MS3 Vs. 2013 Mustang GT w/Track package handling

[jakk]

Hello. I am planning to buy a new car over the next few months. I was originally debating the MS3 vs. a WRX, but I eliminated the WRX due to not being able to find one to test drive and also the lack of features vs. a speed3 for the price. Just for fun one day I began to look at the Mustang GT and found that they were more affordable than I had assumed and would be within my price range of vehicles to purchase (obviously not as cheap as a MS3, but that is not the point of this thread). I would plan on getting the GT with the GT track package which adds Brembos and upgrades the suspension as well as the tires.

I know from a straight line the GT beats the MS3 no question. My main concern is how the MS3 will compare to the GT in terms of handling. The GT is about 400 lbs heavier. Has anyone on this forum driven a 2011+ Mustang GT so they could compare it to how a MS3 handles? Reviews seem to indicate that it pulls a slightly better skidpad number, but I don't know how that compares to real-world driving.

I'm coming from driving an 04 Sienna (parent's car...), so I really have no idea of what "good" handling feels like, and am more concerned with how I will feel a year or so down the road with a new car.

I know this seems like an odd comparison, but I thought I'd ask here as, like I said, I have no prior experience with "performance" vehicles. Thanks for your help.

[dcamp2]

get the mustang. 420hp>263hp

[Voltwings]

The point is how hard are you going to be driving it? On the street i doubt hard enough to matter, and on a track, the GT was like 1/2 a second behind the bmw m3? Ergo either the bmw sucks at handling or the mustang is actually pretty good. Not saying i don't like my mazda because i love it but had the 5.0 been more in my price range thats what i would be driving.

[x09MS3GT]

If im not mistaken, the new mustangs are still using live axle rear end suspension setups.
Which, is garbage if you want to dial in the suspension, because its mainly setup for straight line acceleration.

So, unless theyve gone independent like chevy did 12 years ago >.>
The handling of that mustang will still be and ALWAYS be fucking garbage.

Its a fat piece of shit. Get an SS Camaro over a bummy ass GT Mustang

[Hamilton69]

^the new 5.0 gt's handle incredibly well, and absolutely FUCK OVER a 5th gen SS in every category... And calling a 5.0 a fat piece of shit then recommending a car hundreds of pounds heavier? Fuck that

[x09MS3GT]

Originally Posted by Master Chinkus ^the new 5.0 gt's handle incredibly well, and absolutely FUCK OVER a 5th gen SS in every category...

ROFL, you sir, are indeed insane.
A 2012 GT mustang better than a 2012 Camaro SS.....not by a longshot.

You have no idea what your talking about.

[Hamilton69]

Originally Posted by x09MS3GT If im not mistaken, the new mustangs are still using live axle rear end suspension setups. Which, is garbage if you want to dial in the suspension, because its mainly setup for straight line acceleration. So, unless theyve gone independent like chevy did 12 years ago >.> The handling of that mustang will still be and ALWAYS be fucking garbage. Its a fat piece of shit. Get an SS Camaro over a bummy ass GT Mustang

If the m3 is widely regaurded as one of the best handling cars out there... the 5.0 is pretty good

[Vansquish]

I have driven both, and I can say that without a doubt, the Mustang's engine is a far more enjoyable tool. However, fuel economy is something I do worry about, and so is practicality. In the midwest in the winter, the Mustang isn't as good in the snow, and it struggles to break 26mpg, whereas the MS3 can easily break 30mpg.

As for handling, you're talking apples and oranges here. The GT does indeed still have a live axle, and it shows. Over broken roads or even on the highway where there are expansion joints, you can feel the rear end of the car moving around a bit. It's disconcerting, and something that I would find extremely annoying. That being said, under power, the MS3 does tend to torque steer a bit, and the ones I've driven do tramline a bit.

So...it's a toss-up, but if money is no object, and you don't have to worry about the winter, or the fuel economy, then I'd get the GT.

[Dmurray06]

IMO, id take the Mustang over a Camaro anyday of the week.

[x09MS3GT]

Mind you this is in just terms of handling too, should have specified that.
Straight line the 412 horse mustang beats the camaro.

But looking at it from a Manufacturer's point of view as well, look at what chevy has to offer comparted to Ford when it comes to a true " handling vehicle".

Camaro ZL1
Corvette ZR1
Caddy CTS-V
All vehicles that handle fucking AMAZING. And have had world RECORDS to thier class vs the infamous Nurburgring.

Now the OP isnt buying these vehicles, but the point is, that Chevy's development is by far superioir in those terms.
So generally speaking, the SS and even the V6 versions still carry that suspension design. Just not the 580 HP part.

