Vs Motor Trend Comparison: 2011 Mustang GT vs 2011 BMW M3

[hbs1906]

2011 BMW M3 Coupe vs. 2011 Ford Mustang GT Comparison - Motor Trend

Make sure to watch the videos. The driver gives some interesting comments about both cars on the road track.

 

[DeDe]

The right order. Anytime.

 

[Monster]

Very interesting video review, the Mustang look unexpectedly at home on the tracks, but it was the M3 which looks more in control.

I have a question though, did they drive both cars with all the electronic assistance switched off?

 

[rollo]

To even be in the same company as the iconic M3 is a testament to how much improved this Mustang is. And when the Boss arrives.........

The M3 will always be more aspirational, but this new Mustang is one hell of a car. A remarkable achievment by Ford.

 

[hbs1906]

The professional driver drove both cars with the stability control off. The one question I have is what damper setting the M3 was in? Since the Mustang has passive shocks it was at a disadvantage to the M3 active shocks; especially if the M3 was tested with the most controlled damping setting.

 

[Karabiner98k]

MT said:

"At the test track, the 5.0 equals or betters the M3 in every performance category we measure."

Is it really true? In every category???

 

[Karabiner98k]

Look at this comment:

"That guy says the M3 under steers. hmmm, that's the first reviewer i have heard say that. everyone seems to believe it's very neutral. perhaps the cars should have been driven again by another reviewer after he was done with them."

2011 BMW M3 Coupe vs. 2011 Ford Mustang GT Comparison - Motor Trend

I think it is some kind of being biased because MT is an American magazine. No one has ever said that M3 understeers.

​

 

[hbs1906]

99% of cars understeer as they approach the limit. This is designed in as a safety factor so the car will continue on a straight path as the tires reach the limit. Most manufacturers deem this a safer alternative to oversteering (spinning out) at the limit. Very few cars are truely neutral. Sport cars will have less understeer that non-performance vehicles but they typically still have a little.

 

[Guibo]

The initial road tests of the M3 reported understeer from what I recall. It could be this particular track highlights the staggered tire setup of the M3 (the Mustang has the same-sized tires all the way around). This same driver tested the M3 at Laguna Seca and he said he didn't remember much understeer at all.

Interesting comparo and great result for the Mustang. However, it doesn't really tell you about the relative worth of these two cars, unless all you do is drive for lap times on a racetrack.

 

[Mr Robert]

This type of comparos appear from time to time..

...please see my signautre for reference.

 

[rollo]

This type of comparos appear from time to time..

...please see my signautre for reference.

And sometimes dismissiveness and complacency can make the giant vulnerable.

 

[Mr Robert]

And sometimes dismissiveness and complacency can make the giant vulnerable.

Agreed, and the day a factory Mustang beats a factory M3 at the M3's game, I will eat my hat.

 

[330CIZHP]

It reminds me of how people rag on Mustang's "ancient live axle" or "Moses' chariot suspension" etc.

This test goes to show if the car chassis and suspension is tuned right, a car with live axle can handle just as well, if not better than a car with independent suspension.

Props to Ford.

 

[hbs1906]

Agreed, and the day a factory Mustang beats a factory M3 at the M3's game, I will eat my hat.

0.09sec difference in lap time is too close for me to bet anything. The 2012 Mustang Boss vs M3 comparison will be very interesting.

 

[Mr Robert]

0.09sec difference in lap time is too close for me to bet anything. The 2012 Mustang Boss vs M3 comparison will be very interesting.

There are many that are faster, not many that are better.

 

[rollo]

Agreed, and the day a factory Mustang beats a factory M3 at the M3's game, I will eat my hat.

Depends how you define M3's "game". Will this be an objective comparison? If so, you better have your hat handy when the Boss arrives.

Out of curiosity, what is the hat of choice for a refined Swedish gentleman like yourself Doc?

 

[Zafiro]

This wasn't a M3 'competition package'?

I would pick the M3 but I must say tha Mustang looks really hot!

 

[Mr Robert]

Depends how you define M3's "game". Will this be an objective comparison? If so, you better have your hat handy when the Boss arrives.

Out of curiosity, what is the hat of choice for a refined Swedish gentleman like yourself Doc?

The thrill of driving is purely objective.



The M3, to me, is all about delivering the best driving experience - sharp, communicative, balanced, engaging... feel over power, fun over efficiency. All this in a well built and top quality package.

 

[south]

This wasn't a M3 'competition package'?

It has the wheels of the Competition Package, so I guess it was.

Showing chocolate hats says a lot about your confidence in the M3.


Best regards,
south

 

[DocM]

M3 is undoubtedly the benchmark, but it has become very expensive compared to older generation m3's have been for their time I think.

the way things are going, I'd rather not think about how expensive the next gen M3 is going to be

Even though I would never buy one, respect to the mustang