Hello from N Huntingdon, PA (15642)

[fx-man]

I will say... I've only been so-so of an American muscle fan, a lot of it is hit or miss, and very little is any good when there is a curve in the road, but jesus that new 5.0L mustang really seems to show the current BMW M3 what's up.  Not sure how Motor Trend can justify something like a 0.1 second "win" to the M3, especially when the Mustang is $25k less... very interesting.

I use to like the current Camaro, but they are every where, and when I saw, what, 4 of them either catch on fire or scatter their engines at the Grand-Am Continental race in NJ (on TV, wasn't there) I was a little disappointed.

Dodge Challenger isn't even an also-ran in my book.

That win was the track lap and too close to call but every other test the stang won.

[Mark Aubele]

You are familiar with the front end of an e46 I assume...   Take a gander at the 05+ mustang front end assembly:

http://www.allfordmustangs.com/forums/attachments/2005-2010-mustang-gt-tech/33361d1190169028-2005-mustang-gt-front-rear-suspension-diagrams-needed-front-suspension-exploded-view.pdf

If you are going to copy a suspension that works but is also able to be produced cheaply, at least copy a good one, and they did.  Nothing really magical about the BMW strut suspension, but it works.

[JaredS]

That is too freaking funny about the suspension. That really is the e46 suspension. I know the e30 and e36 suspension very well.

[roundel]

If you are going to copy a suspension that works but is also able to be produced cheaply, at least copy a good one, and they did.  Nothing really magical about the BMW strut suspension, but it works.

Yeah....  Point being - it is in most ways the same.  Not a knock, just a fact. 

So it shouldn't be a huge surprise that the new GT compares well to the M3.  The mustang is lighter and makes more power and has basically the same suspension, so handling (after it's been refined over the past few versions) should also be comparable.  And it is. 

[Mark Aubele]

If you are going to copy a suspension that works but is also able to be produced cheaply, at least copy a good one, and they did.  Nothing really magical about the BMW strut suspension, but it works.

Yeah....  Point being - it is in most ways the same.  Not a knock, just a fact. 

So it shouldn't be a huge surprise that the new GT compares well to the M3.  The mustang is lighter and makes more power and has basically the same suspension, so handling (after it's been refined over the past few versions) should also be comparable.  And it is. 

Dude, I know the front suspension has similarities to the BMW suspension, but the rear has none whatsoever.  The E46 has a pretty basic strut suspension, nothing exactly complex, in fact the mullet inducing Camaro and Firebird was graced with a much more complex double wishbone in its fourth generation.  The mustang also makes 2 less (rated) horsepower than the venerable M3.  The car does all this with a (OH NO!!!) solid rear axle, with an archaic 3 link/panhard bar setup.  Fact is, the chassis has been great since '05, Ford just finally decided to give the car the power, tires and brakes to match the chassis.

[Sam Strano]

Most of us here autocross.  In fact there are now two current SCCA National Champions on this very site.    I'm one (and have more than one). 

I also own a Mustang--a 2011.  It's what I won F-stock in @ Nationals.  Prior to that I had a 2007 GT, and ran my best friend's 2007 Shelby GT to the previous 3 championships. 

You could do worse than a 2011, I love mine.  Anyway, welcome to the site.

[fx-man]

Most of us here autocross.  In fact there are now two current SCCA National Champions on this very site.    I'm one (and have more than one). 

I also own a Mustang--a 2011.  It's what I won F-stock in @ Nationals.  Prior to that I had a 2007 GT, and ran my best friend's 2007 Shelby GT to the previous 3 championships. 

You could do worse than a 2011, I love mine.  Anyway, welcome to the site.

Jared you wanna see what your car will do ride with Sam while he drives it 7 seconds faster on the same course while he's steering with one hand and pointing out everything your not doing right with the other one.  Quite an eye opener.

[JaredS]

That would be awesome. I love learning how to drive faster:)

[DarkHelmet]

That is eye-opening and a bit unnerving at the same time. Kinda think of it as a tour guide talking to you while pointing out teh sights and steering with the other hand... at 9/10ths at times.

If you're not busy, come out to the autocross over @ Greensburg/Jeanette Airport on the 25th and have some fun.

[JaredS]

Still don't have a car yet:(  Been shopping for a BMW all day... trying to decide between an e46 m3 or e39 M5... Seriously frustrating. October or bust.

[fx-man]

Still don't have a car yet:(  Been shopping for a BMW all day... trying to decide between an e46 m3 or e39 M5... Seriously frustrating. October or bust.

Get the Mustang.

[JaredS]

Lol, in a family of chevy owners I don't think that's an option.

[Mark Aubele]

Lol, in a family of chevy owners I don't think that's an option.

They would rather you drive a BMW? 

[JaredS]

Lol, I can defend myself in that territory, I know it well.

[roundel]

Still don't have a car yet:(  Been shopping for a BMW all day... trying to decide between an e46 m3 or e39 M5... Seriously frustrating. October or bust.

I'm assuming you've ruled out the $18k e39 M5 in Canton, OH due to mileage?

[Mark Aubele]

Lol, I can defend myself in that territory, I know it well.

Never really understood the brand loyalty thing anyway.  All cars have their high points (excluding SMART cars, and any Toyota hybrid).

[JaredS]

It's economics. I have one set of standard sockets, but an entire garage full of metric and BMW specialty tools:). Even have a BMW diagnostic tool.

[marka]

Howdy,

It's economics. I have one set of standard sockets, but an entire garage full of metric and BMW specialty tools:). Even have a BMW diagnostic tool.

Um.... Right.

You're aware that US cars have used Metric fasteners since like the mid eighties, right?

Mark

[JaredS]

You're aware that US cars have used Metric fasteners since like the mid eighties, right?

Mark

Obviously not... hmmmm 

[DarkHelmet]

Yep... My Corvette has TONS of metric-sized bolts, nuts and such.

Now... had you said... "I just like BIMMERS so let me be..." that would've been sufficient.. lol

yeah, you'd still have a ton of harrassment, but oh well!

buy what you want... and get out and drive it.