MS3 v2 Mustang GT

[Pfft]

My brother in law is a salesman at a Ford dealer and in addition he can get me A-plan. When he heard I was shopping for the MS3 he immediately started talking the stang - as any good salesman should. I had my heart set on a MS3 but I gotta say, the stang is really tempting.

I can drive away in a Mustang GT Premium for the same price as a MS3 GT (which is what I was looking at). Maybe a tad more if I get one of the GT trim packages (18" wheels) for the stang but we're talking maybe $500 max. Its a little faster and the gas is a little worse, and only 5-speed. Rear wheel vs front wheel isn't a concern since I'll drive my Wrangler on snowy days. The stang engine and drivetrains are proven performers and reliable, and financing is better for the Fords right now. Insurance will be more for the stang.

From looks, I like both. The new stang is miles ahead of the last body model so I wouldn't have an issue there. There are obviously more stangs on the road then MS3 but still....

All things are not equal, but each has give and take. I understand there is bias in this forum, but I gotta ask you, if you could drive away in a stang paying the same, assuming you like the look of the stang, would you do it?

[Knox Joe]

Do you live where handling doesn't matter?

Because you forgot to mention the >1000lbs weigh difference.

[knowledge007]

No, I have not and would not ever purchase an American made car...

[SwampAss]

Do you live where handling doesn't matter?

Because you forgot to mention the >1000lbs weigh difference.



300lbs.


Pffft,

That sounds like a screaming deal on a mustang. If I were in your shoes, I'd probably go the mustang route. Performance per dollar you'd be hard pressed to match it. I love my MS3 but if you can get by with a 2 door sport coupe do it.

[Knox Joe]

Damn, didn't realze the MS3 was such a pig.

Yeah, get the Mustang.


Better yet, get an MSP. I raced a new Mustang GT through a few straights, and some long sweepers, and I left his ass.

[Pfft]

Do you live where handling doesn't matter?

Because you forgot to mention the >1000lbs weigh difference.

I'm a red-light racer, I don't race road courses; I am looking for 0-60 speed out of the car. The weight doesn't concern me unless it was seriously impacting the gas mileage. This would be the first I heard someone questioning the handling of the new Mustang; can you talk more about your thoughts on it? Car and Driver had favorable things to say about it.

[Knox Joe]

Handling, in a Mustang??!!!???

Are you F'en crazy. I've owned an older foxbody (read; best handling) Mustang, and driven a few new ones, they wallow in turns.

The Mustang slaloms at 65.3 mph, the MSP is 68.something. You tell me which one turns better.

[Knox Joe]

Oh, I was wrong about the weight though.

Mustang GT = 3500

MS3 = 3200


not much of a difference.

If it means anything, my MSP can stay next to a lighty modded Mustang GT 04' (I think they run stock high 13's or low 14's) from a stop. For much less money than you're going to spend on the Stang or MS3.

[BOOSTR]

I'd get the Mustang if I were you. There's a company called Maximum Motorsports that offers products to cure any perceived cornering deficiencies for any Mustang.

[CantCMe]

Mustang hands down. I love my Mazda, but for the price I'd take the Stang in a heartbeat, plus it's easier to modify if you choose that route.

[Knox Joe]

If your just a street light racer why spend all this money on a new car so you can break it?

Build you a cheap, and extremely fast Foxbody Mustang for a fraction of what it will cost you to buy a new one. Then just buy a nice economical low price daily driver.


My project right now is to find a decent foxbody (preferably an 89 LX) and put full road race suspension on it. Out of the box, the Mustangs are not as quick on a tight mountain backroad up here.


I used to do a lot of drag down home in Florida, but I got tired of going straight, and breaking shit.

[MM3Canuck]

What ever you do, post pics of your new vehicle!!!

Stang: Looks obviously more american, muscle car I suppose. Sound wise, the Stang defenitaly sounds 100x better than the Mazda. However, I love the BOV sound on the Mazda.

