Thinking to trade in e92 M3 for 2011 gt500 Mustang

[V1.47fan]

In real life the new Mustang's rear looks hideous, I like the front and the CSL type wheels tho.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by V1.47fan

In real life the new Mustang's rear looks hideous, I like the front and the CSL type wheels tho.

That is all subject to personal taste, has no basis for performance numbers

[V1.47fan]

Originally Posted by TRZ06

That is all subject to personal taste, has no basis for performance numbers

If it was only about performance numbers people wouldn't be buying Porsches,loaded M3's, vintage sports cars etc. Sorry I rather be a few seconds slower around the track than day in and day out in the mustang's cheap interior,also I find the mustang's rear hideous.
My next car is gonna be the next Porsche Cayman and it's pry gonna be slower than a GT500 on a fast track... (Using my droid phone)

[bobbyd1961]

Originally Posted by slikk66

(Not trying to start a war here)

I've been driving BMW 3 series for almost 9 years now. I've had my 6MT 2008 e92 M3 since May '08.

The car is great, I don't hate on it. I've had it at Buttonwillow, Laguna Seca, Infineon & Autoclub Speedway.

Last time at Laguna Seca I melted the brakes, needed rotors and my (brand new) pads replaced... under warranty luckily.

My lease is up May '11, and I think I'm going to try for a 2011 or 2012 gt 500 Shelby Mustang.

They compared a stock GT to an e92 here and the Mustang was faster in the 1/4 mile by .01 sec, and as fast I think around the track. Also braking distance was slightly shorter on the GT and comparable on the skidpad.

Granted the driver said the M3 won by a tad, but this is also the stock GT. The gt500 with the SVT kit comes with Brembo brakes, lowered, 20" rear and 19" front wheels, 550hp / 500lbft supercharged motor (there is an aftermarket 725hp kit for $6300 - 50 state legal). Stock GT is around 414 I think.

Anyways, I know that a Mustang isn't probably up to the caliber of an M3 for most of you guys, but I think I'm gonna give it a shot. The 2011 gt500 has the same motor as the Ford GT with a few tweaks to it.

Also, they look alot better this time, it actually reminds me of an M3 from the front views in a way, and the sticker is right around 50-53k for loaded, upgraded stereo, nav, heated seats.. etc. So thats about 18K less than a comparable M3, with better performance numbers. And, these only come in 6MT so no more seeing soccer moms driving my same M3 around.

The grabber blue is pretty sweet.. similar to Laguna Seca blue on the e46. I also like the dark silver, similar to the Space Gray I have now..

What's your opinion? Anyone driven one?

Comparison video:

Images:

go for it. i wont

[erics02wrx]

Originally Posted by shift@red

Kind of confused here. Are you saying the m3 is the best track car for 60-70K? or are you saying it is very good on the track while also being a great all around car?

There are way better track cars out there for even 50k.... but what I was trying to say is that for the $ nothing does double duty better than the M3, IMO and others as well.....

[Onurleft]

I like how GT500's can do this stock w/ slicks

AND.. Car and Driver lapped VIR in 2:58 compared to 3:05 for the M3 (none ZCP)

That's one of my favorite cars for 2011 and if your feeling like a change i'd say go for it. However don't forget it still has that blue oval soul and is by no means an M3

[Sephiroth]

Maaan the GT500 looks sick! Do it dude. Life is too short

[Dave07997S]

Originally Posted by Ryboy98

You should call Griggs Racing and see what they can put together for you. They build some awesome mustangs. I almost bought one 2 years ago, they offer turnkey models from street to track. If you track the car and from your OP it sounds like you do then check them out.

In the Virginia City Hill climb one year their mustang pulled 1.5 Gs at one point. There are videos on this page of one chasing down a Z06, some laps at Infineon and that Virginia City run.

http://gr40cars.com/media/videos.php

Imagine they could make a Boss 302 pretty hot!

Its true that Griggs can build an awesome handling Mustang, but the NVH due to that track bar really in my eyes makes the car a track only car.

It makes a lot of noise..at least in the few I drove.

