M3 to '18 M2 or '17 GT350?

[iBoosted]

Few years later, time an update! It was a sad day letting go of the e92, it was a fantastic car to me. But I decided to go more track focused and picked up a GT350

New vs old, both pics taken at Barber.





---Original Post---

As much as I loved my e92 M3, it's time to move on. Now I can either get on the list for a 18' LCI M2 or get a 17' GT350 now. I'm in no real rush so there is no reason I can't wait. The car will be dual purpose with 5-10 track days per year.

The GT350's FPC would be a more natural transition from S65 but I will miss the subtle luxuries and interior quality. But all around I feel like it is a more 'special' car and better on track.

M2 seems like the better all around dual duty car... a bit smaller and more low end around town with all the luxuries.

Thoughts?

[macdude357]

GT350 because V8.

[Haywood]

I would vote M2. I was all hyped about the GT350 when it came out. I went to my local dealer and looked at. I couldn't bring myself to trade my e92 for one. The quality of the interior is pretty poor. I had a short test drive and the engine is really nice. But, I hate to say this, I can't stand seeing a million Mustangs on the road and the stigma that comes with it. I'm well aware of what people think of BMW drivers, but at least the M2 is "rare" these days. If that matters to you at all.

I think Ford did a great job with the car and it is definitely built to be track focused. But, since it will be a DD for you, I still think the M2 is a better vehicle all around.

I'm pretty excited about the Alfa Quadrifoglio. Was on my way to look at one today, but was told it was sold already.

[iBoosted]

I called a dealer earlier today with two in stock but was asking 15k over MSRP. I haven't gone to the dealer to take a look yet, plan to this weekend.

[Eliminator 429]

Both cars seem to have mark ups right now over MSRP. The GT350 is an awesome vehicle but it isn't without its flaws like oil consumption, rattles and poor body planal gaps.

If your planning on buying a 350 as an investment because you think its going to be limited you have guess wrong. Ford is going to keep producing them as long as people and dealers are ordering.

The electronic steering is good but not the best I have felt. I think you need to keep it in sport or it feels like a nissan altima.

I haven't had a chance to drive the M2 yet but I have sat in one and the interior is better then the GT350 even though it is cheap for a BMW.

When you get in the 350 compared to the M2 it feels very big. Its still a muscle car and for a muscle car it is extremely good.

Its a really hard call to make I love the 350 and the sound it makes but I also love the size and look of the M2. I always feel like mustangs get dated as soon as the next model comes out every 4 years.

I love both cars and could see my self buying either one. I do think the M2 might be more fun on the street just because its smaller. If its going to see track time i'd go with the 350.

[Cerberus]

Gt350

It's the superior performance car. Also the noise it makes is almost on par with the s65. I dont find the m2's dyson soundtrack that appealing. This is the primary reason I am not driving an f80.

If I ever sell my m3 the gt350r would be my choice. Hopefully by then they are at MSRP.

[ClothSeats]

I couldn't get a test drive for either (maybe because I'm 25) but visually, GT350R > M2 > GT350

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Eliminator 429

Both cars seem to have mark ups right now over MSRP.

Every GT350 owner I've talked to at the track this past summer paid MSRP or below. Only the Rs were marked up.

[iBoosted]

Very surprised by the poll, seems like a better question is why not an M2?

As with the hype of the M2 where dealers were asking 5-10k+ over MSRP the GT350 is following but at a slower rate it. Don't think the R will ever be MSRP but if it was I'd have one without question. I've had zero trouble getting a dealer to offer me a M2 for MSRP right now.

[opihi5]

A gt350 passed me the other day and the exhaust tone was so deep it scared me. Imo the gt350 over the m2

[Haywood]

Originally Posted by iBoosted

Very surprised by the poll, seems like a better question is why not an M2?

As with the hype of the M2 where dealers were asking 5-10k+ over MSRP the GT350 is following but at a slower rate it. Don't think the R will ever be MSRP but if it was I'd have one without question. I've had zero trouble getting a dealer to offer me a M2 for MSRP right now.

I never have nor will pay MSRP for a car. Doesn't matter how amazing it is. It makes no sense to be upside down on a loan the minute you drive it off the lot. The only exception is if you were buying a car as an investment and you didn't drive it and put it in storage for 20 years. Unfortunately, I don't have that kind of money!

[iBoosted]

Originally Posted by opihi5

A gt350 passed me the other day and the exhaust tone was so deep it scared me. Imo the gt350 over the m2

Saw an R coming the opposite way, looked like he just left the track and had exhaust valves open. Could hear it miles away before I saw it. I believe the only difference is the R has no resonators. They all sound great for sure.

