2024 Dark Horse Mustang vs 2023 BMW M2 - Car and Driver Comparison Review

[Dave2013M3]

They have a scheduled maintenance for each model. Some things are pretty ridiculous like oil change every 10,000 miles. I couldnt wait that long and did one every 5k paying for the extra one out of my pocket. Dealer charged me $300 per oil change. Indy shop $200. Mercedes also recommends changing oil every 10k miles but dealer charged me $500 for each extra oil change (for a 2.0l 4 banger ). Bmw "includes" maintenance for 3 years but with limitations like this.

That's what I do. Dealer here charges $200.

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[Polo08816]

You all have not seen the 2025 on a track... It will roast an M2

Tesla Model 3 Performance vs BMW M3 Competition — Track Battle — Cammisa's Ultimate Comparison Test

That is actually really impressive.

I've watched that video before.

You won't see a Model 3 on the track because EVs are banned at all the tracks within 300 miles of the DC metro area.

And even if it could be faster than a G87 M2 for 1 or 2 laps, there's no way I'm paying $600+ in track entry fees for a weekend just to do 1 or 2 laps at that pace. I'm expecting consistent pace for 4-5 sessions of 20-25mins per day.

 

[Mustang406]

I've watched that video before.

You won't see a Model 3 on the track because EVs are banned at all the tracks within 300 miles of the DC metro area.

And even if it could be faster than a G87 M2 for 1 or 2 laps, there's no way I'm paying $600+ in track entry fees for a weekend just to do 1 or 2 laps at that pace. I'm expecting consistent pace for 4-5 sessions of 20-25mins per day.

Like I said earlier I wouldn't take an EV to a track day but compared to the previous model that could barely do a lap it is impressive. I'm surprised they could drift that car to be completely honest.

Still rather have the M2 or DH in this case though lol.

 

[robvas]

In a straight line acceleration test, sure. But what skilled driver is buying a G87 M2 or DH just to drive in a straight line.

Way more people than are "real drivers" and doing track days.

 

[robvas]

LOL that does sound awful. I don't like the 130 decible raspy sound either. I dont like how X pipes sound on the 5.0 in general. And I agree with you the 4.6 might be one of the best sounding exhaust notes of all time.

Kind of funny how That1320Chick talks about them sounding like boats here

 

[Dave2013M3]

Schirmer M2 running a sub 7 second BTG.

Yes, I do realize this car is pretty modded. Not just aero but they cut 100kg out of the car. Engine is stock, but it really doesn't need more power just a diet.

 

[Jonyxz]

Pretty modded...just a bit

Both the M2 and DH are amazing sports cars and of the very few that are still offered with a manual.
I got quickly tired of the M3 mainly because the carbon bucket seats are not meant for a daily driver but also because it just didnt make me happy as the mustang does.
After owning this dark horse for a week I realize how much I missed owning a v8 and amazed of how more confident I feel with this car compared to the M3. The M3 rolled more, the manual was rubbery and more vague and the rear end didnt feel as planted(but thats part of their philosophy). The G80 platform felt as if it was studied around an automatic transmission(ZF8 is miles better than a 10R80) and a manual was just slapped there with not much effort. The Tremec on the DH is in another league and its just the way this car is meant to be.
The Ms are refined and precise machines but this dark horse is so predictable and composed while also feeling like a beast at the same time(grinning).
Price is high but the package is amazing. A modern trackable muscle car with all the goodies.

Ps: lets not even get into the looks...beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I think its hard for a car to look much better than this.

 

[Polo08816]

Pretty modded...just a bit

Both the M2 and DH are amazing sports cars and of the very few that are still offered with a manual.
I got quickly tired of the M3 mainly because the carbon bucket seats are not meant for a daily driver but also because it just didnt make me happy as the mustang does.
After owning this dark horse for a week I realize how much I missed owning a v8 and amazed of how more confident I feel with this car compared to the M3. The M3 rolled more, the manual was rubbery and more vague and the rear end didnt feel as planted(but thats part of their philosophy). The G80 platform felt as if it was studied around an automatic transmission(ZF8 is miles better than a 10R80) and a manual was just slapped there with not much effort. The Tremec on the DH is in another league and its just the way this car is meant to be.
The Ms are refined and precise machines but this dark horse is so predictable and composed while also feeling like a beast at the same time(grinning).
Price is high but the package is amazing. A modern trackable muscle car with all the goodies.