What does Ford have ?
Hmmm, lets see.....oh wait, nothing. Absolutely NOTHING.
Shelby GT500 ? Barely keeps up with a fucking stock C6 Z06 >.>

SO in terms of a manufacturor's standpoint, Chevy by far has the better package.

And i really dont care for any domestics.

[jakk]

Thanks for the replies. Fuel economy is not really a concern as the vehicle I have been driving for the past four years gets 19 mpg...not much better/worse than the 5.0 would get, and I was able to cope with that fuel cost just fine. I do live in the Midwest, so winter is a bit of a concern. However, I know several people that DD Mustangs/RWD around here and they said that if I get proper snow tires, I should be ok (I would have to get snow tires for the MS3 as well, so that is not a factor). Plus, I can work from home on days when the snow gets really bad. As far as no hatch/2+2 seating, I can count the number of times on one hand over the past four years that I have driven a person or needed more space than the seat next to me.

I have read about the LRA on the Mustang, but as others have said it seemed to hang fairly well with an M3, which I'm sure is leagues above what I drive now. My main concern was handling vs. the MS3, not some much a Camaro/Challenger as I am not looking at those due to other considerations.

Thanks for all of the really informative/insightful replies, wasn't really sure how well this question would go over lol.

Edit: I live in WI, so I definitely do see snow (well, not so much this year but that is an anomaly). Like I said, I have talked to several people that DD RWD and say that snow tires make it usable in the winter. If anyone has any experience one way or another regarding this, please let me know.

[outshined]

My experience with the new Mustang GT was limited to a very brief test-drive in a car with an automatic transmission, so it's difficult to compare it to the MS3 I've driven every day since last September. I personally would not consider the Mustang as a daily-driver unless you live in a warm climate or can afford a second vehicle for the winter (you didn't list a location).

If you really don't have very much experience with performance-oriented vehicles, I would highly recommend getting some seat time in as many as you have time for. Test drive other performance cars that you're not currently considering so you at least have a basis of comparison. Borrow or ask for a ride in a performance car owned by a family member, co-worker, or friend.

The Mustang GT w/Track package is a VERY capable car, but then again so is a MS3 with $6k in mods. Nevertheless you're still comparing apples to oranges. If a dedicated performance vehicle is what you're after, I'd lean towards the Mustang. If you just want a performance-oriented daily driver that's both fun and economical, definitely save your money and go with the MS3. You really can't go wrong with either vehicle.

[MSFer87]

Originally Posted by x09MS3GT Mind you this is in just terms of handling too, should have specified that. Straight line the 412 horse mustang beats the camaro. But looking at it from a Manufacturer's point of view as well, look at what chevy has to offer comparted to Ford when it comes to a true " handling vehicle". Camaro ZL1 Corvette ZR1 Caddy CTS-V All vehicles that handle fucking AMAZING. And have had world RECORDS to thier class vs the infamous Nurburgring. Now the OP isnt buying these vehicles, but the point is, that Chevy's development is by far superioir in those terms. So generally speaking, the SS and even the V6 versions still carry that suspension design. Just not the 580 HP part. What does Ford have ? Hmmm, lets see.....oh wait, nothing. Absolutely NOTHING. Shelby GT500 ? Barely keeps up with a fucking stock C6 Z06 >.> SO in terms of a manufacturor's standpoint, Chevy by far has the better package. And i really dont care for any domestics.

The only point your proving is that you are a GM nut swinger over Ford, and it was irrelevant to even bring in the other cars. A Camaro is a fat piece of shit compared to the Mustang we aren't talking F bodies anymore. Maybe if the fatass camaro lost weight and it would be a better car. Comparing a Mustang GT and a MS3 is an apples and oranges comparison. If you want something more practical get the MS3.

[surebOOst]

Originally Posted by x09MS3GT Mind you this is in just terms of handling too, should have specified that. Straight line the 412 horse mustang beats the camaro. But looking at it from a Manufacturer's point of view as well, look at what chevy has to offer comparted to Ford when it comes to a true " handling vehicle". Camaro ZL1 Corvette ZR1 Caddy CTS-V All vehicles that handle fucking AMAZING. And have had world RECORDS to thier class vs the infamous Nurburgring. Now the OP isnt buying these vehicles, but the point is, that Chevy's development is by far superioir in those terms. So generally speaking, the SS and even the V6 versions still carry that suspension design. Just not the 580 HP part. What does Ford have ? Hmmm, lets see.....oh wait, nothing. Absolutely NOTHING. Shelby GT500 ? Barely keeps up with a fucking stock C6 Z06 >.> SO in terms of a manufacturor's standpoint, Chevy by far has the better package. And i really dont care for any domestics.

