MS3 Vs. 2013 Mustang GT w/Track package handling

[fortressofcomfort]

Originally Posted by Atlanta Completely off topic.... But is your check taxed, and then sent to the ex or is it pretax and she has to pay the tax on it?

I pay my wife the alimony ($2,000/month) with already taxed money. It comes out of my net pay, out of my bank account. Then, on my yearly return, I get tax exemptions for that money I paid to her as alimony; she is also reponsible for posting that money as Income on her tax return. But she won't care, I'm sure she'll be under the threshhold that 50% of Americans are and won't have to pay a dime in taxes.

Child support might be a little different, I'm not sure. I believe that Child support is posted as MY income and she never has any tax obligation on it. I pay child support to my children, not Anne. Anne is the guarantor/spender of the money but it is still the children's money. In case you didn't know, from a court's perspective, children can and do absolutely OWN property. All the toys in your house are not yours, and they aren't your wife's either. The toys belong to the children 100%. The clothes in their closets belong to them. Even the bikes they have out in the shed are theirs. I couldn't beleive that when I first heard it lol.

Problem is, even if the Alimony and perhaps the child support become tax deductions, i'm still going to lose my Mortgage Interest and Property Tax deductions by no longer owning a home. I was deducting about $18,000 a year in Mortgage Interest. So now I'll be able to deduct at least $24,000 (for the alimony) and maybe that child support (but for some reason I don't think child support is tax deductible) at $16,800. So it could work out I don't know. It's all supposed to start in May.

I believe what I've said with 90% confidence. I'm not an expert in this shit. Who ever gets married, has two kids, a nice house, dogs, yard, garage, blah blah and then loses it all? I never saw it coming and my wife was not one to negotiate.

[fortressofcomfort]

Originally Posted by analbumcover Welcome to the club. My tax rate is nearly 30%, after I deduct everything, but I'm not complaining. I understand countries need taxes to function and that 30% is a small price for the services I use day-to-day and for the betterment of society. Obama signs EO's like every other president, where's the abuse? The only "controversial" one I can remember is the don't ask don't tell repeal. Ford does use UAW labor. They could be even more competitive if they didn't. Most of Fords products you see today are not products of America. They are european products modified for the American market. What they're doing isn't "innovative" but its gotten to the point where the competition was so much better they had to import the designs and build these more expensive vehicles here. New focus is the european focus thats been around for a while. New Escape is the ford Kuga. The new fusion is a ford Mondeo. This doesn't apply to Ford only. GM is guilty of this too. New impala is just a revision of the older Opel Episilon II platform. Chrysler, same deal. 300 is an old Merc E-class. new Jeep Grand Cherokee/Durango is the new Merc ML-Class, Dodge Dart is an Alfa Romeo. My point is that the companies are no different. If the UAW left, you'd see more competitive wages and better products. The reason Chrysler was able to turn around so quickly (they make some damn good stuff now) was because the UAW thugs knew they had to compromise or everyone would lose their jobs. Unions in this country are like no where else in the world. In Germany, unions work WITH companies to make the best products and ensure the companies stay profitable. Its a symbiotic relationship. Over here, its a competition. Side note: My sympathies for your situation. You should have gotten the kids and she should have to pay you child support. Thats another thing broken in this country (court system when it comes to custody).

There are some things I'd like to point out but this isn't the place for politics. cough cough keystone pipeline cough cough. I appreciate you calming down and posting a civilized response. You are redeemed.

I can't have full custody of the kids. I can't work 40hrs a week and watch them every other waking moment. Remember, I don't flip burgers for a living or ask you would you like special sauce on that; I have to think hard at my job and at the end of the day I need that downtime. I appreciate the optimistic attitude. When my children become 8-10 years old I have a hunch they will come running to live with me. Just last weekend my kids and I had a blast (they are 2 and 5 now). When I had to "take them back to mama's" when I put Rachel in the car seat she filled up with tears and just chanted PaPa, PaPa, PaPa, PaPa. This is absolutely heart-breaking but I also know little kids are resilient. The old adage says "time will tell." It most certainly will.

