So the Mustang has completed its transformation into a showroom-stock competent track machine. Nothing wrong with that. What is wrong is that these two historically different cars have become essentially the same. One based on a balanced chassis and a merely sufficient engine has gotten so bloated by safety regulations that it requires a big muscle car engine to compete. The other based on a big stinkin' motor and not much else has just added awesome for no apparent reason. I guess that might be improvement, but it means a smaller variety to chose from when looking for a new car. Yeah, these cars are much better on paper now than they were when they were introduced, but they've just lost their soul in my eyes. Well, the M3 has. The Mustang may have just gained one
(08-24-2010 10:36 PM)jedimario Wrote: [ -> ]So the Mustang has completed its transformation into a showroom-stock competent track machine. Nothing wrong with that. What is wrong is that these two historically different cars have become essentially the same. One based on a balanced chassis and a merely sufficient engine has gotten so bloated by safety regulations that it requires a big muscle car engine to compete. The other based on a big stinkin' motor and not much else has just added awesome for no apparent reason. I guess that might be improvement, but it means a smaller variety to chose from when looking for a new car. Yeah, these cars are much better on paper now than they were when they were introduced, but they've just lost their soul in my eyes. Well, the M3 has. The Mustang may have just gained one
Not really true actually. Yes, BMW along w/ pretty much every manufacturer has increased significantly the traction controls, air bags etc. but very few have actually been imposed by regulations. The safety devices are more a combination of manufactures innovation and consumer demand/expectations as they've been introduced. These things and the huge addition to electronics, sound deadening, creature comforts etc. are the real culprit of weight in cars. Also look at the materials they use for body panels and chassis. A huge majority are aluminum now. So even w/ the size increases, they're saving weight sometimes or atleast maintaining.
I'd still take the M3 over the 'stang. Its one bad arse mofo and quite the looker too.
^^ agreed, even the sedan looks mean. saw one in anderson last week. mmmmmmmm
To own I would buy a Mustang without question. To drive for only one day on a track, M3. More than 1 day on a track, Mustang.
WOW! I had little expectation that the Mustang could hang with the M3 on the road course. I still can't believe the Mustang(even with 200+ lb advantage) out braked the M3. I already love Mustangs, but now I can be proud of Mustangs again. They look good, go good, and handle good too. That was a perfect performance comparison, but I would love to see a $ to $ comparison with the M3 vs GT500.
(08-24-2010 10:36 PM)jedimario Wrote: [ -> ]So the Mustang has completed its transformation into a showroom-stock competent track machine. Nothing wrong with that. What is wrong is that these two historically different cars have become essentially the same. One based on a balanced chassis and a merely sufficient engine has gotten so bloated by safety regulations that it requires a big muscle car engine to compete. The other based on a big stinkin' motor and not much else has just added awesome for no apparent reason. I guess that might be improvement, but it means a smaller variety to chose from when looking for a new car. Yeah, these cars are much better on paper now than they were when they were introduced, but they've just lost their soul in my eyes. Well, the M3 has. The Mustang may have just gained one
Bloated? Just as a little tidbit of info, the new all aluminum v8 in the e90 M3 is LIGHTER than the cast iron blocked I6 of the previous e46 M. The new V8 may not be the best idea, it is the last iteration of NA high revving power you will see from BMW, so live it up. From here on out every new M car will have forced induction, which I enjoy more but there are always the purists that like natural aspiration.
If you ever have the chance to drive a previous generation M3 and the jump into a new e90 you will see that BMW has not been asleep at the wheel. Other companies are now finally competing, which is great
I love the new Mustangs. I think they look as good as they handle, and 400 hp doesn't hurt either!
New M3's are awesome... friend of mine has one...
I wanna drive a new GT
(08-25-2010 01:30 PM)VR4Drive92 Wrote: [ -> ]New M3's are awesome... friend of mine has one...
I wanna drive a new GT
trip to easley ford dealership soon?
(08-25-2010 11:34 AM)JB Wrote: [ -> ]Bloated? Just as a little tidbit of info, the new all aluminum v8 in the e90 M3 is LIGHTER than the cast iron blocked I6 of the previous e46 M. The new V8 may not be the best idea, it is the last iteration of NA high revving power you will see from BMW, so live it up. From here on out every new M car will have forced induction, which I enjoy more but there are always the purists that like natural aspiration.
If you ever have the chance to drive a previous generation M3 and the jump into a new e90 you will see that BMW has not been asleep at the wheel. Other companies are now finally competing, which is great
I was thinking more about the E30 M
(08-25-2010 01:51 PM)93redfox Wrote: [ -> ] (08-25-2010 01:30 PM)VR4Drive92 Wrote: [ -> ]New M3's are awesome... friend of mine has one...
I wanna drive a new GT
trip to easley ford dealership soon?
I'm game
To be clear, I have NOTHING but respect for the M3's capabilities, pedigree, and history. But I think that it's one of those things that has been around so long and formerly was so good, that people worship without thought. The first 3 gens of M3 were awesome: simple cars, high reving NA power, balance, and simple controls. Now all European cars have automated manuals, iDrive and systems like it, a million traction control settings, and outrageous materials. The the current M cars (and the coming ones as well) seem to me the essence of engineering overkill. The Mustang is simple, much MUCH cheaper, and WAY WAY less complicated to operate. Things like the fact that the 5.0 is the exact same weight as the 4.6 and that the car gained only 100 lbs in the process of it's fortification is amazing. If BMW would make the next one akin to the E30 or 36, I would LOVE it. But they continue to make it more and more complicated (and other car manufactuers do as well.)
Very cool review, Randy Pobst is the man.
I'm with Zach. The M3 is amazing and I would kill to drive one on track. But the mustang is homey. If I owned the M3, I'd constantly be playing "What's that Noise?" "What's that Smell?" and of course "Don't touch that!!!" It's too nice. I feel like if I owned a mustang I'd have more fun with it. I'd rather have fun than prestige any day.