'15 Mustang GT vs '15 M4

[12,000 RPM]

2015 Mustang GT: $32K starting price, over 420HP and 390lb ft from NA V8, IRS, probably a ~3600lb curb weight


2015 M4: $64K starting price, 425HP and 406lb ft from I6TT, optional DCT, 3530-3580 curb weight


I would go with the Mustang.... I DD a 350Z so clearly interior quality is a non issue for me. Usable back seats would seal the deal. I'd get it with the sport package, LSD and maybe HIDs as well (though Ford's D3S headlights generally suck compared to the best D2S offerings)

[Raza]

Considering how close the two were in the last generation track test, I'd really like to see these two go at it. I'm not really liking the looks of the 4 series and while I don't love the new Mustang either, I think it would be my choice.

Though I'd rather have a last gen Mustang GT over both.

[12,000 RPM]

I like and have a lot of respect for the last gen GT. Easily the best Mustang of all time and maybe one of the most important as well. But you know how weird I am about certain things. For all its girth and presence, its back seat is unexcusably small. Also the weird stance and high wheel gap looks like it is a testing mule. The new one looks like it will have a better back seat... which isn't make or break but still kind of important for an only car.... and its stance is pretty much perfect. Plus after 2 rear beam suspension Maximas I just don't like live axles. If none of that shit bothers you then the '14 is a hell of a deal. I just couldn't do it. I have been waiting for an IRS Mustang for a long time since they dumped the old IRS Cobra/.

[MX793]

2015 GT is very likely to be my next new car.  I honestly would've probably been happy with another V6 if Ford hadn't hobbled it so badly, both in performance options and content/ammenities options, for 2015 to make the EcoBoost more appealing.  I'll be keeping my eyes peeled this fall for when they start showing up in dealer lots to get a test drive.  Kind of afraid it will be way too much for auto-x, though.  The V6 is really a nice level of power.  Enough to break the back end loose if you want to but not so much that you're always tip-toeing to keep things pointed in the direction you want (except in the wet, then it can be a little bit of a handful).

[MrH]

Can't say I was a fan of the previous Mustang at all. I'm hoping this one will be a big departure from the last gen, but I'm not banking on it.

I've heard good things about the svt models. Unfortunately, the group is too expensive to even entertain anymore.

[Lebowski]

I don't think I could ever buy a mustang.

I just don't find 2+2s of this size appealing.  I would rather just make up my mind whether I want a usable back seat or not, and depending on that decision, M3 or C7 over either of these.  Tilting your front seat forward to let someone in to your shitty back seat is acceptable for high school students.

[12,000 RPM]

How often do you guys find yourselves using your back seats? No swipes, honest question. I wouldn't miss one at all if the Z had a decent sized trunk. That's my only gripe. If I could stuff some ~5' 8"- 6' friends in the back for half an hour or so I would be fine. From what I remember of the current Mustang it's not possible.

[MrH]

not possible with the BRZ either.  It's just a small shelf I can throw things on.  Just depends on the car.  E92 3-series had sort of usable back seats.

[GoCougs]

Kinda of a weird comparo. But Camaro ZL1 by a country mile.

[2o6]

All of these cars are too big and heavy for me.


Fiesta ST for me

[68_427]

Alpha Camaro

[hotrodalex]

I'd have to go with Mustang/Camaro on price alone.

[12,000 RPM]

not possible with the BRZ either.  It's just a small shelf I can throw things on.  Just depends on the car.  E92 3-series had sort of usable back seats.

I think the BRZ is smaller than my car, which is bizarre. Not the 370Z though.

[MrH]

I think the BRZ is smaller than my car, which is bizarre. Not the 370Z though.

I'd bet it's smaller than a 370 also. Looks tiny compared to a Mustang. I park next to my coworkers '13 gt every day.

[MexicoCityM3]

M3 over both. If I'm going to compromise I'd rather go all in and get the sedan.

This cycle though I'm going to be tempted elsewhere.

I like the C7 a lot and here it's a lot less. Also, the Cayman GTS is lovely and about the same price as the M3.

I respect the Mustang a lot but I don't see myself in one. Great car.