[MammaFreed3]

Originally Posted by dbrier I haven't seen a discussion on the reliability of the two cars. I know Ford has been making much better cars lately, but if you were to own the Mustang GT for 8+ years, would you still pick it over the MS3?

I think the Mustang would be just as reliable if treated well. Think of how many Mustangs you see out on the road with 8-10 years on them, beat to hell, haven't been through a car wash in 3 years....yet they're still rolling. Mustangs are great cars, a working man's car, and they've stood the test of time, especially the 5.0 engine. Reliability shouldn't be much of a factor for you. I'd say cost and the winter-friendly issue is your biggest worry. The Mustang's gonna cost an arm and a ball to insure and gas is going to run you more as well. Oh, that and the car itself costs another 5K to buy.

[fortressofcomfort]

Originally Posted by dbrier I haven't seen a discussion on the reliability of the two cars. I know Ford has been making much better cars lately, but if you were to own the Mustang GT for 8+ years, would you still pick it over the MS3?

Rustang GT = super easy and cheap to fix. So it may break more but you'll pay $50 for a power window actuator instead of $300 for an MS3. And every mechanic in this country know that Fords are the easiest cars/trucks to work on by far.

[jakk]

Originally Posted by MammaFreed3 The Mustang's gonna cost an arm and a ball to insure

I thought so too seeing as it is a v8 and I am 22. Surprisingly, though, it is within a few dollars of an MS3. From what I have seen on forums the new 5.0s are reliable except for the MT82 transmissions that appear to go fairly often. I am hoping that getting a 2013 will save me from that problem as most of the people who have them fail seem to have 2011s. The Coyote seems to be a relatively bulletproof engine as long as it is treated right. The extra cost of the Mustang is not lost on me either, I would be able to pay off a speed3 within a year vs. the Mustang which will probably take 2-3 years. If only I was in this position 3 years ago...I would not have even considered a pre-2011 GT and would have gotten a speed3 without a second thought.

[bieberhole69]

Originally Posted by jakk . The extra cost of the Mustang is not lost on me either, I would be able to pay off a speed3 within a year vs. the Mustang which will probably take 2-3 years.

Another point. If you can pay it off that fast...why not!? Save your self a lot off money in the end.
I know you said money isn't really an issue but it is if something happens. Like zombies or something


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[jakk]

A good point that I have been thinking about as well. An extra $120/mo never hurt anyone. That's the other thing I always find myself thinking about...I could get an ms3 now, pay it off, get used to working on cars by modding it, and then have an awesome "beater" for the winter and get a summer toy in the next 2-3 years.

I literally go back and fourth every few hours lol. One hour I am sure I want the Stang, the next hour I like the idea of a sleeper, having a car that I never see around me, and the fact that I have been dreaming of getting a speed3 since they first came out. I mean, this is a good problem to have, but I'm driving myself crazy as I always come up with a pro/con for both cars. Fuuuuuuu

[ridenfish39]

Originally Posted by jakk I know there are some members here who have gone from the speed3 to the 5.0, and I would like to hear any comments they have regarding how fast the two "feel" with 3.73 gears. I'm emailing dealers all around me but am having trouble finding any that have a GT in stock with 3.73 that I could test drive.

O hai...
I love my 5.0. First off, don't get too hung up on the gearing thing. The 3.73s ''feel'' faster, but, if you race the quarter mile, you'll need tall (28'') tires to keep from having to shift to 5th. Laloosh (former member here and a great driver) ran 12.6 @ 112mph with his dead stock 3.31 6speed car and 235 all season tires. If it's for a daily dd, then the 3.73s feel perkier and are more fun ( I had my rear changed), but you definitely have to shift more often. I start off in second a lot and skip to 4th then 6th when I'm feeling lazy. I did lose 1 or 2 mpg on the highway though. I think 3.55s are the way to go from experience now.
There are definitely people having issues with the car, especially people with early builds. My 1-2 shift in the cold can be a bit notchy for the first few minutes, but my MS3 and Acura TL were also. Some people have popped their #8 cylinders, but again (like growing pains with tuning the MS3) it was mostly from aggressive tunes. Some people had oil consumption issues (myself included) in the first few thousand miles. I'm at almost 7000 now and haven't burned a drop since. I think a few of the #8s that went were because people ran low on oil.
As far as mpgs, I get about 24 on the highway cruising at 70. Not too bad for what it is. In the city it's more like 17, but I could milk a few more mpg by driving more efficiently (but what fun is that??)
I loved my MS3 and had a blast with it. I'm thankful I got the car because I met a lot of cool people and found this awesome forum. But, I missed rwd and the exhaust note of a V8.