Mazda: More European (Nicer modern curves), performs very well and is fast!

[CTGrey02]

I'd get the Mustang if I were you. There's a company called Maximum Motorsports that offers products to cure any perceived cornering deficiencies for any Mustang.

I'll second that notion. Maximum Motorsports suspensions on a Mustang Body style will give you a car that will piss off a lot of people on the road courses. They're two totally different styles of cars. Mustangs are unrefined brutes with more than enough torque to make up the meager difference in weight, not to mention they put down what the MS3's engine is rated at to the wheels in stock form. A quick blower add on and your looking at 450 RWHP on the stock motor for only about 8 hours worth of work. Add in the RWD launch at the drag strip and you've definitely got a better sport oriented platform. The 5 speed does limit it however. As soon as I hit 135 MPH you might as well have a chute out.

That said... The MS3 has 4 doors and a hatch back with folding down rear seats. The Mustang can never match that kind of versatility. (Fox bodies came close with their awesome hatchbacks, but still only 2 doors). Fuel economy in all honesty is going to be about the same. With 400 RWHP in my GT I still get about 26 MPG when I drive with in the legal limits of the road. The engine simply doesn't need to rev to keep up with traffic. Loafing at 1700 RPM at 75 MPH is kinda amusing. Insurance is definitely cheaper with the MS3.

Either car will be tons of fun. If you dont need the utility, get the Mustang. If you move around a lot and want something that you can easily live with on a daily basis get the MS3. My GT stays in the garage half the year because it's just too much of a PITA to drive in traffic, and it has no business being outside in the winter. The MS3 is going to be my daily driver, thats how much faith I have in it.

[kobaq7]

Mustangs are one of the easiest cars to upgrade, no matter what year, they get more hp per $ also with upgrades, i love mazdas as well, but if i could get a new Mustang GT, i would. Go for it big guy.

[RogRacer]

I don't think you can really begin to compare these two cars. An MS3 is a 5-door hatch with a very strong practical side to it. The Mustang is anything but.

To me, cars should be practical. If I'm just interested in pure speed, I'll just hop on my sportbike.

So...the Mustang is really not a practical car, nor is it really that fast for the level of practicality it offers. Still, I like 'em....but it's not for me.

[TheDutchGun]

I had an MS3 on order until I decided on a 2006 Mustang GT. I got my Mustang for $1000 less sticker than the MS3 would have been. My car does not have leather and has an aftermarket Cervini's Ducktail spoiler as opposed to the factory one.

Other than the gas mileage, I'm very happy with my decision because I know that for another $10,000 or so, I can get my car close to 500 hp at the wheels including the appropriate suspension mods to handle the power.

[meha11]

if you get the mustang you will also get every asshole in the world trying to race you.
sit inside one and play with all the plasticy buttons and handles, look at the fake shitty chrome, to me the mustang represents pure cheap shit that is fast in a straight line until it breaks down the day after the warranty expires because thats what its designed to do.

MS3 does not stick out like a sore thumb to every boy racer, cop and thief. It is also very practical and will put a smile on your face when driving it.

i guess in a nutshell all i am saying is theres more reasons to own a car than it 0-60 time.

[Black_Protege_5]

I don't know. I drove the mustang when I was considering and it just felt sluggish and no road contact. Plus I hate that clutch. Thats why I went with the 350z. The stang did drift nicely though leaving the parking lot at the dealership though haha.

[CTGrey02]

if you get the mustang you will also get every asshole in the world trying to race you.
sit inside one and play with all the plasticy buttons and handles, look at the fake shitty chrome, to me the mustang represents pure cheap shit that is fast in a straight line until it breaks down the day after the warranty expires because thats what its designed to do.

MS3 does not stick out like a sore thumb to every boy racer, cop and thief. It is also very practical and will put a smile on your face when driving it.

i guess in a nutshell all i am saying is theres more reasons to own a car than it 0-60 time.