Originally Posted by Haywood

I never have nor will pay MSRP for a car. Doesn't matter how amazing it is. It makes no sense to be upside down on a loan the minute you drive it off the lot. The only exception is if you were buying a car as an investment and you didn't drive it and put it in storage for 20 years. Unfortunately, I don't have that kind of money!

The highest I've seen off a new GT350 according to their forums is 3k which is pretty good. Hard to tell what the used market prices will be a few years from now though. Most mustangs don't hold their value very well.

[Eliminator 429]

Originally Posted by dparm

Every GT350 owner I've talked to at the track this past summer paid MSRP or below. Only the Rs were marked up.

From what I understand it comes down to the dealers and how available they are in the area. Some people have good relationships with dealers will always get a better deal as well.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Haywood

I never have nor will pay MSRP for a car. Doesn't matter how amazing it is. It makes no sense to be upside down on a loan the minute you drive it off the lot. The only exception is if you were buying a car as an investment and you didn't drive it and put it in storage for 20 years. Unfortunately, I don't have that kind of money!

If you are making any sort of reasonable downpayment, you won't be upside down. If the auto loan bubble of the past few years has taught us anything, it's that people were taking out shitty loans (high APR/long terms) AND not putting money down...or worse, rolling negative equity from their trade-in into the new car.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Eliminator 429

From what I understand it comes down to the dealers and how available they are in the area. Some people have good relationships with dealers will always get a better deal as well.

Yes, that's fair. The Chicagoland area has several new GT350s on the lots now so I could probably walk in and pay sticker (or less) without much effort, especially this time of year.

[Haywood]

Originally Posted by dparm

If you are making any sort of reasonable downpayment, you won't be upside down. If the auto loan bubble of the past few years has taught us anything, it's that people were taking out shitty loans (high APR/long terms) AND not putting money down...or worse, rolling negative equity from their trade-in into the new car.

Agreed.

[iBoosted]

Thanks everyone for voting and providing input. Turns out the decision is neither of these cars... the final winner for me is the Corvette Grand Sport. Haven't found any with the specs I want so will be placing an order and holding on to the M3 till it arrives.

Surprised how many votes for the GT350, must be us V8 lovers since it gets no love on the M2 forums.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by iBoosted

Thanks everyone for voting and providing input. Turns out the decision is neither of these cars... the final winner for me is the Corvette Grand Sport. Haven't found any with the specs I want so will be placing an order and holding on to the M3 till it arrives.

Surprised how many votes for the GT350, must be us V8 lovers since it gets no love on the M2 forums.

Yep, the GS is on my short-list too. I'm waiting until the spring/summer to make a move. I still have to drive the GT350 and GS (I drove a Z51 several years ago).

If I go for a GS, an order will probably be necessary. All of the ones on the lots are 1LT autos or convertibles. It's kinda weird.

[EnderG60]

I like the GT350's, and while buying my wifes explorer I couldnt help but think about trading in the E92.

But they wanted $63k for it and refused to let me take it for a test drive like it was some priceless artifact. They actually said "if you want it, buy it. No test drives." Needless to say I laughed in his face.

For me if its a daily driver you track, it should be geared more toward comfort. If its a weekend/track day car, well...power and cheap will win.

[Move Over]

Originally Posted by dparm

Yep, the GS is on my short-list too. I'm waiting until the spring/summer to make a move. I still have to drive the GT350 and GS (I drove a Z51 several years ago).

If I go for a GS, an order will probably be necessary. All of the ones on the lots are 1LT autos or convertibles. It's kinda weird.

It is very strange. All the ones within 100 miles of me are autos or verts too. I don't mind the 1LT but i want to drive a manual.

Watching the GS values very closely.

[iBoosted]

Most around me are spec'd with the 3 main packages and nothing else I find particularly useful but a fair amount of manuals.

None have met my wants of 2LT with comp seats and full carbon pack. But the ones that are on the lots are discounted ~5-10k or so off MSRP.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Move Over

It is very strange. All the ones within 100 miles of me are autos or verts too. I don't mind the 1LT but i want to drive a manual.

Watching the GS values very closely.

The curious thing is that I have been lurking the Corvette sites and a lot of the "new owner" posts are 1LT, auto, GT seats, no Z07, and very few options. I think I've seen two that were equipped with the Z07. I really don't understand that...why not just get a regular Stingray if you aren't going to use the extra performance? Are they getting it purely for looks & cruising around?

Mine will get out to the track where I can use the car's full performance potential.