Oh yeah, my insurance went up $4 a month going from the '10 MS3 to the '12 5.0.....

[sheldonross]

Originally Posted by dbrier I haven't seen a discussion on the reliability of the two cars. I know Ford has been making much better cars lately, but if you were to own the Mustang GT for 8+ years, would you still pick it over the MS3?

Well as ridenfish discussed, there maybe some issues with the Mustang specifically or maybe just the nature of the beast as people are hard/mod sports cars.

But on the whole, Ford has been much more reliable than Mazda lately. Both JDPower and Consumer reports have Ford as above average reliability, and Mazda slightly below average.

But not sure model to model.

[jakk]

Originally Posted by ridenfish39 O hai... I love my 5.0. First off, don't get too hung up on the gearing thing. The 3.73s ''feel'' faster, but, if you race the quarter mile, you'll need tall (28'') tires to keep from having to shift to 5th. Laloosh (former member here and a great driver) ran 12.6 @ 112mph with his dead stock 3.31 6speed car and 235 all season tires. If it's for a daily dd, then the 3.73s feel perkier and are more fun ( I had my rear changed), but you definitely have to shift more often. I start off in second a lot and skip to 4th then 6th when I'm feeling lazy. I did lose 1 or 2 mpg on the highway though. I think 3.55s are the way to go from experience now. There are definitely people having issues with the car, especially people with early builds. My 1-2 shift in the cold can be a bit notchy for the first few minutes, but my MS3 and Acura TL were also. Some people have popped their #8 cylinders, but again (like growing pains with tuning the MS3) it was mostly from aggressive tunes. Some people had oil consumption issues (myself included) in the first few thousand miles. I'm at almost 7000 now and haven't burned a drop since. I think a few of the #8s that went were because people ran low on oil. As far as mpgs, I get about 24 on the highway cruising at 70. Not too bad for what it is. In the city it's more like 17, but I could milk a few more mpg by driving more efficiently (but what fun is that??) I loved my MS3 and had a blast with it. I'm thankful I got the car because I met a lot of cool people and found this awesome forum. But, I missed rwd and the exhaust note of a V8. Oh yeah, my insurance went up $4 a month going from the '10 MS3 to the '12 5.0.....

Thanks for the info. Would you say that the 5.0 gives you the same "pushed in the seat" feeling as the speed3? The auto I test drove did not seem to do so, but I believe that was a result of 3.15 gearing and me not pushing it into the higher rev ranges. Also, how would you say the 5.0 steering feel/handling is compared to the speed3? Does it feel "raw" like the speed3 when you really get on it, or is it more refined?

[ridenfish39]

Originally Posted by jakk Thanks for the info. Would you say that the 5.0 gives you the same "pushed in the seat" feeling as the speed3? The auto I test drove did not seem to do so, but I believe that was a result of 3.15 gearing and me not pushing it into the higher rev ranges. Also, how would you say the 5.0 steering feel/handling is compared to the speed3? Does it feel "raw" like the speed3 when you really get on it, or is it more refined?

The Speed has a better initial ''hit'' when you first get on it ( mine was fully bolted minus dp ), but the 5.0 just keeps on pulling.
It is really quiet and smooth with the stock exhaust. The first thing I did was change the axle back because it was way too whimpy sounding to me.
Should you decide to get one make sure to get a premium. The extra shit, nicer interior, and better stereo will make you happy.

