RE: Mustang vs. 370Z NISMO vs. M3: Dab of oppo(sition)
Tuesday 25th August 2015
Dab of oppo(sition) - a fine idea even if we do say so ourselves - is the first of a new batch of PH stories you'll be seeing over the next few weeks, with five different themes for the five days of the week. You like reading and talking about cars, we enjoy writing the stories and so it all makes sense, right?
One other way to do c.£30K RWD coupe...The premise here is very simple, a 'this or that?' comparison. Ford has announced 2,000 Mustang orders from die-hard Yank V8 fans in the UK, the £33,995 entry price and right-hand drive (at last!) holding considerable appeal.
... and one more! Which to have?And the used alternative? When the new car is a 420hp (alright, 415) front-engined, rear-drive V8, then the used car should be too. Step forward the BMW M3, the old E92. For the same money as a new 'stang, this 2011 Competition Pack M3 DCT is a hugely tempting alternative. That glorious engine, the perfect 50:50 weight balance, the everyday usability... You suspect the BMW would be sharper dynamically too. But then the Ford counters with new car appeal and the Mustang novelty while the NISMO offers its own unique charm and decent handling as well.
Mustang vs. 370Z NISMO vs. M3: Dab of oppo(sition)
New kid on the block or a well-established alternative? Time to decide!
One other way to do c.£30K RWD coupe...
But what if the Mustang doesn't do it for you? Just over £30K opens up all sorts of front-engined, rear-drive possibilities, and here we'll present our favourites for debate.
First up is the Nissan 370Z NISMO, Japan's vision of a brawny muscle car. Officially 71hp down on the Mustang but over 100kg lighter as well, the big Zed is arguably the Ford's closest new rival. Though the NISMO retails at £37,745, this nearly new car is for sale at £32,000. Hmm...
... and one more! Which to have?
Which would you choose? Would it be any of the obvious Mustang rivals, or something else entirely different? Let us know below!
Discussion
I was very taken by the E92 when driving around Nurburgring in one, the engine was just such a highlight - so engaging and keen to rev. And I suspect that would also be best at holding some controlled oversteer moments too. However, for me, I suspect the character from the American would be on a different level, so coupled with the novelty of new and RHD on a Mustang makes that a pretty easy winner for me.
I'd just like to say that as one of the 2000 prospective Mustang owners I'm not. And never have been a "die hard V8 yank fan"... In saying that I am a fan of good solid old school tried and tested tech
The mustang appealed for a number of reasons, the main one being price, then novelty value, and finally the chance to own something brand new....
A 4 year old M3 for the same money as the Ford, holds no interest whatsoever.....the Nissan is OK, but only 2 seats.
I'd probably get just as excited by buying a new fridge, as a new Nissan.....where as with the Mustang, despite, or maybe because of never even seeing one, I'm genuinely looking forward to the big day...
Will it be a disappointment?? Who knows
The mustang appealed for a number of reasons, the main one being price, then novelty value, and finally the chance to own something brand new....
A 4 year old M3 for the same money as the Ford, holds no interest whatsoever.....the Nissan is OK, but only 2 seats.
I'd probably get just as excited by buying a new fridge, as a new Nissan.....where as with the Mustang, despite, or maybe because of never even seeing one, I'm genuinely looking forward to the big day...
Will it be a disappointment?? Who knows
Nearly 100 BHP down ?
Nismo 370Z is 340 BHP, Mustang is 410 BHP in the UK isnt it ?
That is 70 bhp down by my reckoning ?
I quite fancy a Mustang GT next but it doesnt mean the 370 isnt without virtue, it isnt that much slower than the Mustang, I like the looks of both but I think the 370 wins, value wise the Mustang wins, the Nissan seems a bit pricey considering its missing 2 cylinders and that 70 bhp, its a couple of grand more than a Mustang with the Custom pack, it needs to be like £29,995 as a headline price and they may shift some but I bet that thought you can always get a discount, I cant imagine it will be anywhere near that.
Yes, my money would be on the Mustang but I still like the 370Z, its just too pricey for what you get.
Nismo 370Z is 340 BHP, Mustang is 410 BHP in the UK isnt it ?
That is 70 bhp down by my reckoning ?