Dave

[Dave07997S]

Originally Posted by Onurleft

I like how GT500's can do this stock w/ slicks

AND.. Car and Driver lapped VIR in 2:58 compared to 3:05 for the M3 (none ZCP)

That's one of my favorite cars for 2011 and if your feeling like a change i'd say go for it. However don't forget it still has that blue oval soul and is by no means an M3

WOW..11.35 with just slicks, yet on street tires you are lucky to even get low 12s or break in into the 11s as traction on the light rear end of these cars is practically non esixtent until late 3rd gear.

Dave

[Dave07997S]

Originally Posted by Onurleft

I like how GT500's can do this stock w/ slicks

AND.. Car and Driver lapped VIR in 2:58 compared to 3:05 for the M3 (none ZCP)

That's one of my favorite cars for 2011 and if your feeling like a change i'd say go for it. However don't forget it still has that blue oval soul and is by no means an M3

That car was on R compounds and I am sure it was lighter, look at the Recaro.

Dave

[slikk66]

Went and checked out a gt500 this wknd, there were several things that bugged me, which is a bummer because none of them should be that hard for Ford to work out. Here are a few of them in no particular order. I figured I can/could live with shortcomings of the Mustang, but I still want my car to be able to do basic things that I do in my life..

-No lights on mirrors behind visors.. I had a Scion few years about for 2nd car with same thing, EVERY SINGLE girl who sat in that car noticed and complained.

-Manual passenger seat only, and no way to raise it, as mentioned before by another owner, the dashboard is very high.. seems silly you can't get an electric seat for passenger. Also as mentioned, when you flip the seat forward, you have to reposition it again, it doesn't remember how far back it was before you flipped it forward. So strange..

-Rear seats don't fold down. I have a bike I can fit in my current e92 coupe with the seats down. As well as skis, wakeboards etc from time to time.

-Small trunk opening. The actual size of truck isnt bad, but the opening is small, would be hard to fit even medium sized suitcases in there. And since the rear seat has such little room already, it would be difficult to get suitcases in there period.

I guess it may sound stupid to pick on small things like these, but the car is almost $60,000.. I find it hard to believe they let such small things like these happen. I know it's a "super fast" Mustang and all, but it still would have to be my daily driver, and as such I expect it to be able to do certain things.

Maybe it's time to start thinking about a 2011 ZCP e92 instead..

[saeedg48]

I test drove a 2008 GT500 a few weeks back just for kicks. Historically fast; the engine was 100 times fast than the chassis. Almost lost it out of 1st (redline) .. It was used dont worry
The car was fun to drive but the interior was complete garbage!
- I'm sure its gotten better over the years but I did not feel safe

[zxmarekxz]

Originally Posted by saeedg48

I test drove a 2008 GT500 a few weeks back just for kicks. Historically fast; the engine was 100 times fast than the chassis. Almost lost it out of 1st (redline) .. It was used dont worry
The car was fun to drive but the interior was complete garbage!
- I'm sure its gotten better over the years but I did not feel safe

Compared to a leather m3, the interior sure does suck.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by slikk66

Went and checked out a gt500 this wknd, there were several things that bugged me, which is a bummer because none of them should be that hard for Ford to work out. Here are a few of them in no particular order. I figured I can/could live with shortcomings of the Mustang, but I still want my car to be able to do basic things that I do in my life..

-No lights on mirrors behind visors.. I had a Scion few years about for 2nd car with same thing, EVERY SINGLE girl who sat in that car noticed and complained.

-Manual passenger seat only, and no way to raise it, as mentioned before by another owner, the dashboard is very high.. seems silly you can't get an electric seat for passenger. Also as mentioned, when you flip the seat forward, you have to reposition it again, it doesn't remember how far back it was before you flipped it forward. So strange..

-Rear seats don't fold down. I have a bike I can fit in my current e92 coupe with the seats down. As well as skis, wakeboards etc from time to time.

-Small trunk opening. The actual size of truck isnt bad, but the opening is small, would be hard to fit even medium sized suitcases in there. And since the rear seat has such little room already, it would be difficult to get suitcases in there period.

I guess it may sound stupid to pick on small things like these, but the car is almost $60,000.. I find it hard to believe they let such small things like these happen. I know it's a "super fast" Mustang and all, but it still would have to be my daily driver, and as such I expect it to be able to do certain things.

Maybe it's time to start thinking about a 2011 ZCP e92 instead..

