addressed but not resolved.

if you are looking for an auto car then the DCT in the m3 obviously also destroys the auto tranny in the 5.0

stock for stock i don't believe the mustang is faster as you stated, but definitely with just intake and tune the mustang will gain significant performance gains.

Regarding exhaust note don't be too quick to dismiss the m3's...look up some with aftermarket exhaust - it sure surprised me! There's no denying the mustang sounds great though, much better than my Vette's exhaust note even with the Corsa catback IMHO.

between the 2 choices i would most likely still go with a 6mt mustang with 3.73 gear but that's because i get bored of cars fast and the mustang will be cheap to even supercharge and make ridiculous power out of; but i believe once you test drive an m3 the choice will become quite clear for you.

I have to agree that the auto tranny on the stand was pretty bad but everyone that i've talked to says a tune really wakes it up and makes it 10x better.

As far as the exhaust note of the m3 I agree with you 100%, it is by far my favorite sounding engine when paired with either the akrapovic or eisenmann and a good x-pipe...sounds heavenly

but that comes with a HUGE price tag, where as with the 5.0 with $1000 i can put a full exhaust on and have money left over for a tune....this is my dilemma lol

[fusionchicken]

I hear ya, if making power is your thing I'd go for the stang. but do drive the m3 first so you won't have any regrets. the m3 is definitely not cheap to mod relative to the 5.0, but to many people it's worth the price tag; is it to you?

I still stick around this board because M cars are a special breed - it doesn't need all the power in the world to offer a sublime driving experience. my z4m is no less fun to drive than my vette even though it's not as quick in stock form or mod for mod.

[Vagus]

Originally Posted by Marcadelic

Haha I would love to have a c63, I think the used ones are still alittle out of my price range. But yes more power up top, got mixed up for a second.

If you can afford an 08-09 M3, you can definitely afford an 08-09 C63

From all the comments you've made, you sound like you want a 5.0 mustang.
Go for it.

A lot of people pay a little more for the quality of build, the chassis, and the balance of M3's.
However, it sounds like you want the power with a lower price tag.
There's your answer. a mustang

[Vagus]

Originally Posted by Marcadelic

..... I've driven the 5.0 but have yet to drive the m3, I'm expecting it to drive similar to my 335i but with much more power down low and a more refined suspention......

NO
It will NOT drive similar to your 335i...
sigh.........
Please go drive one and let us know.

[fusionchicken]

Originally Posted by Shibalnoma

If you can afford an 08-09 M3, you can definitely afford an 08-09 C63

good point, i missed it somehow

cts-v is another choice if he wants easy power gains, all these cars can be had for around $40k

[LarThaL]

If you are focused on modding for more power, get the Mustang. If you want a subjectively more refined and balanced driving experience get an M3. In my experience, no matter how much power you have, you get used to the feeling it gives you. The overall refinement and balance of a car is what gives sustained driving enjoyment.

[Cyclone Chris]

I owned an 05 Pontiac GTO 6.0L M6 aka. Holden Monaro (Australian import) which many say will tear up the Mustang. There were only 40,000 built in 3 years. I modded the GTO with full suspension, sway bars, cam, lifters, intake manifold, headers, corsa sport exhaust, ect. Basically everything without going FI. She pulled around 445 rwhp and 415 rwtq on the dyno.

After I test drove the M3 w/ DCT, I was grinning ear to ear, and knew I had to have it. I felt so connected with the road. It just felt liberating. The only disappointment with the M3 is that it doesn't have the torque I wanted; however, the car pulls hard in the upper revs.

We shall she.. I am taking delivery of the 13 M3 ZCP in about 3 weeks, and I'm hoping the car will keep me excited like the GTO did for the past 7.5 yrs. It better for $75K LOL.

[Cyclone Chris]

Originally Posted by LarThaL

If you are focused on modding for more power, get the Mustang. If you want a subjectively more refined and balanced driving experience get an M3. In my experience, no matter how much power you have, you get used to the feeling it gives you. The overall refinement and balance of a car is what gives sustained driving enjoyment.

Exactly.

[pbonsalb]

Based on the OP's comments, I recommend the Mustang. You get a new car with a warranty that is as fast or faster than the M3 on the dragstrip and on the race track, gets better MPG, has more daily driving torque, and mods for it are half the price of M3 mods.

If after driving the Mustang, you feel you need another $25k worth of refinement and either want to spend the extra money or spend the same money but get an older car with no warranty (that will be much more expensive to maintain as it ages than the Mustang), buy the M3.

[Marcadelic]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Based on the OP's comments, I recommend the Mustang. You get a new car with a warranty that is as fast or faster than the M3 on the dragstrip and on the race track, gets better MPG, has more daily driving torque, and mods for it are half the price of M3 mods.

If after driving the Mustang, you feel you need another $25k worth of refinement and either want to spend the extra money or spend the same money but get an older car with no warranty (that will be much more expensive to maintain as it ages than the Mustang), buy the M3.

Im probably going to go drive the m3 today, if i fall in love which is a very good possibility im going to get the m3 no doubt and just deal with scraping money together for mods.

I have another question, how much a year would you say i can expect to spend on the car if it's not under warranty?

[fusionchicken]

howcome you're not open to cars like the c63/CTS-V for the same price of a used m3? sounds like the c63 would be perfect for you.

[swanson]

CTS-V

[Marcadelic]

Originally Posted by fusionchicken

howcome you're not open to cars like the c63/CTS-V for the same price of a used m3? sounds like the c63 would be perfect for you.

honestly i just thought that a c63 was still out of my price range but now that you bring it up im going to have to look into them. I just don't like the styling on the CTS-V, just seems like an older guys kinda car to me.

But the c63

[fuzzybam]

I'd rather have a used M3 over a new Mustang 5.0.

[fusionchicken]

Originally Posted by Marcadelic

honestly i just thought that a c63 was still out of my price range but now that you bring it up im going to have to look into them. I just don't like the styling on the CTS-V, just seems like an older guys kinda car to me.

But the c63

after driving a C63 for 2 days i got to say it's the first car ever that i have driven that made me think it *might* be ok to own a non-3 pedal fun car

[pbonsalb]

For the same sort of money, you can also buy a Porsche 996 TT, with no warranty.

[sensi09]

Get the mustang. Just not sure I'd follow my own advice.

But get a manual!