'08/'09 M3 or '12 GT500 for a Daily Driver?

[Super Sic]

I've looked into the 335's, but I'm not sure they'd satisfy the fun requirement as well as the M or the GT5. I could be wrong - I do plan to test drive one this weekend.

I can get xplan pricing on the GT500 - its a touch under $45k for the base.

[smmmurf]

M3........ I would get the 5.0 mustang for much cheaper with the track goodies like brembos and sticky tires instead of the GT5.

[F82_SID]

Originally Posted by jphughan

OP what about a 335d?

Never thought about that. The tuned 335d numbers are very impressive without sacrificing gas mileage. Go for a 335d!

[rantarM3]

All you have to do to decide is do a roll-on from 75-100 and compare how each car feels at those speeds. You will quickly realize why you should get one of your choices and not the other (I'm not alluding to acceleration).

[FVM3]

I've owned e92 m3 and e93 m3, with total of 25,000 miles, nothing special, just regular oil change , air filter.

[valeram]

IMHO, I will get the M3 if I can afford it. That includes the initial and after cost.

[Doctor J]

No way in hell you will be able to drive the GT500 in the snow -- better get a winter beater if you plan to buy the Ford

[FVM3]

Mustang interior doesnt look good, feels "plastic"

[LarThaL]

Originally Posted by X_fuera

Thanks for the feedback - all very good and valid points.

I'm not too concerned with the winter capabilities of either car. I drive less than 5 miles a day (take the train to work), and have grown up with big HP RWD cars in Chicago winters. That being said, snow tires on either are a must, and I will continue to look into S4s (although I am concerned w/audi reliability, much more so than BMW based on the stories I hear, and I'm not too sure how I feel about upping the boost on an engine w/o forged internals).

No doubt that the "image" thing is concerning, though I like to think that the real question for me is will I care when I'm behind the wheel. If I love driving the car than I think I'll be happy, but the BMW image is much more fitting.

I definately agree that the the M3 would be a better overall DD - more space, more creature comforts, etc - but I need to consider the maintenance cost associated with the car as well as its fun factor as it will also serve as my "toy". Is the M3's practicality as a DD outweighed by its maintenance expense and its lack of torque and cost to modify? Again, maintenance on these cars scares me, especially considering that I plan to keep this car for 10 or so years. Could I afford it? Yes. However, I'd be pissed if I need to sink a few grand into an already expensive car to keep in working order. Any feedback on actual charges for regularly scheduled maintenance M3? In terms of fun, the car will only see street duty in the burbs of Chicago. These streets are flat and straight. How much of a hindrance is the lack of torque to having fun on these types of roads? The other part of the "fun factor" to me is tinkering in the garage. The cost of modding the M3 is insane compared to the GT500. Lots to ponder here...

I have owned many Audis and the reliability is just fine. It isn't Honda, but it certainly as good as BMW. For me, all my Audis since 1998 have been fairly trouble free. I had a water pump fail on my 2000 S4 and the shocks leaked a little on my RS4, but that was it. AWD with snow tires is also actually a lot of fun in the snow. I absolutely love my M3, but I have honestly never had as much fun in any car ever as I had driving my RS4 with Dunlop Winter Sport tires in 10" of fresh powder. It was more fun than a snowmobile.

[nemo99]

I spend time weekly with a few Mustang club members while they are modding their cars. One of my good friends has a GT 500 that is pushing over 600 rwhp. It is a spectacular car to ride in. Probably the fastest car I have been in but I would not be able to have it as a daily driver. Too rough, harsh and powerful. He has a truck for a daily driver and loves my car for the Jeckyl and Hide with the M button mode. I'd love to have a GT500 or better yet a LS Boss for a mod car because the parts are so cheap and easy to install but I'll take my M3 for everything else.

[Dave07997S]

You know I was in the same predicament a year ago when I sold the 997S. I didn't want to break the bank for my next car so I cross shopped on a new 5.0L as well as the GT500. I ended up with the M3...the Mustang GT while much better since 2010 still isn't up to the same "perceived" build quality. The 5.0 motor is a gem, I liken it to a 30k engine in a 20k car. While the new padded dash and seats with much better leather and stitching along with the new electronics package is nice in the Mustang, its still not in BMWs level. The 2011 GT500 was really the only other choice for me but with the Performance Package the car was pushing $55k and terrible leases (I lease) I went into the M3.

I will say this..now that BMW is going with the FI I6 for the F30 I'm probably going to go the Mustang route next go around when the new 2014+ Mustang comes out...I think Ford is going to rectify alot of the shortcomings of the S197 package.

Dave