The rear seats do go down, I have seen them down.

[Cabinetman]

Originally Posted by TRZ06

The rear seats do go down, I have seen them down.

You are correct. I just walked out to the garage to check because I haven't had a need to fold them down yet. If I need more room I drive my F-250.

The GT-500 does lack some things that I miss. With the current colder weather I keep looking for the heated seat button, but no exist for the Shelby. You also can't get a backup camera even though both options are available on the GT. I would also like push button start, memory seats, folding outside mirrors, rear Brembos and wider tires. The thing is I realize that for $50k they had to makes some compromises.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by Cabinetman

You are correct. I just walked out to the garage to check because I haven't had a need to fold them down yet. If I need more room I drive my F-250.

The GT-500 does lack some things that I miss. With the current colder weather I keep looking for the heated seat button, but no exist for the Shelby. You also can't get a backup camera even though both options are available on the GT. I would also like push button start, memory seats, folding outside mirrors, rear Brembos and wider tires. The thing is I realize that for $50k they had to makes some compromises.

I do concur.

I am getting my GT500 this Friday, and coming out of the M3, the things you mentioned (minus the larger tires out back) are things I will miss from the M3.

From my understanding the ripple seat design in the GT500 is what kept them from putting seat warmers in, and the spoiler for the camera.

However, for the price difference and the only mod I plan on doing (Griggs GR40 SS suspension), will most definitely make up for the loss of a few creature comforts. I am only in my upper 30's, so comfort over performance is probably still another 10 years away for me.

Right now, I want the feel and handling of the Z06 (when driving alone) I had before having a daughter, but with the ability to have her car seat in the back and use as a daily driver.

Right now, in my price range the GT500 is the only car to fit that bill. The CTS-V was close, but still a little more then I can comfortably pay and it is heavier.

The GT-R might have been a option if I had more funds (assuming the back seat would work with a car seat).

So, I will go into the GT500 knowing and accepting its shortcomings but knowing I am going to get more in the way of handling and acceleration compared to the M3.

[Cabinetman]

Originally Posted by TRZ06

I do concur.

I am getting my GT500 this Friday, and coming out of the M3, the things you mentioned (minus the larger tires out back) are things I will miss from the M3.

From my understanding the ripple seat design in the GT500 is what kept them from putting seat warmers in, and the spoiler for the camera.

However, for the price difference and the only mod I plan on doing (Griggs GR40 SS suspension), will most definitely make up for the loss of a few creature comforts. I am only in my upper 30's, so comfort over performance is probably still another 10 years away for me.

Right now, I want the feel and handling of the Z06 (when driving alone) I had before having a daughter, but with the ability to have her car seat in the back and use as a daily driver.

Right now, in my price range the GT500 is the only car to fit that bill. The CTS-V was close, but still a little more then I can comfortably pay and it is heavier.

The GT-R might have been a option if I had more funds (assuming the back seat would work with a car seat).

So, I will go into the GT500 knowing and accepting its shortcomings but knowing I am going to get more in the way of handling and acceleration compared to the M3.

Congrats on your GT500. It is a fun car to drive that get a lot more attention that I had been anticipating. I think you will find the interior and nav system an upgrade from the Z-06. I hope you will post a review once you get the Griggs suspension installed.

I'm actually going back to the GT-R. I put down my deposit last week on a 2012. The GT500 is fun, but I miss having traction whenever I need it. I guess I'm just too lazy to learn how to drive a car like the GT500. I thought about doing the Griggs, but I decided that the Nissan is just a better fit for me. Plus I will get back push button start, power folding mirrors, dual power and heated seats, a backup camera (new for 2012!) and Brembos at all four corners.

[slikk66]

Originally Posted by TRZ06

I am getting my GT500 this Friday, and coming out of the M3, the things you mentioned (minus the larger tires out back) are things I will miss from the M3.

TRZ06.. congrats on gettin the GT500.. the folding rear seat was pretty much the biggest dealbreaker for me, so the fact that it does come down still gives the Mustang a chance.. I'm really eager to hear what you think, so please post a review after you've had the car for a few days.

