MotoIQ's Project E90 M3 vs Stock 2016 Mustang GT

[Billj747]

Hey guys,

Check out Project E90 M3 taking on a Stock 2016 Mustang GT at PBIR:

Packing more than 50whp over stock, our Project E90 M3 took to the track at Palm Beach International Raceway (ROAD COURSE) to see how it stacks up against a 2016 Ford Mustang GT. Both cars have similar power, weight, and are equipped with similarly sized Continental ExtremeContact DW tires. How will our modified 8 year old sport sedan benchmark compare to a modern “pony car” that’s transitioned away from its roots to become a corner carver? Read on to find out.

In the article:

-In-Car Video
-Motec Data overlays
-Subjective Handling reviews.


http://www.motoiq.com/MagazineArticl...ustang-GT.aspx




Part 1 thread: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=943053

Part 2 thread: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthr...8#post15436248

Part 3 thread: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1157527

Part 4 thread: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?p=18555953

Enjoy!

[nrgy]

Maybe I missed the link, but I see a picture of the M3 and Stang lined up at the lights...is there a video?

[pbonsalb]

Yes, I noticed that as well and wanted to know the dragstrip results. I did not read them in the motoiq article.

[Billj747]

Originally Posted by pbonsalb

Yes, I noticed that as well and wanted to know the dragstrip results. I did not read them in the motoiq article.

The dragstrip was a staged photo shoot. As it says in the intro:

Packing more than 50whp over stock, our Project E90 M3 took to the track at Palm Beach International Raceway (ROAD COURSE)


If you care about acceleration rates, you can check it out on the data in the article of both cars accelerating down the back straight.

[Nihilation]

I understand the test, but fresh OE dampers and tires likely would have filled that gap. Especially if the M3 shod a commonly upgraded tire size like 255/275. Both of which would greatly contribute to the M3 being able to put the power down earlier.

And everyone's gonna say "WHY YOU NO E92?!". I did.

Nontheless, cool to see the E9x getting attention.

[Billj747]

Originally Posted by Nihilation

I understand the test, but fresh OE dampers and tires likely would have filled that gap. Especially if the M3 shod a commonly upgraded tire size like 255/275. Both of which would greatly contribute to the M3 being able to put the power down earlier.

And everyone's gonna say "WHY YOU NO E92?!". I did.

Nontheless, cool to see the E9x getting attention.

"Fresh OE dampers"? There's nothing wrong with the adjustable dampers on the M3 and they worked flawlessly like when the car was new.

A 10mm F&R tire size increase wouldn't have 'greatly' improved power down. But then again, increasing the Mustang to a 275 square or increasing the tire size F&R by an equal amount will further improve its cornering ability by a similar margin as the M3.

I like E90's better

[blue flowers]

Originally Posted by Billj747

"Fresh OE dampers"? There's nothing wrong with the adjustable dampers on the M3 and they worked flawlessly like when the car was new.

A 10mm F&R tire size increase wouldn't have 'greatly' improved power down. But then again, increasing the Mustang to a 275 square or increasing the tire size F&R by an equal amount will further improve its cornering ability by a similar margin as the M3.

I like E90's better

I too prefer E90 over E92

[Richbot]

I had a Mustang GT rental recently, and even on the rental spec, nearly worn-out 235/45-18 Pirelli all-seasons, it was just stuck in places my M3 would have been trying to pick up the inside rear (and the M3 has less power and is on PSS!). I've never been super-impressed with these after driving them overall, and still hate the steering, but the rental car on crap, narrow tires really drove home how good that chassis is in the real world.

[Rassilon]

Originally Posted by Richbot

I had a Mustang GT rental recently, and even on the rental spec, nearly worn-out 235/45-18 Pirelli all-seasons, it was just stuck in places my M3 would have been trying to pick up the inside rear (and the M3 has less power and is on PSS!). I've never been super-impressed with these after driving them overall, and still hate the steering, but the rental car on crap, narrow tires really drove home how good that chassis is in the real world.

Do you think that explains why upgrading the front sway bar is beneficial for this car?