LOL No one ever pulls up to me to race unless I'm at a strip. Vettes and the like don't want to waste their gas on a GT, Civic's and such can't compete. They're everywhere so no one really cares much. "It's just another Mustang" They also blend in due to the fact theres so many on the road. Most people think they still have 5.0's in them or are 6 bangers.

Also, I'm 4K over the warranty period on mine. Running at twice the output I have no mechanical issues, my "cheap" interrior (last I checked the mazda's interrior was filled with plastic as well) has no creaks or weird noises, all very solid and still looks good in my opinion. My leather isn't all out of wack like everyones complaining about with the MS3 GT side bolsters. That said I care for it appropriately as well. Nor has my engine fallen out, lol

Neither car is better than the other, they just have different uses. That's why I'll have both as soon as it comes in.

[TampaBlackMSP]

Apples to Oranges - get what YOU want. :)

Imo - rear wheel drive and V8 torque for teh win! My next car will likely be this as well (not a stang, but having the other two)...

[TheDutchGun]

if you get the mustang you will also get every asshole in the world trying to race you.
sit inside one and play with all the plasticy buttons and handles, look at the fake shitty chrome, to me the mustang represents pure cheap shit that is fast in a straight line until it breaks down the day after the warranty expires because thats what its designed to do.

MS3 does not stick out like a sore thumb to every boy racer, cop and thief. It is also very practical and will put a smile on your face when driving it.

i guess in a nutshell all i am saying is theres more reasons to own a car than it 0-60 time.

Thats a pretty negative attitude. So what happens if you get an extended warranty then? Does the car wait to break down?

I guess some people just like having a 300 naturally aspirated horsepower baseline to start with and a cavernous engine bay to fit any performance adders you want.

[tsunami]

Thats a pretty negative attitude. So what happens if you get an extended warranty then? Does the car wait to break down?

I guess some people just like having a 300 naturally aspirated horsepower baseline to start with and a cavernous engine bay to fit any performance adders you want.



fo sure.... i say go with the gt if you can get it at the 23k price of the ms3 its a no brainer really...

[jhowey]

... Just in my experience and my witnessing of Ford's quality compared to Mazda's quality is not a competition, Ford lost how many billions last year??? why because they eat their ass in warranty issues and customers dump the car after warranty. So unless you plan on ditching the stang after warranty and you really really like rental cars, go with any mazda I dont care their all better.

[MS3Chik]

go for the mustang..youll love it!

[Hyun]

there is no reason to go mustang for power and spend 4-5g when there is srt8 charger out. Really, it's no brainer.

[MS3Chik]

srt8s arnt cheap!!!

[TheDutchGun]

there is no reason to go mustang for power and spend 4-5g when there is srt8 charger out. Really, it's no brainer.

That is an enormous price difference my friend. Also those are for old men who don't drive conventional stick anymore.

[MS3Chik]

Charger SRT8
MSRP* starting at: $38,695

[GhostMercury]

No, I have not and would not ever purchase an American made car...

i haven't read this whole thread but when i see shit like this it pisses me off. MAZDA IS OWNED BY FUCKING FORD.

[MS3Chik]

ford mustang msrp $27,620

[CTGrey02]

there is no reason to go mustang for power and spend 4-5g when there is srt8 charger out. Really, it's no brainer.

It's 4030 Pounds dude, lol Totally different class of car. Not to mention the price of entry for that behemoth

[kobaq7]

i haven't read this whole thread but when i see shit like this it pisses me off. MAZDA IS OWNED BY FUCKING FORD.

Thank you i was getting ready to post that until i read it...

[altspace]

Apples to oranges here. From personal experience, MS3 has a better build quality, especially interior fit and finish. That's where you're going to spend most of your time, right? Anyway, all has been stated already. Boils down to your own preference.