[BLK_MS3]

Well my buddies '12 GT's tranny just took a shit with only 7000 miles on it. After doing some more research the M82 issues aren't as wide spread as I thought. I do not want an auto, so I am so on the fence now. Ugh!

My buddy made a good point, for about the same amount of money I can get a low mileage LS3/TR6060 Z51 Corvette. Hummmmm, so undecided....

Oh and FYI, this is not to replace my Speed3. I am going to replace my heads/cam/12-bolt '00 Camaro which is just not street friendly.

[jakk]

Originally Posted by ridenfish39 The Speed has a better initial ''hit'' when you first get on it ( mine was fully bolted minus dp ), but the 5.0 just keeps on pulling. It is really quiet and smooth with the stock exhaust. The first thing I did was change the axle back because it was way too whimpy sounding to me. Should you decide to get one make sure to get a premium. The extra shit, nicer interior, and better stereo will make you happy.

So, if I understand you correctly, the initial pushback is greater on the speed3, but the 5.0 will keep you in your seat through the whole rev range once you get it up to speed, whereas the speed3 would die out near the top? How does the initial "hit" feel in the 5.0 vs. a stock speed3 (that's what I have as a comparison)? Also, how is the steering feel/overall driving experience? Does it feel like you are "connected" with the car as opposed to just being along for the ride?

I plan on getting the GT premium with recaros and the track pack. I'm going to be in the car ~2 hours/day, and I like good audio, so the premium was a must.

Do you drive your Mustang in the snow? If so, how does it handle?

[Voltwings]

Originally Posted by jakk This has been another one of my concerns with the Mustang. However, I cannot see myself owning either car for more than 4-5 years tops given how much mileage I will rack up (33k/year). I know there are some members here who have gone from the speed3 to the 5.0, and I would like to hear any comments they have regarding how fast the two "feel" with 3.73 gears. I'm emailing dealers all around me but am having trouble finding any that have a GT in stock with 3.73 that I could test drive.

For what its worth i had an 01 mustang with 86xxx miles and all i ever replaced was the radiator and alternator aside from other wear and tear items. Granted some cars are better built than others it just comes down to how well you take care of it, and yes in the recent years Ford has seriously stepped its game up. However you throw solid motor mounts on anything and start doing a bunch of hard driving and putting it through the ringer anything will start to rattle and have things fail you know.

[bieberhole69]

Yeah stangs are cool. I had a 91 5.0 blew the heads twice in a year! Why? Because #driftcar


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[Jay S.]

Originally Posted by fortressofcomfort There are some things I'd like to point out but this isn't the place for politics. cough cough keystone pipeline cough cough. I appreciate you calming down and posting a civilized response. You are redeemed. I can't have full custody of the kids. I can't work 40hrs a week and watch them every other waking moment. Remember, I don't flip burgers for a living or ask you would you like special sauce on that; I have to think hard at my job and at the end of the day I need that downtime. I appreciate the optimistic attitude. When my children become 8-10 years old I have a hunch they will come running to live with me. Just last weekend my kids and I had a blast (they are 2 and 5 now). When I had to "take them back to mama's" when I put Rachel in the car seat she filled up with tears and just chanted PaPa, PaPa, PaPa, PaPa. This is absolutely heart-breaking but I also know little kids are resilient. The old adage says "time will tell." It most certainly will.

That is a fucking ridiculous cop out and part of the reason why I can't seem to get full custody of my son, because the judges look at me and say wouldn't you rather just come home from work and have downtime instead of your kids. Fuck no I love my son and could certainly find time for him ANY DAY. I can and do work more than 40 hrs a week and see my son 3 and 1/2 days a week, which is the most the court would allow. I suggest for you kids sake you change this attitude. /rant
P.S. I dont flip burgers either.