I've been doing some reading on the GT500 forums and everyone seems to agree that the car needs some aftermarket "wheel hop" fixer part as well as control arms to help with the hop/traction... which looks to be about $700-900 for those parts, plus you will need to install them yourself. If you are getting a Griggs upgrade you would probably be able to skip this.

Good luck with it! What color did you get and what price did you get it for?

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by slikk66

TRZ06.. congrats on gettin the GT500.. the folding rear seat was pretty much the biggest dealbreaker for me, so the fact that it does come down still gives the Mustang a chance.. I'm really eager to hear what you think, so please post a review after you've had the car for a few days.

I've been doing some reading on the GT500 forums and everyone seems to agree that the car needs some aftermarket "wheel hop" fixer part as well as control arms to help with the hop/traction... which looks to be about $700-900 for those parts, plus you will need to install them yourself. If you are getting a Griggs upgrade you would probably be able to skip this.

Good luck with it! What color did you get and what price did you get it for?

Sterling Gray w/ stripe delete. Thought about the Race Red with white stripes for a min. as it looked awesome in person and had that POP, but incognito it isn't. I would like to keep my driving record in decent shape and don't want that much attention when I have a 5YO in the back seat. I had my red days with my Z06.

As for price, I have been shopping for about a mth and have secured $500 over invoice, which equals about $51,500 after fees/license, etc.

I will post my impressions after I get a little seat time. You can't judge the performace of a new car properly, as the tires/motor, etc. all need to break-in a little. Also, being more mature then my younger days, I will take a little time to get used to the car before I start pushing it too hard.

It's been a little bit since I have had more TQ than the tires car handle (Z06 days), as we all know the M3 has more chassis/tires than torque stock.

The fun part will be after I get used to what it can do stock, then add the Griggs suspension. I am looking forward to that more than the taking delivery of the car.

[GnokGnik]

As a track car hell yes! As a everyday car its way to attention hungry imo.

[TRZ06]

Originally Posted by GnokGnik

As a track car hell yes! As a everyday car its way to attention hungry imo.

If I was getting purely a track car, it wouldn't be the GT500.

I would be looking at a C5 Z06, that is a perfect track car platform.

Actually, if I didn't need a back seat, I would be getting a Z06 instead of the
GT500.

[futurem3owner]

Now I only may be 16, but my dad said go out and find a car. What ever you want as long as its not exotic (unless I wanted a used Bentley but too much trouble out of warranty) and gave me $100,000 including insurance though so if I couldn't afford the insurance than I would have to sell the car so I had to be a little more cautious. After much deliberation, between mostly the C63, but considered GT500, Bentley Continental, and maybe getting a CLK63 black imported from the states, but I settled on the M3 and is getting delivery next week. It was a demo loaded discluding the individual package, and got them to take off $12K of list and this is a 2011 demo with only 2000km or about 1200 I suppose. This was the logical choice for me because I wanted something that can both deliver lots of power with out being over the top, enjoy a good drive through some twisties, and start to take it to track days to hopefully become an M3 life long fan.
Anyways, these are two completely different cars. I like the M3 because I like the idea of having a GERMAN engineered marvel where the engine is hand built in the same area as the Formula 1 cars, has the most technologically advanced engine in the world, and the idea of having that BMW build quality. I personally don't understand how tracking is really that important to you when you won't consider the DCT being the faster, and better transmission. I understand the loyalty to the 6spd manual, but if lap times are what your after than the DCT really is the better choice. Im also just curious as to why no one has mentioned getting a used E92 and putting a blower on it. I think G Power just came out with one and in combination with a couple other parts gets 620hp and then spend a little more on upgrading the suspension. Parts may be ridiculous for an M3, but is money really an object when you can afford one?
I hope to save some money and start upgrading with some Dinan upgrades as to not void the warranty, but (and im not stating a fact, just an opinion) the M3 is for someone that likes maybe going to the Symphony, out of a nice diner, and still can appreciate a good track day, where as when I see a mustang on the road I just think of someone that buys domestic only, likes having a beer with his buddies while watching Nascar. Im not saying if you own a Mustang you are that person or if you own an M3 your that person. I am probably bias because I live in a more rural community where the average guy would take an Camaro SS over a Bugatti Veyron just because its American made. You can all now discount my post because I'm 16 and don't know what I'm talking about, but still just my two cents.