M3 to '18 M2 or '17 GT350?

[FogCityM3]

The GT350 including the R is a far far better performance vehicle and value. When the lateral comparisons are made performance and character wise with Porsches and Ferraris you know it's something very special and completely different outside of supercars. The R version is an M3 GTS beater with more advanced suspension technology, and in normally aspirated glory!

[Damage Inc]

Well, I voted in the thread and with my wallet for the M2

I've had many M cars, 5 M3's, M6, M5 currently in a 911 GTS. But need a DD where the miles will start racking up, so away goes the 911.

Was debating between GT350, M2, or E92 M3. I was all set on the Mustang until I went and sat in one. As awesome as the engine is, and I LOVE high revving N/A motors, there's just no way I could DD drive it. Build quality is just sooo bad. Dang, I really wanted to like it. But knowing myself, I would be trading it in 4 to 5 months.

If it was a 2nd / weekend / track car I could consider the GT350.

I really wanted to go E92M but I dont want to rack up miles. Afraid the rod bearings are going to blow up lol.

Ended up with the M2 as its "jack of all trades". Its not as "serious" as my 911, but just a hoot to toss around. Mine's coming w MPE to juice it up a bit.

With all that said, I'm on the hunt for a E92M as a 2nd car / weekend toy. The intake noise is to die for and I want to pick one up before all the low mileage ones get crazy expensive. Buying a lift for the garage for it. But I wouldnt want to DD the E92 any longer.

[dmk08]

GT350 all day every day. People saying the interior sucks have you ever sat in an M2? Its pretty terrible compared to all the other current M cars. Plus in the end you have to deal with the N55.

[REDEV217342]

Originally Posted by dmk08

GT350 all day every day. People saying the interior sucks have you ever sat in an M2? Its pretty terrible compared to all the other current M cars. Plus in the end you have to deal with the N55.

Agreed 100%. Yes, the GT350 interior has harder plastics in places and doesn't look as refined. However, its technology is just as good as the M2, its suspension is world class (especially for a $60K car) and better than the M2, performance and driving characteristics are more traditional M than that which BMW itself currently trots out.... plus its engine, sound and looks destroy the M2.

Between those two cars, it's not even a contest to me. I'm going with the GT350.

[Damage Inc]

My first choice was the GT350 until I started to stumble across the engine issues for the 17's (had to park the car cannot drive it until parts were made), paint coming off in a car wash, paint chips on delivery, mis aligned panels, etc etc. Just too much to deal with so I passed.

The initial impression is its a fantastic car, but its the ownership experience and baggage you have to think about with a Ford Mustang. I will look past the badge, poor build quality, and plastics, but just make sure you do your homework before buying on the engine and paint issues. Also with the new Shelby coming out resale will get soft.

I also wish BMW would make a successor to the E92 M3. There is just no perfect solution.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

My first choice was the GT350 until I started to stumble across the engine issues for the 17's (had to park the car cannot drive it until parts were made), paint coming off in a car wash, paint chips on delivery, mis aligned panels, etc etc. Just too much to deal with so I passed.

The initial impression is its a fantastic car, but its the ownership experience and baggage you have to think about with a Ford Mustang. I will look past the badge, poor build quality, and plastics, but just make sure you do your homework before buying on the engine and paint issues. Also with the new Shelby coming out resale will get soft.

I also wish BMW would make a successor to the E92 M3. There is just no perfect solution.

As usual I think many of those issues are overblown over on the Mustang forums. If you read here you think 50% of S65s have blown up due to bearing failure. Reading the M4 engine section would make you think they were spinning crank hubs all over the place. Reality is these are decently rare cases but lets not pretend our engines are bulletproof and the Mustangs engine is a POS.

I have 2 friends with the GT350 and both are super happy with them. One came from an F80 M3 and the other from an E92. Im pretty sure it will be my next car but I think smart money is waiting for the GT500 to come out. Should be able to get a nice deal on a slightly used GT350 at that point.

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by dmk08

As usual I think many of those issues are overblown over on the Mustang forums. If you read here you think 50% of S65s have blown up due to bearing failure. Reading the M4 engine section would make you think they were spinning crank hubs all over the place. Reality is these are decently rare cases but lets not pretend our engines are bulletproof and the Mustangs engine is a POS.

I have 2 friends with the GT350 and both are super happy with them. One came from an F80 M3 and the other from an E92. Im pretty sure it will be my next car but I think smart money is waiting for the GT500 to come out. Should be able to get a nice deal on a slightly used GT350 at that point.

Agree on all fronts. When doing my research on the GT350 it seems the "traditional" mustang buyer was not happy with the 350 as its not a 1\4 mile car which the new 500 will go back to. Of course may 350 buyers at M and Porsche enthusiasts who are seeking high revving thrills w great handling, not as concerned about the drag strip.