[BLK_MS3]

Originally Posted by jakk So, if I understand you correctly, the initial pushback is greater on the speed3, but the 5.0 will keep you in your seat through the whole rev range once you get it up to speed, whereas the speed3 would die out near the top? How does the initial "hit" feel in the 5.0 vs. a stock speed3 (that's what I have as a comparison)? Also, how is the steering feel/overall driving experience? Does it feel like you are "connected" with the car as opposed to just being along for the ride? I plan on getting the GT premium with recaros and the track pack. I'm going to be in the car ~2 hours/day, and I like good audio, so the premium was a must. Do you drive your Mustang in the snow? If so, how does it handle?

Maybe due to my other car, but the MS3 really isn't what I call "fast". I have driven my buddies '12 GT 6-speed with 3:73's and it is WAY faster. I mean stock for stock we are talking low 14's to high 12's. That is huge in the 1/4 mile.

[jakk]

Originally Posted by BLK MS3 Well my buddies '12 GT's tranny just took a shit with only 7000 miles on it. After doing some more research the M82 issues aren't as wide spread as I thought. I do not want an auto, so I am so on the fence now. Ugh! My buddy made a good point, for about the same amount of money I can get a low mileage LS3/TR6060 Z51 Corvette. Hummmmm, so undecided.... Oh and FYI, this is not to replace my Speed3. I am going to replace my heads/cam/12-bolt '00 Camaro which is just not street friendly.

That sucks. I know some 2012 owners have been having issues with the MT82 as well, although they do not seem to be as widespread as 2011 owners. I have been reading some forums and supposedly the 2013 gets a "revised" MT82, whatever that means. That's one of the reasons I am tempted to pay for an extended warranty, although the tranny should be covered up to 5 years/60k miles which would give me about 2 years of coverage lol. I don't know why Ford went with the MT82 when it is rated for 10 less ft lbs of torque. I'm not an ME, but I would think pulling a move like that is similar to running a 5V component at 6V-it's within a tolerance, but over time the extended wear will burn it out sooner.

[ridenfish39]

Remember, most people come to teh interwebz to complain about something, not rave about it. There are guys with 6 speed 5.0s running 10s in the evening and driving them to work the next morning. There is one guy (Jmatero) that flooded Ford sites because he had problems with his trans. For every one that has a problem 1000 do not. Ford sells a lot of these cars.

[fortressofcomfort]

Originally Posted by Jay S. That is a fucking ridiculous cop out and part of the reason why I can't seem to get full custody of my son, because the judges look at me and say wouldn't you rather just come home from work and have downtime instead of your kids. Fuck no I love my son and could certainly find time for him ANY DAY. I can and do work more than 40 hrs a week and see my son 3 and 1/2 days a week, which is the most the court would allow. I suggest for you kids sake you change this attitude. /rant P.S. I dont flip burgers either.

Sorry to hear that. Everyone has different circumstances so I wouldn't be quite THAT quick to pass judgement.

That being said, it is too bad that our justice system has this tendency to "go with the flow." I'm no judge, but I would think that many of them are just covering their own asses. Let's say judge X tries your case, listens to your arguments, and makes you Mr. Mom. Fine, and maybe that is the best outcome for your case. But then your wife appeals it (well, it's civil not criminal so its not an appeal but she "takes you back to court") and that judge, covering his ass, gives the person who has the most available time for the child primary PHYSICAL custody. The first judge comes off looking like a whack job that doesn't follow best practices to his peers. This push for "best practices" rather than individualized decisions and planning is definitely a rocky road we are headed down. I can understand your pain. It it too bad you are not like other people ( who don't give a shit).

Does your wife ex-wife work as many hours as you do and what are the ages of your child(ren) ?

[bieberhole69]

Originally Posted by fortressofcomfort Sorry to hear that. Everyone has different circumstances so I wouldn't be quite THAT quick to pass judgement. That being said, it is too bad that our justice system has this tendency to "go with the flow." I'm no judge, but I would think that many of them are just covering their own asses. Let's say judge X tries your case, listens to your arguments, and makes you Mr. Mom. Fine, and maybe that is the best outcome for your case. But then your wife appeals it (well, it's civil not criminal so its not an appeal but she "takes you back to court") and that judge, covering his ass, gives the person who has the most available time for the child primary PHYSICAL custody. The first judge comes off looking like a whack job that doesn't follow best practices to his peers. This push for "best practices" rather than individualized decisions and planning is definitely a rocky road we are headed down. I can understand your pain. It it too bad you are not like other people ( who don't give a shit). Does your wife ex-wife work as many hours as you do and what are the ages of your child(ren) ?

