GT350 or BMW M4

[jackolo]

Hey Guy,
Thank for all the replies so far. It's been helpful.

Just to reply to a few comments made so far.
-Interior wise, I've found them comparable for space for the Driver and front passenger. I'm only 5'6" though so this isn't a big deal for me. Back seats though, I can sit in my M4 comfortably whereas in the Mustang, my head is tilted and I'm touching the roof liner. I figure a baby seat will be much easier to fit in a 3/4 series.
-I actually find the seats more comfortable in the GT350 but overall, the BMW is much much much better designed interior wise. This isn't fair though considering the price difference.
-I haven't driven a GT350 but when people describe the ///M as "soul-less, uninspiring, unimaginative, etc".... I get where they're coming from.
-Some have said the GT350 is the direction the successor to the E9x M cars should have gone and so far I would have to agree.
-I don't tend to own cars longer than their warranty so I can't comment on longevity. However since owning 3 BMWs in the last 5 years, fit and finish was never a complaint. Rattles, squeaks and etc are non existent for me.
-Sitting in both cars and having only driven a GT Mustang, the M4 feels like a smaller car. I'm not talking interior, just about when traversing tight parking lots or traffic, I felt that the M4 could fit in more spaces but that may be because of my familiarity with it.
-And Yes, biggest gripe is indeed the M4 sounds like a lawnmower... sigh...

My M4 has a stage 1 BMS installed and the stock 275 MPSS tires are useless with the way the power comes on. Once going though, it pulls!!
My biggest complaint about the E9x M3 was the lack of torque. 300 lb.ft?
I guess the torque is comparable now at 410 lb.ft in the M4 vs 430 lb.ft in the GT350.

Anyway... more to ponder.
For me, it's still a Heart vs Mind decision.
Savage and Fun or Refined and Enjoyable... ?

Here is my current M4 just to contribute.

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[Superdog]

^^^

If it were my daily. M4. Easy decision.

Weekender. GT350. Easy decision.

 

[Minn19]

^^^

If it were my daily. M4. Easy decision.

Weekender. GT350. Easy decision.

I don't get these posts. Why so easy? I've dailyed both and they aren't that much different if you aren't using the back seats. Other than that the MPG and range is quite a bit less on the GT350, but that's it. The GT350 has been a fine DD for me.

 

[Minn19]

Hey Guy,
Thank for all the replies so far. It's been helpful.

Just to reply to a few comments made so far.
-Interior wise, I've found them comparable for space for the Driver and front passenger. I'm only 5'6" though so this isn't a big deal for me. Back seats though, I can sit in my M4 comfortably whereas in the Mustang, my head is tilted and I'm touching the roof liner. I figure a baby seat will be much easier to fit in a 3/4 series.
-I actually find the seats more comfortable in the GT350 but overall, the BMW is much much much better designed interior wise. This isn't fair though considering the price difference.
-I haven't driven a GT350 but when people describe the ///M as "soul-less, uninspiring, unimaginative, etc".... I get where they're coming from.
-Some have said the GT350 is the direction the successor to the E9x M cars should have gone and so far I would have to agree.
-I don't tend to own cars longer than their warranty so I can't comment on longevity. However since owning 3 BMWs in the last 5 years, fit and finish was never a complaint. Rattles, squeaks and etc are non existent for me.
-Sitting in both cars and having only driven a GT Mustang, the M4 feels like a smaller car. I'm not talking interior, just about when traversing tight parking lots or traffic, I felt that the M4 could fit in more spaces but that may be because of my familiarity with it.
-And Yes, biggest gripe is indeed the M4 sounds like a lawnmower... sigh...

My M4 has a stage 1 BMS installed and the stock 275 MPSS tires are useless with the way the power comes on. Once going though, it pulls!!
My biggest complaint about the E9x M3 was the lack of torque. 300 lb.ft?
I guess the torque is comparable now at 410 lb.ft in the M4 vs 430 lb.ft in the GT350.

Anyway... more to ponder.
For me, it's still a Heart vs Mind decision.
Savage and Fun or Refined and Enjoyable... ?

Here is my current M4 just to contribute.

Very nice car! They are very good looking cars inside and out.

I'm not sure about your conclusions though. I found the ride/handling to be more savage/less fun on the M4 and ride/handling is more refined on the GT350. While also being much more fun. Both cars are loud, but the GT350 sounds better and more natural. The BMW is more refined interior wise, fit/finish and availability of options over the GT350 IMO.

 

[Superdog]

I don't get these posts. Why so easy? I've dailyed both and they aren't that much different if you aren't using the back seats. Other than that the MPG and range is quite a bit less on the GT350, but that's it. The GT350 has been a fine DD for me.

If we were all the same, life would be boring.

IMHO, I find the BMW to be a more comfortable daily driver. It's a luxury car that had race capabilities. The mustang is a race car, that is also super comfortable.

But for me, it would be an easy decision.

That all said, I personally will only buy American cars. I was answering for the OP.