[matsuda]

Apples to oranges here. From personal experience, MS3 has a better build quality, especially interior fit and finish.
Is that why mine (and many others) have so many noises and rattles?

The Mustang has a well proven and reliable power train. As far as the little annoying things, the MS3's track record so far has been less than stellar (we won't talk about broken motor mounts).

[matsuda]

I don't think you can really begin to compare these two cars. An MS3 is a 5-door hatch with a very strong practical side to it. The Mustang is anything but.

Kind of like a S2000, eh?

Actually, you can put a lot of stuff in the rear of a Mustang. Yes, the hatch really opens.

[GhostMercury]

if you plan to mod the car get the mustang. it has more power N/A. plus its rear wheel drive so you dont have to worry about the usually FWD shit.

[Bakrauf]

All i ever owned up till now has been Fords and Mustangs. I love that new body style. But I have 2 kids and need four doors and more space for thier toys..lol. Mustangs around here start at 30,000. So for me it was a no brainer, Pay 21,000 for a MS3 or $10,000 more for a mustang.

Plus you see a mustang every five minutes now.

Is the mustang turning into a chick car? THe last 50 i have seen were all driven by women.

[CTGrey02]

All i ever owned up till now has been Fords and Mustangs. I love that new body style. But I have 2 kids and need four doors and more space for thier toys..lol. Mustangs around here start at 30,000. So for me it was a no brainer, Pay 21,000 for a MS3 or $10,000 more for a mustang.

Plus you see a mustang every five minutes now.

Is the mustang turning into a chick car? THe last 50 i have seen were all driven by women.

V6's yes... occasional automatic GT.. yes. The car just has broad appeal.

[Karma_hunden]

i drove my buddy's 06/07 mustang gt.

I also drove a MS3 yesterday on a meet from a dude that lurks here, dont know his username, i guess he'll reply when he sees this.

Stang: Linear power is nice, since turbo lag kinda drives me crazy every once in a while when i wanna give it a push a bit and have to wait (no need to downshift for a little push)...but once it hits spool the MS6 felt a bit faster to me. The sound of the car was nice, LOVE the V8 sound!! but i also love my BOV sound!! so it was kinda even, but the interior of the mustang gt felt cheaper, not to mention its 5-speed...it aint bad unless you become used to driving a 6spd, then it just feels like one of your testicles is missing. Car is so heavy it has hydrolic steering, which pretty much means you cant feel the road...you just move the wheel and in that direction you go. Not a good feeling when you're rolling with 300 ponies and 3500lbs.

MS3, loved the car, felt fast!! and i only got to drive it in 1st and 2nd gear (gay), which supposedly are the restricted gears. Loved the seats!! the only two things i didnt like was the handbrake's location...made me touch MS6Mike's thigh, who was my co-pilot..i guess it could be good if ya had a girl instead...LOL, anyways, also the steering feels like the one of a regular mazda3...with that much power, it kinda scared me when i took a curve...too smooth, but i used to own/drive a mazda3, and was used to the steering, so i guess my complaint comes from the hard steering in my MS6 that i got used to.

just my 2 cents. to each their own...buy what makes you feel good.

[matsuda]

... Just in my experience and my witnessing of Ford's quality compared to Mazda's quality is not a competition, Ford lost how many billions last year??? why because they eat their ass in warranty issues and customers dump the car after warranty. So unless you plan on ditching the stang after warranty and you really really like rental cars, go with any mazda I dont care their all better.

Let's see how Ford and Mazda really compare:

http://www.jdpower.com/autos/brand-ratings/

Just for fun, try comparing Mazda and Kia.

[Vixen]

All i ever owned up till now has been Fords and Mustangs. I love that new body style. But I have 2 kids and need four doors and more space for thier toys..lol. Mustangs around here start at 30,000. So for me it was a no brainer, Pay 21,000 for a MS3 or $10,000 more for a mustang.