Not trying to start a chevy vs ford thing here but now you are comparing a 3800lb 4 seater sports car to a 3300lb 2 seater sports car. Thats nonsense to say that the GT500 barely keeps up to the zo6. Of course you would expect the zo6 to edge out the gt500.....the zo6 is 500lbs lighter (more than makes up for the 50 less hp).

op if you want good mpg and room to store shit but be able to have some fun...its a no brainer get the ms3. If you are gonna have a vehicle to do other shit with and you are just looking for a toy you can dd...get the gt

[Hamilton69]

Originally Posted by x09MS3GT Mind you this is in just terms of handling too, should have specified that. Straight line the 412 horse mustang beats the camaro. But looking at it from a Manufacturer's point of view as well, look at what chevy has to offer comparted to Ford when it comes to a true " handling vehicle". Camaro ZL1 Corvette ZR1 Caddy CTS-V All vehicles that handle fucking AMAZING. And have had world RECORDS to thier class vs the infamous Nurburgring. Now the OP isnt buying these vehicles, but the point is, that Chevy's development is by far superioir in those terms. So generally speaking, the SS and even the V6 versions still carry that suspension design. Just not the 580 HP part. What does Ford have ? Hmmm, lets see.....oh wait, nothing. Absolutely NOTHING. Shelby GT500 ? Barely keeps up with a fucking stock C6 Z06 >.> SO in terms of a manufacturor's standpoint, Chevy by far has the better package. And i really dont care for any domestics.

Are you serious? Gt500-corvette? How about 2013 gt500-ZL1? And if you really want to start getting off topic, what about the ford GT? He's talking about mustangs, not the manufacturers background, or we could bring in the gt40's and Shelby/roush, gtfo

[lilred]

I debated this same question and ended up with the ms3, but more of a practicality of it I couldn't justify selling one mustang (03 v6) for one with more power. I got more power and funtion out of the very fun to drive ms3 don't regret it a bit.

[CajunBud876]

Go test drive the 5.0, then climb in the ms3. It will feel slow as shit. As long as your not doing any crazy ass driving the Stang will be able to meet your handling needs....I suggest driving the SS too. Just see what you like. I myself will either have a ZL1 or Shelby in my drive way after my deployment.

[SilkySpeed3]

Mustang 5.0 any day of the week. Upwards of 28 mpg ( prolly won't ever get that ) over 400 hp and with under $500 bucks you can push upwards of 450hp. Cheapest car of those fully loaded, you can't beat it. Fords doing it right in the last few years.

[analbumcover]

I dont think its been mentioned but if you're coming from a FWD (or that fake AWD) minivan that can barely get out of its own way to a 400+hp RWD its going to be quite a shock. I would say baby steps and opt for something less powerful or with AWD, especially for WI.

Have you looked at like a used G37x? Still quick, much more feature heavy and has a pretty good AWD system. Damn reliable too (at least compared to its german rivals)

[jonspeed3]

Originally Posted by x09MS3GT Mind you this is in just terms of handling too, should have specified that. Straight line the 412 horse mustang beats the camaro. But looking at it from a Manufacturer's point of view as well, look at what chevy has to offer comparted to Ford when it comes to a true " handling vehicle". Camaro ZL1 Corvette ZR1 Caddy CTS-V All vehicles that handle fucking AMAZING. And have had world RECORDS to thier class vs the infamous Nurburgring. Now the OP isnt buying these vehicles, but the point is, that Chevy's development is by far superioir in those terms. So generally speaking, the SS and even the V6 versions still carry that suspension design. Just not the 580 HP part. What does Ford have ? Hmmm, lets see.....oh wait, nothing. Absolutely NOTHING. Shelby GT500 ? Barely keeps up with a fucking stock C6 Z06 >.> SO in terms of a manufacturor's standpoint, Chevy by far has the better package. And i really dont care for any domestics.

You're a fucking idiot.

2013 GT500 shits on anything within the same price range.

And really fgt, comparing a 2 seater sports car to a 4 seater muscle car.

While you're at it idiot go compare a F-16 to a Biplane.

Dumbass.

PS-Camaros are heavy, slow turds.

[x09MS3GT]

Originally Posted by jonspeed3 You're a fucking idiot. 2013 GT500 shits on anything within the same price range. And really fgt, comparing a 2 seater sports car to a 4 seater muscle car. While you're at it idiot go compare a F-16 to a Biplane. Dumbass. PS-Camaros are heavy, slow turds.

First off, comparing an F16 to biplane, wow, how many brain cells did you use to think of that one ? Pretty fucking weak.
Second, the only thing a GT500 shits on , is itself any time its tracked.