[12,000 RPM]

M3 over both. If I'm going to compromise I'd rather go all in and get the sedan.

This cycle though I'm going to be tempted elsewhere.

I like the C7 a lot and here it's a lot less. Also, the Cayman GTS is lovely and about the same price as the M3.

I respect the Mustang a lot but I don't see myself in one. Great car.

Which of your cars would you replace with the C7/GTS? I think either would definitely round out your lineup.

[MexicoCityM3]

Which of your cars would you replace with the C7/GTS? I think either would definitely round out your lineup.

It's a bit of a dilemma. Those make more sense as 1M replacements. Objectively either is a better performer but the 1M is crazy fun and isn't depreciating much. The rarity/cult factor on it is also nice.

The M3 is older but has been rock solid and makes a better complement to those two because practicality.

If getting the C7 or GTS, something like a 528i would be an ideal complement. But financially that's not possible in a single move. Too much of a hit.

[12,000 RPM]

Oooooooooooooooo didn't realize you got rid of the E46. Yea, pretty much a choice between holding on to an investment vs having a full on sports car. If it's any consolation, Caymans actually hold their value well. The 07 Ss refuse to go below 30K up here. I would bet the GTS will hover around the mid 40s forever.

[MrH]

I think the BRZ is smaller than my car, which is bizarre. Not the 370Z though.

I looked it up actually, because I was wondering too:

Same length.  BRZ is 2" shorter, and 3" wider

[FlatBlackCaddy]

The mustang as a package is very appealing. The switch to IRS makes it very tempting now.

[68_427]

Agree with Sporty.  I don't think Boxster/Cayman GTS prices are going to drop past what he said.

Also you've got nice weather, why not go Boxster GTS?

[hotrodalex]

I'm interested to see what handling gains were actually made by finally switching to IRS

[Soup DeVille]

I'm interested to see what handling gains were actually made by finally switching to IRS

I'm going to bet very little by standard skidpad, or slalom numbers. But, that on real roads that aren't billiard table smooth it will have better manners all around.

[12,000 RPM]

I looked it up actually, because I was wondering too:

Same length.  BRZ is 2" shorter, and 3" wider

Interesting. Track widths are similar, but the BRZ has a smaller wheelbase. The FR-S I drove handled a lot better than my car for sure. Just didn't like the engine.

[MX793]

How often do you guys find yourselves using your back seats? No swipes, honest question. I wouldn't miss one at all if the Z had a decent sized trunk. That's my only gripe. If I could stuff some ~5' 8"- 6' friends in the back for half an hour or so I would be fine. From what I remember of the current Mustang it's not possible.

I do periodically carry 2 passengers in the Mustang, though seldom someone more than 5'8" in the back and I don't think I've ever had 4 people in there (though I have had 3 adults and a small dog in there for an hour+ trip).  It's not completely unusable (certainly roomier than the Frizbee twins).  Getting into and out of the back seat is pretty tight, but once you're back there it's not as bad as you'd think.

And the trunk is big enough that I seldom need to rely on the back seat for cargo carrying capacity.  In fact, I can fit my mountain bike in the trunk without dropping the seats, assuming I remove the front wheel.

[SVT666]

I have to see the 2015 Mustang in person before I can say if I even like the styling or not.  I'm not digging the new car at all from the A pillars forward.  A pillars rearward is awesome though.  I would rather go 2013 Boss 302, but between these two I would go Mustang based on price only. 

[68_427]

I have to see the 2015 Mustang in person before I can say if I even like the styling or not.  I'm not digging the new car at all from the A pillars forward.  A pillars rearward is awesome though.  I would rather go 2013 Boss 302, but between these two I would go Mustang based on price only. 

I hated it in pictures, but it looks alot sleeker IRL.  As much as it pains me to say it I really like it in metallic colors.

[Rupert]

Did it end up being smaller than the previous gen?

[68_427]

Did it end up being smaller than the previous gen?

After the a pillar IMO yes.  It looks lower and wider.


This is one of the best comparisons I've seen in pictures.



and colors like silver make it look smaller still IMO.  (I've seen it in black/white/yellow/red/silver/gray/blue)

[12,000 RPM]

Hmmm same size pretty much.