Plus you see a mustang every five minutes now.

Is the mustang turning into a chick car? THe last 50 i have seen were all driven by women.

LOL@chick car.

[Pfft]

ford mustang msrp $27,620

Thats for the GT Premium. I am going the GT deluxe with the $100 3.55 limited slip ratio. $26,440 msrp. A-Plan is ~10%+ under sticker. This puts me around the $24k mark (or less) which is where the MS3 GT is at.

Listen, I know they're apples to oranges. 4 doors is nice, but I don't need it. The trunk is very roomy. I've been in both cars and they are both guilty of cheap interiors IMO. I will say the stang's seats can't compare to the MS3... I've got my Wrangler for the winters. Just kicking some conversation around. I understand its whatever I want, but the fact is I've never owned a sports car before so I end up comparing 4cyl turbos to 8cyl muscle cars. All I have to go by is cost and styling/comfort I like. The rest I look to forums like this to get opinions on the other pros and cons.

[mcb]

Decide if your gonna mod it or not... not 1000$ mods, they will be on par.

for more $$ prolly the stang is better especially for drag racing.

I drove a 2006 stang gt auto and now i own a ms3 and i dont think one is much faster than the other stock vs stock... feeling and sound on wot is a ++ on the stang, but i dont think they can handle the same way. The MS3 is more a daly driver than the stang imo.

as said before its apple to orange, choose and be happy

good luck!

p.s.:speaking of broken motor mount, have someone else ever experienced bent frame with a stock stang? ;)

[Betelgeuse]

Let's see how Ford and Mazda really compare:

http://www.jdpower.com/autos/brand-ratings/

Just for fun, try comparing Mazda and Kia.


I took a jd power survey so I've seen the questions first hand. I'll just say that I have a little less confidence in them now. IMO it should be taken with a shovel of salt.

Anyway I agree, Ford is a good company and makes good products despite their tarnished reputation and yes Ford has a big influence on Mazda as do Mazda on Ford. Right now, they need each other more than anyone thinks. My biggest problem with Ford is their designs. Except for the mustangs, and their really hign-end sports cars, there really isn't anything else I'd consider pleasing to the eye. My sister has an 1997 v6 mustang with around 60k miles and it runs like a charm. She takes good care of it though.

To the OP: It really comes down to what you really want. Both are fast in a straight line however the Mustang has the edge and a lot more potential. The ms3 isn't the easiest to launch whereas the Mustang is a breeze considering it's rear wheel drive. Practicality goes to the ms3 though but the Mustang has more of a sports car image. Either one will serve you well imo.

[Karma_hunden]

yes ban him!!

[WildChild]

I looked at the stang before I bought my MS3. I couldn't get over how cheap the interior looked and felt.

[knowledge007]

One of the many reasons I do not purchase american made cars...

[TheDutchGun]

All i ever owned up till now has been Fords and Mustangs. I love that new body style. But I have 2 kids and need four doors and more space for thier toys..lol. Mustangs around here start at 30,000. So for me it was a no brainer, Pay 21,000 for a MS3 or $10,000 more for a mustang.

Plus you see a mustang every five minutes now.

Is the mustang turning into a chick car? THe last 50 i have seen were all driven by women.

Mustang = Normal Dudes

MS3 = "Nerds with money" and Metrosexuals.

[CTGrey02]

Guess I should start shopping for curtains and getting my nails done then. heh

[kobaq7]

mustangs now a days are for late teen to mid 20s women, and middle aged men who still think their cool

[SwampAss]

Mustang = Normal Dudes

MS3 = "Nerds with money" and Metrosexuals.



I was going to throw the flag here and realized...Oh yeah. haha. (I don't have gel in my hair if that clues you into which one I am)

[nate0123]

I drove one of the new mustangs and found the cabin to be completely claustrophobic. Very minimal view of the road, and it felt like I was sitting in a tub with how high the belt-line was. Not fun to drive at all.