Wtf is this shit? Stop trying to thread jack


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[fortressofcomfort]

Me? Thread jack? no way lol

You did see this right:
Originally Posted by Atlanta
Completely off topic.... But is your check taxed, and then sent to the ex or is it pretax and she has to pay the tax on it?

This thread was ripe for jacking the moment it got posted

Originally Posted by jakk So, if I understand you correctly, the initial pushback is greater on the speed3, but the 5.0 will keep you in your seat through the whole rev range once you get it up to speed, whereas the speed3 would die out near the top?

NOTHING will push you back in the seat like a forced induction car will. But yes the MS3 "dies" as you wind it out while the Mustang will keep pulling until redline.

But then, there is always the next gear :-)

[Voltwings]

Originally Posted by fortressofcomfort NOTHING will push you back in the seat like a forced induction car will.

Someone has never riden in a healthy v8 with a cam haha, true forced induction is much easier to feel the hit with but ultimatly torque is what pushes you back and makes you feel that "hit" and that is very possible to do with an NA engine, albiet a big one. Shit i had a buddy with a boltd 4.6L mustang doing like low 300s whp and wtq but with radials on there he floors it from a 20 and has instant grip youd swear it had 500 whp by the way it felt, theres a lot of variables to be taken into account.

[fortressofcomfort]

Originally Posted by Voltwings Someone has never riden in a healthy v8 with a cam haha, true forced induction is much easier to feel the hit with but ultimatly torque is what pushes you back and makes you feel that "hit" and that is very possible to do with an NA engine, albiet a big one. Shit i had a buddy with a boltd 4.6L mustang doing like low 300s whp and wtq but with radials on there he floors it from a 20 and has instant grip youd swear it had 500 whp by the way it felt, theres a lot of variables to be taken into account.

Agreed. When I was young, my buddies and I had a term "a feels fast." We used it for any car that felt faster than it actually was. There are many cars like this, and the converse is true too. For example my friend used to take his dad's car (we were young) a 1987 Delta 88. Had the 165hp Buick V6 in it. When Sean would floor it, it would downshift violently, the ass end of the car would squat, the front would rise in the air like we were putting 500 hp to the ground. Then we tested it 0-60 one day on a flat piece of road and got like 10.5 seconds lol. But man we would've sworn that thing was a beast.

Conversely, I bet a modern Mercedes or BMW is so powerful and quiet but has such a smooth torque curve that you get that initial push upon takeoff and then its just drama free (boring) until 155mph. In my book, that's boring but I bet buyers of $100,000+ cars want it that way.

One of my favorite cars for that "pushed back in your seat" feeling was my buddies 87 Regal T-type. Basically a Grand National minus some tidbits plus some t-tops. He had some mild mods like a 7th injector, 18psi chip, intake, and a couple other things, not too much. It used to run 12.20s @ 108 on drag radials. That car on the street, from a dead stop, would take off like your granddad's oldsmobile, then the whistle would come, then just an unrelenting push that didn't stop, twitch, or lessen, until over 100mph. You couldn't feel the gears changing, you could barely hear that Buick V6 running (it redlined at 5k rpms lol) but the TORQUE omfg.

I think its all in the shape of the torque curve. And the transmission type and gearing.

[bms3mtb]

Honestly, I would buy ms3 again because i've seen maybe 3 or 4 non car-people driving them around, and that's like nothing... Car people know what it is, other people leave you alone, I like that. Everyone knows what a mustang is, see them everywhere, etc. etc. - I dunno, it's a sick car, it's fast, it handles, it's easy to make insanely fast... there's really no drawback.

But I'd personally get a lot more satisfaction out of having a fun grocery getter to DD, and then taking the extra $$ for a project car, something like an LS miata swap... I enjoy being able to brag about how many groceries I can get in the hatch vs what gears i have...