Ps: lets not even get into the looks...beauty is in the eye of the beholder but I think its hard for a car to look much better than this.

I personally believe the Mustang looks better than the G87 M2 or the G80 M3.

Again, I think the DH is an amazing car. It just needs to be far more competitive on price.

Part of the reason why I monitor the Mustang forums is to see if 1. Ford increases production of the DH and 2. if there's news of Ford bringing a more halo-esque Mustang to the market which would have an impact on the demand of the DH.

It happened to the F150 Raptors where even Granger Ford was asking for MSRP on F150 Raptors until this year when they started to advertise $2000 off MSRP on the F150 Faptors. I can see F150 Raptors going for invoice next year and then below invoice in 2026+.

I think this trend will eventually happen on the DHs in 1-3 years where we see invoice pricing and then below invoice pricing.

At that point, I'll opt for a DH over a G87 M2.

I'm okay with the DH being slower than the G87 M2 on track (with equal tires) because I'm more into long term ownership and I see the DH being the better overall package (when the price becomes competitive).

 

[Jonyxz]

I personally believe the Mustang looks better than the G87 M2 or the G80 M3.

Again, I think the DH is an amazing car. It just needs to be far more competitive on price.

Part of the reason why I monitor the Mustang forums is to see if 1. Ford increases production of the DH and 2. if there's news of Ford bringing a more halo-esque Mustang to the market which would have an impact on the demand of the DH.

It happened to the F150 Raptors where even Granger Ford was asking for MSRP on F150 Raptors until this year when they started to advertise $2000 off MSRP on the F150 Faptors. I can see F150 Raptors going for invoice next year and then below invoice in 2026+.

I think this trend will eventually happen on the DHs in 1-3 years where we see invoice pricing and then below invoice pricing.

At that point, I'll opt for a DH over a G87 M2.

I'm okay with the DH being slower than the G87 M2 on track (with equal tires) because I'm more into long term ownership and I see the DH being the better overall package (when the price becomes competitive).

I paid the same amount for my new loaded DH as a 2 years used "base" M3. Now that I owned both I honestly dont think the price is unfair for the car you get.
However, when you take a bmw to get serviced you find marble floors, leather couches and get offered beer and wine(or an uber)while waiting. Ford has some catchup to do in that department.

 

[Rocket Man]

but YOU pay for those marble floors and after warranty, every repair and maintenance service is out of this world

 

[Jonyxz]

but YOU pay for those marble floors and after warranty, every repair and maintenance service is out of this world

And a crate S58 engine is 3 times more expensive than a Coyote. Its pretty bulletproof but the Dark Horse Coyote is also supposed to be pretty stout.

 

[Polo08816]

And a crate S58 engine is 3 times more expensive than a Coyote. Its pretty bulletproof but the Dark Horse Coyote is also supposed to be pretty stout.

The problem with this is that if you blow up a S58, you'll have to replace the turbos too and that will be a $30-40k bill. You might as well toss the car in a car shredder at that point.

 

[Polo08816]

https://g87.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2147107&page=3

I see more and most posts (as well as advertisements from a well known BMW auto broker) about getting 5-6% off MSRP on G87 M2s. It makes it more challenging to justify the DH unless that comes down in price.

I think my picks for the following price segments (based on actual market selling prices) are:

$60-65k: G87 M2
$70-80k: C8 Z51
$90-100k: 718 Cayman GTS 4.0

 

[Farmer Fran]

https://g87.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2147107&page=3

I see more and most posts (as well as advertisements from a well known BMW auto broker) about getting 5-6% off MSRP on G87 M2s. It makes it more challenging to justify the DH unless that comes down in price.

I think my picks for the following price segments (based on actual market selling prices) are:

$60-65k: G87 M2
$70-80k: C8 Z51
$90-100k: 718 Cayman GTS 4.0

You can get a base Z06 for about 100K

 

[Rocket Man]

sorry Fran, you can't. They start at 110 and good luck finding one with so few options that they are less than 120. Sure you can order one, but who orders a complete stripper. no one.

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