[jred321]

mustangs now a days are for late teen to mid 20s women, and middle aged men who still think their cool
they always were weren't they? wasn't it carol shelby who called it a secretary's car? plus the MS3 is a station wagon so i don't think there's much of an argument in this arena



Listen, I know they're apples to oranges. 4 doors is nice, but I don't need it. The trunk is very roomy. I've been in both cars and they are both guilty of cheap interiors IMO. I will say the stang's seats can't compare to the MS3... I've got my Wrangler for the winters. Just kicking some conversation around. I understand its whatever I want, but the fact is I've never owned a sports car before so I end up comparing 4cyl turbos to 8cyl muscle cars. All I have to go by is cost and styling/comfort I like. The rest I look to forums like this to get opinions on the other pros and cons.
given that, get the stang. also fwd + power isn't anywhere near as much fun as rwd + power

[79_Limited]

You better compare the insurance rates between the two. I hear the Mustang can get ugly depending on your driving record.

[BOOSTR]

That's true with any car; insurance premium is heavily influenced by individual driver record and claim history. Mustang GT has a higher MSRP than the MS3, so that would explain the difference driving records being equal.

I don't know about secretary cars or wagons. But either one wouldn't be a bad choice really when you think about it. They'll both be fun to drive in their own ways. Similar horsepower and torque numbers but different platforms.

I've enjoyed my Mustang for 19 years. Having boost is fun too!

[meha11]

Thats a pretty negative attitude. So what happens if you get an extended warranty then? Does the car wait to break down?

LOL. Yes thats exactly what happens.

Someone said something about ford owning mazda, my own theory on this is that the likes of ford and GM buy a controlling stake in other manufactures as they are struggling to compete, they end up buying the skills of many very talented and diverse engineers and designers. If they cant beat them just buy them out, there are some poor US cars but they do it deliberately, not because they cant.

Many American consumers look upon a vehicle purchase differently than people from other nations, here everything is disposable and driving style is generally different which i think is why the products are not as good here-European focus V's USA focus for example.

All that being said its just my personnel opinion and so is this- Buy the Mazda.

[SSMS3]

Funny, I just sold a 400+rwhp Mustang to get the MS3

[RogRacer]

Kind of like a S2000, eh?

Actually, you can put a lot of stuff in the rear of a Mustang. Yes, the hatch really opens.


So are you saying a 2-door Mustang coupe is as practical as the MS3?

Most likely you are saying they are "close-enough"....maybe that's true for *you*....but I'm willing to wager the vast majority of the car buying public would think you are nuts.

I always get a kick out of peope that ignore (or minimize) the practical aspect of car purchases. If you carry that to it's conclusion....just go get a liter sportbike and end this consersation here and now.
(idhitit)

[CTGrey02]

Funny, I just sold a 400+rwhp Mustang to get the MS3


Too bad you couldnt keep it. I'm starting quite the collection here, lol

[CTGrey02]

So are you saying a 2-door Mustang coupe is as practical as the MS3?

Most likely you are saying they are "close-enough"....maybe that's true for *you*....but I'm willing to wager the vast majority of the car buying public would think you are nuts.

I always get a kick out of peope that ignore (or minimize) the practical aspect of car purchases. If you carry that to it's conclusion....just go get a liter sportbike and end this consersation here and now.
(idhitit)


The fox body hatches were more practical than anything from 94 on up, but they still dont have 4 doors and the back seats are useless. My friend thats 6'2 " drove my GT yesterday and his knees were in the dash board with his seat all the way back. (granted the 05's have more room) The Mazda has a lot more room, even being a smaller car.

[matsuda]

So are you saying a 2-door Mustang coupe is as practical as the MS3?


Well...

They are certainly a lot more practical than a S2000, Miata, or MR2.
If you flip down the rear seats, you can cram a fair amount of stuff in the rear.

For 4 people, of course the MS3 wins hands down.

[bustanut]

the 06 and newer mustangs have a big hp increase over earlier models right? Anyways i think the new gt's look really good but still went with the ms3. How about that new cobra, stiker price at only 40 some thousand but there all selling for 65k plus i heard. Does the gt come with limitied slip? is it the 4.6 motor? Sorry for turning this into a mustang forum

[bustanut]

the 06 and newer mustangs have a big hp increase over earlier models right? Anyways i think the new gt's look really good but still went with the ms3. How about that new cobra, stiker price at only 40 some thousand but there all selling for 65k plus i heard. Does the gt come with limitied slip? is it the 4.6 motor? Sorry for turning this into a mustang forum

[CTGrey02]

They have 40 crank HP over the 99-04 GT's. They also weigh more and are bigger cars. The seats go back further to accommodate normal sized people now and they should have traction-loc differentials in the back with 3:55 gearing if I remember correctly. As nice as they are, don't bother with the Shelby's. Way too expensive with the dealer markups. With out it they'd easily be affordable. The GT's have a 3 valve per cylinder over head cam with variable valve timing 4.6. An 8 hour blower install should net you about 450 USABLE horsepower at the wheels... on the stock block. I've seen cars with 500+ on the stock block as well. Not bad for an extra 4000 bucks.

[Mocoso]

This thread makes for some fun reading.. a lot of comedic comments being posted...

Borrowing a few quotes....
"Mustang = Normal Dudes
MS3 = "Nerds with money" and Metrosexuals.
...
mustangs now a days are for late teen to mid 20s women, and middle aged men who still think their cool
"
So can we make up our minds here? I really need to know if Im driving as a "nerd with money", a metrosexual car, or if Im just normal damn it! (outie)

And on the whole Mustang/SRT8/MS3 punks trying to race you etc... I doubt you will get a lot of people to race you in the Mustang less you are the one instigating it, the MS3 on the other hand will get you noticed by those who "know" what it is - (a lot of the souped up rice rocket crowd), and the SRT8... you will just get laughed at a lot... in general though I doubt you will need to worry about it becoming an issue in either car. Just too many Mustangs out there for it to be an issue.

Well keep posting the amusing comments... some are trully priceless(outie)

[fourthmeal]

For what its worth, I had the same dilemma when I ended up purchasing mine. I knew I would have to sell my motorcycle for a car, so it was either the EVO, STi, Legacy GT, MS3, 350Z, or Mustang GT. I've owned a 2000 GT before, w/ mods here and there, and it really was a great car. I only sold it because I was at a difficult time in my life at that time, but I should've held on to it.

That said, I test drove the Mustang GT before taking delivery of the MS3. In fact, I spotted the MS3 that I wanted to drive while testing the Mustang. Bottom line is the Mustang is just a great car, but it has a lot of compromises. I personally HATE fwd, and the lack of feeling and control it leaves me with at times. However, I do love turbos! I also appreciate more space available, and the "stealth" nature of the MS3, especially in silver.

Handling wise, the GT really doesn't compete in stock trim, though it isn't bad. Its a good car overall, but it just doesn't have the polish of the MS3.

The car I'd most go with right now, at this exact moment, would be the new EVO. That new body style is so damn sexy, its hard not to lust after it. Yeah its more, but its AWD, and my gut feeling is the MS3 should be as well.

[Karma_hunden]

...but its AWD, and my gut feeling is the MS3 should be as well.

yep, but we stole your thunder :D

[JPMotorSport]

About the MS3 vs the Mustang,

it all comes down to what your vehicular needs are.

Do you need utility? The need to comfortably transport passengers/cargo? Will you need a usable trunk?

The GT is slightly faster, but after owning a Mustang for 4-5 yrs, I'm very happy with my MS6.

The mustang will definitely pull off the sports car look - and it sounds like this wont be your only car, it should all come down to which would you prefer to drive.