I quite fancy a Mustang GT next but it doesnt mean the 370 isnt without virtue, it isnt that much slower than the Mustang, I like the looks of both but I think the 370 wins, value wise the Mustang wins, the Nissan seems a bit pricey considering its missing 2 cylinders and that 70 bhp, its a couple of grand more than a Mustang with the Custom pack, it needs to be like £29,995 as a headline price and they may shift some but I bet that thought you can always get a discount, I cant imagine it will be anywhere near that.
Yes, my money would be on the Mustang but I still like the 370Z, its just too pricey for what you get.
Please no one say they're buying the Mustang for a dynamic drive to compare or compete with either the M3 or Nissan in drivers terms!!!
Having spent two weeks and 2100 miles in a 2015 Mustang[accepted it was V6,300bhp] earlier this year in the good ole US of A, I think they are great as a big old school attention seeking barge, but thrilling to drive they are not, soggy handling, basic feeling interior, numb steering and gears so long it wouldn't matter if the linkage went you could still happily drive all day with just one[ pulling away in top may be tricky though!!] do not make for an exciting car, well except for accelerating!!
But what the Mustang is in a way no other can be is endearing, you can't help but grow fond of it, others too, people stare even in America! I loved just cruising at 70-80mph car just ticking over absorbing all it is, like an old friend you just want to enjoy and spend time with, no expectations, no rushing, not setting the world on fire just going through your day. If you want a Exciting and Dynamic drive buy something else but if you want a 'stang just cos, you will love it. One of those explainable cars!
As for a comparison car, i would go further down in the world, Holden Commodore V8 SSV or preferable a HSV GTS, old school engine[6.2ltr V8], rear wheel drive and cheap interior!! in my opinion better to drive too, just not as endearing, and really tricky to find over here
Having spent two weeks and 2100 miles in a 2015 Mustang[accepted it was V6,300bhp] earlier this year in the good ole US of A, I think they are great as a big old school attention seeking barge, but thrilling to drive they are not, soggy handling, basic feeling interior, numb steering and gears so long it wouldn't matter if the linkage went you could still happily drive all day with just one[ pulling away in top may be tricky though!!] do not make for an exciting car, well except for accelerating!!
But what the Mustang is in a way no other can be is endearing, you can't help but grow fond of it, others too, people stare even in America! I loved just cruising at 70-80mph car just ticking over absorbing all it is, like an old friend you just want to enjoy and spend time with, no expectations, no rushing, not setting the world on fire just going through your day. If you want a Exciting and Dynamic drive buy something else but if you want a 'stang just cos, you will love it. One of those explainable cars!
As for a comparison car, i would go further down in the world, Holden Commodore V8 SSV or preferable a HSV GTS, old school engine[6.2ltr V8], rear wheel drive and cheap interior!! in my opinion better to drive too, just not as endearing, and really tricky to find over here
Quinny said:
Matt Harper said:
However the Mustang's rear seats are virtually unusable by anyone other than small kids, unless you like driving with your face squashed against the windshield.
My little dog however will sit in the back just fine
Nally1704 said:
...an honest appraisal...
Completely agree. Having just done a similar drive of 2300 miles in three weeks in a 2015 ecoboost (how disappointing!) I can concur all the above. Additionally we rented the convertible version and body stiffness was shocking. It reminded me of the first gen new Beetle cab, by any objective measure a terrible car, but somehow really good at being just what it is with no pretension of anything else and in that quite characterful.One thing I can say though was rear seats where just fine for my kids who are both 5'3" sitting behind me at 6'1". Even the boot was fine for four rucksacks and two decent suitcases (just!).
Looks great though!
- roof up because it was 46deg in the shade and I didn't want to die of sunstroke!
Mustang would be my pick, but then I've already owned a 1967 version. The BMW is the sensible choice but doesn't appeal to me. The 370Z has too few seats - if I'm having a 2 seater it has to be a proper sports car and the Caterham fits that bill already. I'll be watching the prices of the second-hand Mustangs closely over the next few years, maybe a late 40th birthday treat...
daveco said:
I wouldn't think twice about this.
The engine in the M3 is phenomenal!
And their value is likely to start going up considering it's the greatest NA //M engine ever created imo.
I'd watch what you say around these parts pal, the horde of E46 fan boys will tie you up and beat you to death with their cheap plastic dash board trims if you don't toe the party line.The engine in the M3 is phenomenal!
And their value is likely to start going up considering it's the greatest NA //M engine ever created imo.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff