[Jason]

Performance Coupe Showdown: 2023 BMW M2 vs. 2024 Ford Mustang Dark Horse

The 453-hp BMW M2 and the 500-hp Ford Mustang Dark Horse take performance coupes to new heights.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...ng-dark-horse/

[M2 SoCal]

I already saw the Hagerty drag race video the results speak for themselves.

[stark_c]

I honestly don’t think normal people cross shop mustang with M cars. Either you do German or you do American muscle.

[c1pher]

This is interesting. Although the cars cost mid $70ks, you could save money and get more comfort on the BMW by not getting the carbon seats and save money on the Dark Horse by just getting the GT for similar performance.
“ The Dark Horse costs over $15,000 more than a similarly optioned Mustang GT and barely beats the GT's performance. There always has to be a second place, but we wouldn't call the Dark Horse a loser. Both coupes supply the type of driving experience we love, and we're willing to give up a bit of comfort, some fuel economy, and a little of our hearing to experience it. But the M2 requires less sacrifice to enjoy the same performance and is a better time when you're just trundling home on a clogged freeway. It's more comfortable, more refined, and easier to drive to its limits. The BMW takes the win, but if you fall hard for the Mustang's V-8, we completely understand.”

While I love what the idea of Mustang delivers, somewhat like a Corvette, it no longer seems to be a budget muscle car. I remember a GT 10 years ago would cost low $30k, while the BMW 135i was in the mid $40k range.

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by stark_c

I honestly don’t think normal people cross shop mustang with M cars. Either you do German or you do American muscle.

I guess I’m weird. I cross shop lots of cars like this.

[Montaver]

The M2 is an absolute performance bargain, especially when you compare it to the M3/M4. It’s not been de-contented in the way the F87 was (adaptive dampers, carbon roof option, interior quality, 3 series HK sound, full fat S58 from the get go etc) and the engine is well underrated. You also get bullet proof cooling, brakes (with ducts), full M traction, G series chassis rigidity and bracing from the M4 etc.

[Scrapula]

Originally Posted by c1pher

While I love what the idea of Mustang delivers, somewhat like a Corvette, it no longer seems to be a budget muscle car. I remember a GT 10 years ago would cost low $30k, while the BMW 135i was in the mid $40k range.

I bought my first Mustang GT in 1982 for $8,500. It was the year Ford brought back the V8 after years of anemic engines. I was young and it was my last Mustang before I moved on to other brands.

[AZG87]

As a person that came from a modded s550 much faster than the Dark Horse and traded in/up for the G87 I still say it's a no brainer and would do it again. Much nicer interior, more refined power delivery despite lower raw power, more nimble and fun. Really the only thing I still miss is the over all sound of a v8 with long tubes but this little 6 with twins wakes up even with a simple EL mid.

[Bimmerfun82]

M2:
“easier to drive quickly”
“quicker”
“more playful”
15-20k less expensive

[DrewNewM2]

Originally Posted by c1pher

I guess I’m weird. I cross shop lots of cars like this.

I am weird as well. I was looking at GT350s, Mach1s, G80, Supra, Cadillac Vs, used Z06… I’ve owned a bunch of Modified Subarus too. I like all different cars

[NSX2M4]

Spoiler alert:
1 of them is a rental car with body kit and wing.
Call me old, but nobody wants an obnoxious exhaust note for a double duty car anymore. The pony car sounds great for like 5 minutes though.
Just buy a normal pony car, throw a blower and brembo's on it, done.

[G30M]

would have been more appropriate to take on a similar sized M4?

[///M TOWN]

Originally Posted by G30M

would have been more appropriate to take on a similar sized M4?

You’re not wrong…

[Bahn360Photo]

Originally Posted by c1pher

This is interesting. Although the cars cost mid $70ks, you could save money and get more comfort on the BMW by not getting the carbon seats and save money on the Dark Horse by just getting the GT for similar performance.
“ The Dark Horse costs over $15,000 more than a similarly optioned Mustang GT and barely beats the GT's performance. There always has to be a second place, but we wouldn't call the Dark Horse a loser. Both coupes supply the type of driving experience we love, and we're willing to give up a bit of comfort, some fuel economy, and a little of our hearing to experience it. But the M2 requires less sacrifice to enjoy the same performance and is a better time when you're just trundling home on a clogged freeway. It's more comfortable, more refined, and easier to drive to its limits. The BMW takes the win, but if you fall hard for the Mustang's V-8, we completely understand.”

While I love what the idea of Mustang delivers, somewhat like a Corvette, it no longer seems to be a budget muscle car. I remember a GT 10 years ago would cost low $30k, while the BMW 135i was in the mid $40k range.

I agree with most of your points. At the same time you can get m240 and its similar to m2 and much cheaper. It really goes along with have to pay to play.

Definitely agree with not getting ad ons like cf seats etc.

Bmw m cars are one of if not the best all around at giving driver smiles on the streets and standing their ground on the track.

I drive gt350 few times and it’s a terrible car on the streets, I would say it’s garbage. On the track it’s more fun but not nearly as fun as m4(that what I had to compare to) and m4 is a great cruiser.

Ford is doing very well with mustangs and I’m glad they took position to keep budget muscle alive. Base GT is great bang for a buck, anything else I think there are better options per price

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by Bahn360Photo

I agree with most of your points. At the same time you can get m240 and its similar to m2 and much cheaper. It really goes along with have to pay to play.

Definitely agree with not getting ad ons like cf seats etc.

Bmw m cars are one of if not the best all around at giving driver smiles on the streets and standing their ground on the track.

I drive gt350 few times and it’s a terrible car on the streets, I would say it’s garbage. On the track it’s more fun but not nearly as fun as m4(that what I had to compare to) and m4 is a great cruiser.

Ford is doing very well with mustangs and I’m glad they took position to keep budget muscle alive. Base GT is great bang for a buck, anything else I think there are better options per price

I have a 911 and hardly anyone says anything to me when I drive it. When I’m in the M2. I get thumbs up from other drivers, people compliment the M2, ask all kinds of questions or strike up conversations. I am surprised how many people know what an M2 even is as sort of a niche car. This morning, some guy wanted me to visit his boat dealership because he had a similar white/black speedboat and take photos of them together. I was like well I’m on my way somewhere else but thanks….stalker?

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by stark_c

I honestly don’t think normal people cross shop mustang with M cars. Either you do German or you do American muscle.

Never understood this. Pledging allegiance to a niche of cars is just clubbing your kneecaps and depriving you of what's good out there

I cross shop both. The DH is too heavy, the interior is a step back, and the engine isn't bespoke enough. The M2 has a broken face and rear. Hope Ford releases a better Mustang and hope BMW fixes the M2's looks, then I'll cross shop them again

Shame both cars feel like a step forward and back at the same time versus their predecessors

[Year's_End]

Originally Posted by Bahn360Photo

I drive gt350 few times and it’s a terrible car on the streets, I would say it’s garbage. On the track it’s more fun but not nearly as fun as m4(that what I had to compare to) and m4 is a great cruiser.

Garbage? Lmao

Besides tramlining, it feels no different than a GT on public roads. Nothing trumps a good sounding engine, good steering feel, good brakes, good suspension tuning, and a good manual on a public road

Unless you want more refinement, but then you have to drive like you want to go to jail to have fun

[Ravenseal]

I remember when a Mustang GT was $29,000, not that long ago. Now they're at 80k? Lol.

[stark_c]

Originally Posted by Year's_End

Never understood this. Pledging allegiance to a niche of cars is just clubbing your kneecaps and depriving you of what's good out there

I cross shop both. The DH is too heavy, the interior is a step back, and the engine isn't bespoke enough. The M2 has a broken face and rear. Hope Ford releases a better Mustang and hope BMW fixes the M2's looks, then I'll cross shop them again

Shame both cars feel like a step forward and back at the same time versus their predecessors

Not particularly about pledging alliance or fanboy a brand, they drive very differently, simple as that. Muscle cars are a different breed. Driving dynamics preference does exist.

[TX552]

Waiting for EV lovers to say these cars ain’t shit my battery pack cars are the coolest on my block

[G30M]

the Dark Horse would be a great complement to my EV6 GT, but my fake M5 non competition is in the way ....

[AndriTheGiant]

The mustang looks great but overall the M2 is better/handling and the interior quality looks better in my opinion.