I brought in the thought of going for the Camaro over the Mustang because the OP was talking in terms of handling. If you want a car that " handles well " and your thinking of going down the " muscle car " route, the camaro is far superior.

Oh my bad, didnt know " 4 seater muscle car " was a new class of vehicle.
And you totally had me beat on the 50$k Shelby beating anything in its class...wait, the ZL1 ? Try again.
A Whopping 4 grand difference for a way better vehicle.

All you did in this post was come in here and fucking nerd rage like a fuckin 12 year old.
Dont fuckin talk down to me you , you dont know me.
While your thinking of a response, has itching and feminine odor got you down ? Do you need a hug ?

[analbumcover]

Originally Posted by x09MS3GT First off, comparing an F16 to biplane, wow, how many brain cells did you use to think of that one ? Pretty fucking weak. Second, the only thing a GT500 shits on , is itself any time its tracked. I brought in the thought of going for the Camaro over the Mustang because the OP was talking in terms of handling. If you want a car that " handles well " and your thinking of going down the " muscle car " route, the camaro is far superior. Oh my bad, didnt know " 4 seater muscle car " was a new class of vehicle. And you totally had me beat on the 50$k Shelby beating anything in its class...wait, the ZL1 ? Try again. A Whopping 4 grand difference for a way better vehicle. All you did in this post was come in here and fucking nerd rage like a fuckin 12 year old. Dont fuckin talk down to me you , you dont know me. While your thinking of a response, has itching and feminine odor got you down ? Do you need a hug ?

I just want to point out. You're going to be in the minority. You're correct that the camaro has a better suspension (IRS vs Live) and thus SHOULD have better handling. But it doesnt. The '13 mustang runs rings around a camaro. Assuming stock vs stock.

You can't bring the corvette in this argument because its not the same class of car. If we want to argue like idiots, than a caterham CSR handles better. /end.

[leon78]

@x09MS3GT Give it up man...car and driver and all the other car mags say the mustang wins....they got alot more rep than you.

[zx2man]

The ms3 is a fun practical fairly quick daily driver. Coming from a Sienna, the ms3 will put a nice smile on your face. If little less cargo room and rwd winter time driving is no biggie, and you want to be "faster" then go Mustang, 2 different cars, I suggest you test drive them both.



Wont go too far into the 5.0 vs Camaro ss topic. I will say everytime I turn around I hear awesome things on the 5.0, and thats from hardcore chevy guys. It will fun 117-120mph traps with bolt ons and good tires. In articles "I" have read, it handles very good on the track. The 2013's are rolling out with options like recaro seats and track pack.
Track pack iirc is like 2500, and you get Brembo brakes,3.73 axle with carbon fiber cluthc plates,boss 302 oil cooler, upgraded radiator, Torsen differntial. A LOT of car for the money, quite impressive. But if you think the stang is garbage, thats your opinion, In my logical mind however, I just do not come up with that conclusion.

Good luck op

[x09MS3GT]

I was just trying to open the OP up to some different ideas is all. Too see a one sided view of vehicle choice just isn't fair.

[Atlanta]

Originally Posted by x09MS3GT Too see a one sided view of vehicle choice just isn't fair.

Lol funny post coming from you.

Sent from my SCH-I510 using Tapatalk 2

[Mr645]

So what, Ford still uses a solid rear axle, the current Mustang is a hell of a car.

Chevy still uses Pushrods for gods sake, but they do make them work in the Corvettes

[BLK_MS3]

Originally Posted by x09MS3GT If im not mistaken, the new mustangs are still using live axle rear end suspension setups. Which, is garbage if you want to dial in the suspension, because its mainly setup for straight line acceleration. So, unless theyve gone independent like chevy did 12 years ago >.> The handling of that mustang will still be and ALWAYS be fucking garbage. Its a fat piece of shit. Get an SS Camaro over a bummy ass GT Mustang

First off I own a modded '00 Camaro SS, so I like Camaros. BUT, you have no idea what you're talking about. As far as the new cars go the Mustang out handles the Camaro easily. Add in the track pack and even more so. I have driven multiples of both. Also, what are you talking about in regards to the IRS and 12 years? First year was 2010.

[speedthrice57]

my brother has the 2012 5.0 & that thing is a fucking blast to drive ... would literally take a shit on an SS.. hes got the roush catback as well, the car sounds like pure sex... beastly rumble at idle... def go 5.0 if money aint a thang

[karl-hungus]

still thinking about a '12 gt premium w/ 6 speed manual, 3.73 rear end and this (+1.0g on the skidpad)... FORD RACING 2005-2012 MUSTANG GT COUPE HANDLING PACK -- M-FR3-MGTA

told the dealer $28k out the door and $16k for the trade in. we shall see.