And with a GT350 sitting in my garage (and I'm completely obsessed with it) it would never be my daily.

However, fwiw, I just sold my SRT for a F150 platinum, because after a year a 30,000 miles, it was not as comfortable as I wanted and the F150 platinum is like a driving living room.

So.....take it for what's it's worth

 

[Minn19]

If we were all the same, life would be boring.

IMHO, I find the BMW to be a more comfortable daily driver. It's a luxury car that had race capabilities. The mustang is a race car, that is also super comfortable.

But for me, it would be an easy decision.

That all said, I personally will only buy American cars. I was answering for the OP.

And with a GT350 sitting in my garage (and I'm completely obsessed with it) it would never be my daily.

However, fwiw, I just sold my SRT for a F150 platinum, because after a year a 30,000 miles, it was not as comfortable as I wanted and the F150 platinum is like a driving living room.

So.....take it for what's it's worth

Sorry, but I don't find the GT350 to be a race car. If you read my other post the M4 actually is actually a bit less comfortable to DD when it comes to suspension and ride anyway. The M4 does tram line less, but is harsher overall when it comes to ride quality.

The M4 is just as capable as a GT350 on the track, especially for us non pro drivers.

 

[Superdog]

Sorry, but I don't find the GT350 to be a race car. If you read my other post the M4 actually is actually a bit less comfortable to DD when it comes to suspension and ride anyway. The M4 does tram line less, but is harsher overall when it comes to ride quality.

The M4 is just as capable as a GT350 on the track, especially for us non pro drivers.

No need to be sorry.

I too find the 350 very comfortable. That's one of the reasons it was an easy decision to flip the Z51.

But for me, I also would not want a manual as a daily. So, lots of different factors come into play.

To each their own. Life is short, do what makes you happy. I've got my assistant telling me I'm an ass for flipping the SRT for the platinum, but I'm nothing but smiles. Life's too short to worry what others will think.

 

[Minn19]

No need to be sorry.

I too find the 350 very comfortable. That's one of the reasons it was an easy decision to flip the Z51.

But for me, I also would not want a manual as a daily. So, lots of different factors come into play.

To each their own. Life is short, do what makes you happy. I've got my assistant telling me I'm an ass for flipping the SRT for the platinum, but I'm nothing but smiles. Life's too short to worry what others will think.

Agreed :cheers:

 

[TDC]

I tend to start hating my daily driver because of NY traffic, NY horrible drivers and NY horrible roads. I would never want my pleasure car to be a daily driver. Sorry, just felt the need to vent when I see debates about daily driving a car design to bring about driving enjoyment.

 

[masar]

I started this post some time ago.... I sold my M4 3 weeks ago and purchased R :cheers: Still waiting for delivery, car is currently in US, should have it in Europe in October. I don't miss the M4 at all and can not wait to drive R. Will report my feeling and comparison...

 

[Mspeedster]

I started this post some time ago.... I sold my M4 3 weeks ago and purchased R :cheers: Still waiting for delivery, car is currently in US, should have it in Europe in October. I don't miss the M4 at all and can not wait to drive R. Will report my feeling and comparison...

Congrats on the R!

I'm sure in your part of the world the R is extremely rare. Heck, it's even rare here in the USA, while BMW M cars are seen left and right. Will be very interested to know your thoughts and feelings after you take delivery. Please be sure to report back and post plenty of pics!

 

[Stuntman]

Sorry, but I don't find the GT350 to be a race car. If you read my other post the M4 actually is actually a bit less comfortable to DD when it comes to suspension and ride anyway. The M4 does tram line less, but is harsher overall when it comes to ride quality.

The M4 is just as capable as a GT350 on the track, especially for us non pro drivers.

While I agree, it's actually quite a bit slower than the GT350 from a performance standpoint.

 

[Minn19]

While I agree, it's actually quite a bit slower than the GT350 from a performance standpoint.

Disagree, I love the GT350, but how do you come to that conclusion and in which way? A DCT (a MT will still beat, but it'll be closer) M4 will smoke a regular GT350 in a 1/4 mile straight line race and will easily hang with it on the track. In the hands of amateur drivers anyway. In the hands of pros a GT350 will beat an M4 on the track, but not by much.

The GT350R is probably a different story though.

 

[Side_Pce]

Disagree, I love the GT350, but how do you come to that conclusion and in which way? A DCT (a MT will still beat, but it'll be closer) M4 will smoke a regular GT350 in a 1/4 mile straight line race and will easily hang with it on the track. In the hands of amateur drivers anyway. In the hands of pros a GT350 will beat an M4 on the track, but not by much.

The GT350R is probably a different story though.

How does a heavier car with less HP/TQ "smoke" a GT350?

 

[Minn19]

How does a heavier car with less HP/TQ "smoke" a GT350?

An M4 is not heavier than a GT350. Look, not trying to start a fight and the GT350 has many qualities that are much better than a M4. But straight line speed isn't one of them.

If you don't believe me find somebody with an M4 and I'm sure they'll be more then happy to race you at a local drag strip of course.

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