[forcedinduktion]

How much the left over 12s going for

[Shadow]

I can help here...I work at a fiat dealership. I drove a 5.0 2012 gt. And I drove an ss as well as a Mazda speed 3 obviously.... Speed ....mustang or ss wins. Not sure which they are both fast...handling mustang sefinately. The camaro is just to big, when you drive it.... It just feels off. Even if it can take the same turns the mustang can, you just don't feel as if you should. Not sure if its body roll or what but as many said I'd be in a mustang 5.0 if it was the price of my speed 3

[fortressofcomfort]

Originally Posted by Shadow The camaro is just to big, when you drive it.... It just feels off. Even if it can take the same turns the mustang can, you just don't feel as if you should. Not sure if its body roll or what but as many said I'd be in a mustang 5.0 if it was the price of my speed 3

It's called 500lbs of extra weight

Again, this thread is full of ghey and fail. And I do take responsibility for helping keep it off track a couple times. But like I said this thread was bound to steamroll into the ditch. For a serious answer just take whoever will normally be riding in the car to the dealership and drive them. If you have kids of anyone that needs that 3rd or 4th seat they will hate the Mustang. You won't be able to get much of anything into the trunk of the Mustang. You won't be able to see out of the car very well in the Mustang. We can all sit here and bench race but these cars are so different that I think the OP just needs to go out and drive them. I've owned both :-) There was a place and a time for the Mustang GT and I loved it. But now is not that time. With a growing family, and 300 miles a week, the MS3 is the better choice. We don't have to make this so complicated.

[jakk]

Thanks for all of the replies. I've test driven both cars a few times, and I have also talked to a number of former ms3 owners on Mustang forums. After thinking it over for a while, I am pretty set on getting the Mustang. I do not have the need for a larger car or hatch at this point in my life, and I'd rather get a Mustang now then look back a few years down the road and realize I could've had a Mustang. I know there will always be a place for the ms3 given its additional utility, and I can't say the same for the Mustang later on in my life.

One of the things that made the decision hard was the fact that I have literally seen less than 10 ms3's around me since they came out, so I certainly would have a unique car. There is also something awesome about having a "sleeper" car that can beat cars twice its price with a few bolt ons. On the other hand, while many people do have a Mustang, most of the ones around here are older beat to crap v6's, so at least I will have something different in that regard.

Thanks again for the help, and I'll be waiting for the inevitable day when a BT ms3 whips my 5.0 .

[fortressofcomfort]

Dude EVERY red-blooded American male should own a Mustang V8 at some point in their life.
And then, life will go on and you'll find yourself in something like an MS3.

If you are single and under 35 then hell yes go for the Stang man.

Be prepared for lots of chest beating and bench racing in the Mustang forums.

[jakk]

Originally Posted by fortressofcomfort Dude EVERY red-blooded American male should own a Mustang V8 at some point in their life. And then, life will go on and you'll find yourself in something like an MS3. If you are single and under 35 then hell yes go for the Stang man. Be prepared for lots of chest beating and bench racing in the Mustang forums.

Yeah, single and <25, so I fit that demographic. I've been to Mustang forums and seen what sort of attitudes/opinions are there...younger owners like myself are cool but some of the older members are kind of closed-minded when it comes to what they think of as a "proper car" (V8 only and American). Oh well, luckily everyone I know falls into the former category, so I'm good there. Pre 2011 I would have never considered a Mustang as the GT didn't make much more hp than a stock ms3...

[OneReaction]

I owned a ms3, then a 135i, and now the new 5.0
IMO the 5.0 is my favorite car so far.

I went 12.64 @ 112 bone stock and 12.1 @ 117 with an intake/xpipe/tune, full weight, stock wheels/tires on 93 pump. Thats a whopping 900 bucks at retail. The car is fun, its good on gas for a v8 (25ish highway) and actually handles good for its size imo.