Too bad BMW isnt listening. Huge market hole here. $75,000 N/A high revving track focused car, that could be driven on the street, with minimal "luxury" options.

I wish I could mesh together an M2 size and updated tech with GT350 track focus and E92M3 NA motor, or even a 8500 RPM straight six. I wouldnt hesitate to spend $75k on that car.

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

Agree on all fronts. When doing my research on the GT350 it seems the "traditional" mustang buyer was not happy with the 350 as its not a 1\4 mile car which the new 500 will go back to. Of course may 350 buyers at M and Porsche enthusiasts who are seeking high revving thrills w great handling, not as concerned about the drag strip.

Too bad BMW isnt listening. Huge market hole here. $75,000 N/A high revving track focused car, that could be driven on the street, with minimal "luxury" options.

I wish I could mesh together an M2 size and updated tech with GT350 track focus and E92M3 NA motor, or even a 8500 RPM straight six. I wouldnt hesitate to spend $75k on that car.

Yup. I would have bought a naturally-aspirated M car over the GT350 if they made one. I do love BMW's. I just prefer NA cars.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

Too bad BMW isnt listening. Huge market hole here. $75,000 N/A high revving track focused car, that could be driven on the street, with minimal "luxury" options.

Not sure I entirely agree. People are expecting a certain level of performance these days (especially for $75k) and it's getting increasingly difficult to get that out of NA motors, plus the latest emissions and MPG requirements only tighten the belt further. Just look at how high strung the S65 was.

If you want a new NA performance car, your choices are slim: Mustang, Camaro, and the Corvette. Yes, there is the Toyota 86 and Nissan 370Z, but their performance is definitely a lot lower. Believe me, I went through this exercise when looking for a car to replace my E90...there's not much to pick from.

[slicer]

I put about 100 miles on a friend's GT350 over the weekend. On paper I really liked what I saw. Great power, NA, fantastic reviews, great value. After driving the car I have zero interest in owning one and would rather keep my e92. It didn't feel fast (which surprised me given the power figures), it's bigger than I would like, interior was cheesy, poor shifter location with the e-brake in an awkward position and I simply didn't enjoy driving it. I was expecting to be impressed with the power but the extra power is somewhat offset by the weight of the car.

[Damage Inc]

Originally Posted by slicer

I put about 100 miles on a friend's GT350 over the weekend. On paper I really liked what I saw. Great power, NA, fantastic reviews, great value. After driving the car I have zero interest in owning one and would rather keep my e92. It didn't feel fast (which surprised me given the power figures), it's bigger than I would like, interior was cheesy, poor shifter location with the e-brake in an awkward position and I simply didn't enjoy driving it. I was expecting to be impressed with the power but the extra power is somewhat offset by the weight of the car.

This is helpful info. I was wondering if I should take a serious look at the GT350 vs. the M2. Was there anything you DID like about the GT350 vs. the E92 M3?

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

This is helpful info. I was wondering if I should take a serious look at the GT350 vs. the M2. Was there anything you DID like about the GT350 vs. the E92 M3?

Please go drive one yourself. The GT350 has flaws but not being fun isnt one of them IMO.

[slicer]

Originally Posted by Damage Inc

This is helpful info. I was wondering if I should take a serious look at the GT350 vs. the M2. Was there anything you DID like about the GT350 vs. the E92 M3?

Realistically it's a great car and could be modified to my liking. However, I was expecting a lot more based on the reviews. I liked the head unit (touch screen) but the stereo was horrendous. I like the motor - a lot. NA V8 that revs like that is a wonderful thing. I should also point out that I have a ton of mods on my E92, which exceed the cost of a GT350. In some ways that makes it an unfair comparison. Go drive one and decide for yourself. At the end of the day, the car isn't for me.

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by slicer

Realistically it's a great car and could be modified to my liking. However, I was expecting a lot more based on the reviews. I liked the head unit (touch screen) but the stereo was horrendous. I like the motor - a lot. NA V8 that revs like that is a wonderful thing. I should also point out that I have a ton of mods on my E92, which exceed the cost of a GT350. In some ways that makes it an unfair comparison. Go drive one and decide for yourself. At the end of the day, the car isn't for me.

Is your e92 supercharged? Cause if so Im sure the GT350 would feel slow.

Much like an e92 the joy isnt about brute power. Hell an 18 GT is as fast if not faster than a GT350 in a straight line from what Ive read.

I really really like the GT350 myself and Im sure ill own one at some point. Selling my e92 for it. I tried to order one when 17s came out but Ford dealers are a PITA to deal with.

