BMW M3 vs Ford Mustang GT 5.0

Picture of Ford Mustang GT 5.0
Picture of BMW M3 (E92)
Category Ford Mustang GT 5.0BMW M3 (E92)
Engine layout 5.0 l V84.0 l V8
Max power (ps / bhp) 418 / 412420 / 414
Max torque (Nm / lb-ft) 527 / 389400 / 295
Curb weight (kg / lb) 1648 / 36331628 / 3589
Power / tonne (ps / bhp) 254 / 250258 / 255

Performance

Category Ford Mustang GT 5.0BMW M3 (E92)
0 - 100 kph 4.6 s4.3 s
0 - 180 kph 12.7 s12.9 s
0 - 200 kph 17.5 s15.2 s
Est. 100 - 200 kph 12.9 s10.9 s
0 - 60 mph 4.3 s4.2 s
0 - 100 mph 10.1 s9.4 s
Est. 1/8 mile 9.0 s @ 94.4 mph9.0 s @ 95.1 mph
1/4 mile 12.7 s @ 112.5 mph12.4 s @ 114.3 mph
Top speed 245 kph (152 mph)280 kph (174 mph)
Est. max acceleration 0.68 g (7 m/s²)0.65 g (6 m/s²)

Summary

Category Ford Mustang GT 5.0BMW M3 (E92)
Track Performance 567600
Straight line speed 841983
Total 14081583

Verdict

M3 is the fastest by a small margin.

This comparison has been viewed 6k times.

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Vic  9y ago

I just test drove a 2013 GT - It has a lot of torque but it is the most inestable car i have drive


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Hamcee  11y ago

i just hope that u stop posting here


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Flabernat  11y ago

"Pony" cars these days keep getting better.
I love how light the Mustang is, but I think it's time it gets IRS. After all, the regular Camaro SS 1LE is faster than the Mustang Boss302 LS.
Speaking of which, I'd love to see the Camaro 1LE go up against the new BMW M4(and the new Mustang when it comes out) :)


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Piorun  11y ago

For me car is a car. There is no ideology here.
Its more about a character. Someone might feel some car better and other as less attractive.
I like Mustang stling more, its not vulgar imo, its just men's styling - testosterone muscle car. Its not that kind of vulgarit like we can find in modern BMW's and Audis. Its more about USA cultue.

New mustangs can handle, ofcourse it not as sophisticated as M3, but... propably enough in real life.

But the question is: can stylish look and torque V8 in Mustang make it bette than handling, and quality of M3. Its propably very subiective.

As for driving enjoyment i would pick M3. But in europe there is a lot of 3 series, thousans of it. Ownning mustang in europe its pretty unique, and that is big bonus - be in rare car.

In USA is propably vice-versa


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FastestLaps  15y ago

I probably should have used word "Silly". Because I think the whole "pony car all about straight line" concept is a bit silly. As a car enthusiast, I appreciate powerful engines and fast cars, but I just find it difficult to imagine myself in a Ford Mustang or Chevy Camaro.

I believe there is nothing wrong with the new Mustang - if someone bought it for me, i would love it!

As far as vulgarity goes - there are different kinds of Vulgar. Vulgar isn't necessarily about exclusivity. Bentley Continental is exclusive but it is also very vulgar. But I still love it!


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Viking  15y ago

Interesting point. Vulgar I get, as it is certainly less exclusive than most of the other cars that I have owned. Dumb probably refers to the live axle rear suspension. However as an ex-competition driver, I must say that Ford has done something amazing in tuning this car\'s handling. From an engineering perspective, Ford\'s use of a live axle in the Mustang is kind of like Porsche\'s use of rear engine placement in the 911. It shouldn\'t work, but it does; and thus needs no change.


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w0o0dy  15y ago

@fastestlaps: why do you call the Mustangs dumb? The latest Mustangs get very good reviews when it comes to balance and fun-to drive.... even by race-car drivers. In the Dutch GT4 championship the Mustangs put up a good fight against M3 gt4\'s, 911 GT4\'s (gt3 with some differences), and Corvette zo6 GT4\'s...


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Viking  15y ago

The magazine tests seem to vary a bit on the Mustang\'s acceleration performance. In the Motor Trend comparison test (October 2010 issue) the M3 was only 2 tenths of a second quicker to 100 mph. Why? Slightly shorter gearing and a higher redline easily account for the M3\'s acceleration edge. The short gearing also probably accounts for the M3\'s disadvantage in fuel economy compared to the Mustang. Since I didn\'t have a stopwatch I couldn\'t tell any difference in perceived acceleration.


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vette  15y ago

@viking: you did the right thing man
but i\'m wondering why is a mustang slower than a m3 in straight line???
were are the old mustangs to see these weak things being called mustangs:( i\'m just joking
great cars


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Viking  15y ago

I find it astonishing how good both of these cars are compared to other performance bench marks of only a few years ago. Both the M3 and Mustang 5.0 are quicker and better handling than the 2002 Corvette convertible that I used to drive (and use in SCCA Solo II competition). I don\'t compete anymore, but I still like fast cars like these.


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FastestLaps  15y ago

Mustang is dumb and vulgar. But that\'s not always bad - it will definitely turn more heads in Europe than a BMW 3-series.


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Viking  15y ago

Yes, the price difference between my well optioned Mustang GT and a new M3 (E92) is about $30,000 in U.S. currency. I am fortunate in that I could afford either, but wise enough to choose the less expensive car since the performance and handling were almost exactly the same.


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Wads  15y ago

I\'m assuming the stang is much cheaper but a lot of bang for he buck!


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Wads  15y ago

Was there much difference in price when you were looking?


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Viking  15y ago

I test drove both of these cars. The M3 has better seats, and quicker synchronizers in the transmission, but the Mustang has more torque, and a better engine note. Very similar cars in overall performance and handling. Ultimately, I chose to purchase the 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 and so far have been very pleased by my choice.