[fortressofcomfort]

Two things very important not mentioned:

1) 4 doors if family
2) Stealth factor

In the MS3 you can go 100mph and not get pulled over. In the Mustang you will get pulled over for going the speed limit.

[GODspeed7]

Originally Posted by analbumcover I just want to point out. You're going to be in the minority. You're correct that the camaro has a better suspension (IRS vs Live) and thus SHOULD have better handling. But it doesnt. The '13 mustang runs rings around a camaro. Assuming stock vs stock. You can't bring the corvette in this argument because its not the same class of car. If we want to argue like idiots, than a caterham CSR handles better. /end.

Not to make you look really stupid, because I was just going to troll and stay out of this, but he never brought the corvette into this. The ZR1 is the corvette. The ZL1 which is the car he mentioned is the new supercharged camaro that they have coming out this year I believe. So if you are going to bring the gt500 into this he is completely within his rights to bring up the new ZL1. That is apples to apples. Might want to do a little research before you end up with egg on your face, again.

[Darth_Nuruodo]

Originally Posted by GODspeed7 Not to make you look really stupid, because I was just going to troll and stay out of this, but he never brought the corvette into this. The ZR1 is the corvette. The ZL1 which is the car he mentioned is the new supercharged camaro that they have coming out this year I believe. So if you are going to bring the gt500 into this he is completely within his rights to bring up the new ZL1. That is apples to apples. Might want to do a little research before you end up with egg on your face, again.

The same post where the GM-jerker brought up the ZL1 he also mentioned the Z06. Which even though the Z06 is not in the same class as the GT500, the new 2013 will actually give it good competition at a better price. ZR1, well let's not even bring $100k+ cars into this discussion because then we're just getting silly.

Originally Posted by BLK MS3 Fixed it for you.

Pretty sure he was referring the the BMW, which is most definitely NOT FWD. Somebody early in the thread mentioned how the 5.0 was only a few seconds behind the BMW M3, and I'm pretty sure that's what the comparison was referring to.

[BLK_MS3]

Originally Posted by Darth_Nuruodo Pretty sure he was referring the the BMW, which is most definitely NOT FWD. Somebody early in the thread mentioned how the 5.0 was only a few seconds behind the BMW M3, and I'm pretty sure that's what the comparison was referring to.

My bad, thought he was talking about a Speed3. Read it too fast.

[ms3rick]

Originally Posted by fortressofcomfort Two things very important not mentioned: 1) 4 doors if family 2) Stealth factor In the MS3 you can go 100mph and not get pulled over. In the Mustang you will get pulled over for going the speed limit.

Speaks the truth 100%

If tickets are not a factor, speed3 will keep you happy.

[GODspeed7]

Originally Posted by Darth_Nuruodo The same post where the GM-jerker brought up the ZL1 he also mentioned the Z06. Which even though the Z06 is not in the same class as the GT500, the new 2013 will actually give it good competition at a better price. ZR1, well let's not even bring $100k+ cars into this discussion because then we're just getting silly. Pretty sure he was referring the the BMW, which is most definitely NOT FWD. Somebody early in the thread mentioned how the 5.0 was only a few seconds behind the BMW M3, and I'm pretty sure that's what the comparison was referring to.

He never mentions the z06 unless I missed something???

[Voltwings]

Pony Car Wars! 2011 Ford Mustang GT vs Camaro SS and Challenger SRT8 - YouTube

Pony Car Wars! 2011 Ford Mustang GT vs Camaro SS and Challenger SRT8 - YouTube

Handling = settled, may we move on.

[Darth_Nuruodo]

Originally Posted by GODspeed7 He never mentions the z06 unless I missed something???

You're right, I read it again, and it wasn't the Z06 mentioned, it was the ZR1.

[karl-hungus]

Originally Posted by fortressofcomfort Two things very important not mentioned: 1) 4 doors if family 2) Stealth factor In the MS3 you can go 100mph and not get pulled over. In the Mustang you will get pulled over for going the speed limit.

i have a family but i'm in the car by myself 95% of the time. wifey and kids are rooting for the mustang.

i love having a sleeper (genwon) but still managed to get pulled over doing 100 mph.

[Voltwings]

Yeah sleeper doesn't mean shit, i was behind a lady who slammed on her brakes so hard when she saw the cop the tires smoked and i almost rear ended her, yet who got pulled over? The 21 year old behind her with an exhaust and hood scoop -_- gen 2 FTL