[slicer]

Originally Posted by dmk08

Is your e92 supercharged? Cause if so Im sure the GT350 would feel slow.

Much like an e92 the joy isnt about brute power. Hell an 18 GT is as fast if not faster than a GT350 in a straight line from what Ive read.

I really really like the GT350 myself and Im sure ill own one at some point. Selling my e92 for it. I tried to order one when 17s came out but Ford dealers are a PITA to deal with.

Not supercharged. Just tune, cat-less, and about 200 lb weight loss.

It wasn't that the GT350 felt slow. It just didn't feel fast. Given the reviews and the extra 100 hp, I thought it would feel fast compared to my e92. I would also say that it's possible that it didn't feel fast but it is in fact faster than it felt (if that makes sense). I don't know. I was expecting more.

[65fastback]

Originally Posted by slicer

Not supercharged. Just tune, cat-less, and about 200 lb weight loss.

It wasn't that the GT350 felt slow. It just didn't feel fast. Given the reviews and the extra 100 hp, I thought it would feel fast compared to my e92. I would also say that it's possible that it didn't feel fast but it is in fact faster than it felt (if that makes sense). I don't know. I was expecting more.

One of the things that makes a car feel fast is the amount of torque a engine has vs HP numbers and gearing.

i back to back same day test drove a 2018 mustang GT and a 2017 C7 stingray 3lt... both manual cars and the C7 felt fast.... the mustang felt heavy and big it was as you said was faster than it felt, The chevy small block is loaded with tons of down low torque and the ford has a higher torque bump and its very noticeable.

Fun factor winner... the C7 by far!

[dparm]

Originally Posted by 65fastback

One of the things that makes a car feel fast is the amount of torque a engine has vs HP numbers and gearing.

i back to back same day test drove a 2018 mustang GT and a 2017 C7 stingray 3lt... both manual cars and the C7 felt fast.... the mustang felt heavy and big it was as you said was faster than it felt, The chevy small block is loaded with tons of down low torque and the ford has a higher torque bump and its very noticeable.

Fun factor winner... the C7 by far!

Well, that's no surprise, because the Mustang IS the heavier and bigger car. A 2018 GT is about 3700 pounds versus a 2018 Corvette's 3300 pounds. Both make the same amount of horsepower but the Corvette is making more torque...and has 400 pounds less weight to lug around. So yeah, the Corvette will feel faster as well.

For the record, I am not shilling for the Corvette. It was a really tough decision for me between the C7 & GT350. I understand why someone would pick a GT350 over my car.

[65fastback]

Originally Posted by dparm

Well, that's no surprise, because the Mustang IS the heavier and bigger car. A 2018 GT is about 3700 pounds versus a 2018 Corvette's 3300 pounds. Both make the same amount of horsepower but the Corvette is making more torque...and has 400 pounds less weight to lug around. So yeah, the Corvette will feel faster as well.

For the record, I am not shilling for the Corvette. It was a really tough decision for me between the C7 & GT350. I understand why someone would pick a GT350 over my car.

WOW was it really a tough decision? seriously?? c7 grand sport corvette or gt350 mustang

Honestly id take a c7 z51 ( let alone a GS ) in a heartbeat over a gt350. the mustang is cool but....

[dmk08]

Originally Posted by 65fastback

WOW was it really a tough decision? seriously?? c7 grand sport corvette or gt350 mustang

Honestly id take a c7 z51 ( let alone a GS ) in a heartbeat over a gt350. the mustang is cool but....

I would too!

Unfortunately at 6’7” Corvettes and 911s just are not realistic for me.

[65fastback]

Originally Posted by dmk08

I would too!

Unfortunately at 6’7” Corvettes and 911s just are not realistic for me.

Remind me to never piss you off !

[radiantm3]

Originally Posted by dparm

Well, that's no surprise, because the Mustang IS the heavier and bigger car. A 2018 GT is about 3700 pounds versus a 2018 Corvette's 3300 pounds. Both make the same amount of horsepower but the Corvette is making more torque...and has 400 pounds less weight to lug around. So yeah, the Corvette will feel faster as well.

For the record, I am not shilling for the Corvette. It was a really tough decision for me between the C7 & GT350. I understand why someone would pick a GT350 over my car.

I might have had a hard time picking between a Corvette and GT350 if back seats weren't part of the requirement for me. But then if 2 seaters were an option, I'd also be looking at a 996-7 GT3 and Lotus.

I understand the GT350 is kind of a strange car because it's expensive (for what it is), heavy, and doesn't perform as well as a similarly priced Camaro, but it's a lot of fun to drive and has a ton of character. It's just great that we have all of these options right now between the used and new market.

[werdn]

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

How does the gt350 sound compare to a e9x m3