Handling wise, it is kind of funny, because everything tells you it shouldnt handle, however throwing it into corners and powering right out of them always shocks me how well the car just performed. It's balance is amazing imo, very neutral, and very fun to steer with the throttle

[fortressofcomfort]

The live axle definitely will toss you around when you hit a bump and are turning hard but a) its not as bad as everyone thinks and b) I never lost control over it. When I owned by 2002 GT the live axle just shrank and disappeared and I never really thought about it. The 2002 had tons of grip but I recall the steering being less than desireable (overboosted, little feedback). In sharp contrast the MS3 has excellent steering with perfect boost and great feedback (I can feel the paint of the lines on the road); of course all the magazines just bitch about torque steer lol.

Man they've come a long way. My 2002 ran 14@100 stock. I threw 4.10s, timing adjuster (+4* across the board), underdrive pulleys, catted x-pipe, cbe (both Magnaflow) , and some Nitto drag radials on it (they suck) I ran a best of 12.9 @ 106

So a) the new 5.0 is much faster than the old 4.6 even with $2500 in bolt ons, and b) my MS3 traps the same speed my old Mustang GT did at its best, and the MS3 was running 140* BATs !

Mustang GT will always be one step ahead of most sporty cars in terms of performance, but that also means the entire breed improves. Who'd thought a 5 door wagon from Japan would run almost 106 mph in the 1/4 mile with only an intake and a tune lol. MS3 + $1000 in mods = same hp/wgt ratio as 2002 Mustang GT with $2,500 in mods.

[bieberhole69]

Get the 5.0 and do wheelies. Then when you get older get a legacy gt


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[meckman]

First post here. This thread really peaked my interest since I own both. I picked up a used 2012 MS3 with less than 3,000 miles a couple weeks ago. Last year I bought a brand new 2012 Roush Stage 3 Mustang (RS3). Here are some of my impressions between the two cars. The MS3 is my daily driver and it's a nice car with some decent power and good gas mileage considering the amount of fun factor you can have with this car. The interior is nicely laid out and has some quality materials. Some of the things that I don't like about the MS3 (these are not new items) torque steer can be a bit annoying in 1st and 2nd, and clutch feel is a bit tricky to get use to. Other than that I really like this car.

The RS3 is an upgraded 5.0 and is a beast. Late last year I ran behind a Porsche Carrera GT on the twisties of southern Indiana and I kept right up with him. It was a blast. Only have/had two things that I didn't like about this car. Ford cheesed out on the mount for the gear selection box. I switched mine out for a MGW shifter and could not be happier. The only other issue I have with the Mustang is when I shift from 1-2 my elbow will sometimes hit the center console button and the lid will pop open. Not a big deal, but can be a bit annoying. I rip on this car every chance I get. I love it!

I am upgrading the stage 3 suspension to a coilover package from Saleen and adding with a Fays2 watts linkage and LCA relocation brackets. So even with a stage 3 suspension package you can always go better. Also getting a smaller pulley put on the supercharger so I'm looking to get up to about 620 HP at the crank.

[sheldonross]

Originally Posted by meckman This thread really peaked my interest

Your interest was sick and pale? Piqued*

[meckman]

Originally Posted by sheldonross Your interest was sick and pale? Piqued*

Sorry, not an English major. Better at math and science.

[Illusion]

mustangs have fixed axles which make them badass at the drag strip ! IRS camaro is more for autocross than fixed axle it depends what you are going to be doing and what you are into i came from 2 mustangs a ford lightning and challenger RT all were fully bolted. funny thing is i like my speed3 more.

[dannyboy1234]

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.

Someone hit this guy. He read a couple of motortrend articles and has only driven these cars on gran turismo.

The mustang is as fast or faster than an m3 around a road course. It doesn't offer the same level of confidence, but as far as numbers go it's pretty amazing. And do you know how fast a stock c6 z06 actually is? Like, really fast.

EDIT: I can't believe I'm raising this thread from the dead. I just think this guy is an idiot.

[Slash]

Z06 and zr1 are basically the same car just slap some bigger tires on and swap the ls7 for the ls9. Times are very close depending on the track.
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