split between BMW 335i/Camaro/Mustang

[cprince]

I'm going to need to get a new car in the next year, and I need help deciding between:

1. 2010 BMW 335i sedan with the M sport package
2. 2010 Chevy Camaro 2SS with RS package
3. 2011 Ford Mustang GT with the Premium package

I'm assuming that the 2011 Mustang GT will have the new 5L 400HP "coyote" engine. The 335i will likely be a sedan instead of coupe. If I have money, I would get the M3, but I don't . Which one should I get?

 

[brblx]

i think it's hard to shop cars that aren't out yet.

also, just comparing base prices, there's what, a 12k discrepancy between current mustang gt and 335i? camaro ss is a little more than the mustang, but still not treading into the bmw's territory.

i think the mustang gives the most bang for the buck, but of course the 335's gonna be the nicer ride. but can you afford the upkeep (or the car itself- 40k is a hell of a lot to drop on a car if you're not making six figures a year)?

 

[RGUN]

Considering you havent told us what you value in a car, no one can help you. Based on the selections the only thing I can think of that would have you cross shop that is RWD, sporty. Let us know what is important to you, and we can help you.

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: brblx
i think it's hard to shop cars that aren't out yet.

also, just comparing base prices, there's what, a 12k discrepancy between current mustang gt and 335i? camaro ss is a little more than the mustang, but still not treading into the bmw's territory.

i think the mustang gives the most bang for the buck, but of course the 335's gonna be the nicer ride. but can you afford the upkeep (or the car itself- 40k is a hell of a lot to drop on a car if you're not making six figures a year)?

The upkeep on a 335i will be nonexistent, since all maintenance is free for the first four years or 60K miles. That said, it's a much more expensive car - a nicely equipped one is $50K. Personally I am much more a BMW guy than an American muscle guy (which is why I drive a BMW), but to each his own . . .

 

[Dr. Detroit]

Why not cross shop the 135i and save $6K. Quite the stubby pocket rocket.

The RS package on the Camaro comes unpainted and looks like ass. I've spent significant time within a 2SS Camaro and have to say its not my style at all but it is damn powerful and mod friendly!

I have to give the nod to the 2011 400HP Mustang. Lighter, brighter interior, love the refresh in looks, better gauges, available Nav system and superior stereo, hopefully it will have a 6spd manual in 2011 as well. Larger trunk, more usuable back seat, and you gotta love the available track pack. Mod firendly as well, and cheaper mods to boot but the 2011 engine mods will be spendy at first.

 

[zerocool84]

335i M Sport - $45,425
Chevy Camaro 2SS RS - $35,795

That's a big price difference for the 335i and also you're comparing totally different cars. 335i isn't even comparable to a Stang or Camaro.

Can't comment on the "new" Stang since it's not even out yet.

 

[alimoalem]

If you can afford the 335i, why would you consider the other 2 cars? Likes others have said, what do you want? And give a price range. There may be other cars to consider.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Originally posted by: zerocool84
335i isn't even comparable to a Stang or Camaro.

Yes you can.

 

[cprince]

Originally posted by: RGUN
Considering you havent told us what you value in a car, no one can help you. Based on the selections the only thing I can think of that would have you cross shop that is RWD, sporty. Let us know what is important to you, and we can help you.

Sorry. I forgot to mention what I'm looking for. Like you said, I like RWD, high performance, sporty cars that look good and under $50K. I've done some searching, and the only ones that I can think of are BMW 3-series, Camaro, and Mustang. I found the styling of the Genesis Coupe to be weak, and the Miata is too small. I don't dig the styling of the BMW 1-series as much as the 3-series, but I'll have to give it another look. If I'm going with BMW, I would lease the car instead of buying it.

 

[cprince]

Originally posted by: zerocool84

Can't comment on the "new" Stang since it's not even out yet.

The 2011 Mustang is the same as the 2010 except for more powerful V8 and V6 engines.

 

[overst33r]

Why not go test drive the current models?

IMO that should give you enough of an idea what you like about each of the cars. The mustang won't have 400hp, but the rest of the car can still be evaluated. Personally I think the price range is too wide to compare the 335i and mustang/camaro. As a daily driver I think the 335i will be superior, plus when you get tired of 330hp you can just chip it and have 400hp in the blink of an eye. (idk about warranty) Maintenance isn't really an issue since it is covered by BMW for the first 4 years. The only thing I see the camaro and mustang have over the 335i is the sound of a v8, and looks.

Are you considering slightly used cars?

 

[cprince]

Originally posted by: mariok2006
Why not go test drive the current models?

IMO that should give you enough of an idea what you like about each of the cars. The mustang won't have 400hp, but the rest of the car can still be evaluated. Personally I think the price range is too wide to compare the 335i and mustang/camaro. As a daily driver I think the 335i will be superior, plus when you get tired of 330hp you can just chip it and have 400hp in the blink of an eye. (idk about warranty) Maintenance isn't really an issue since it is covered by BMW for the first 4 years. The only thing I see the camaro and mustang have over the 335i is the sound of a v8, and looks.

Are you considering slightly used cars?

I don't really want a used BMW b/c it costs a lot to fix, and there's really no used Camaro. I'll go to test drive them all when I'm ready to lease/buy. Can you recommend any other cars that I miss?

 

[woodie1]

Get a BMW CPO - I think they have free maintenance too.

 

[sjwaste]

It's not free maintenance, folks. It's included in the price. You've just prepaid it.

 

[Malak]

I second the idea of going and test driving them. That will really determine what you want.

 

[lastig21]

Seems like a Corvette should fall in this price range too. I like its styling over either the Mustang or the Camaro.

You'll lose a good bit of power, but the Audi A5 is sexy as hell.

 

[amdhunter]

lol, the poll is exactly how I expected it to be.

 

[Dman877]

Second the Corvette. It'll run circles around all 3 of your choices.

 

[Doggiedog]

The new S4 is about $48K and a little better equipped than the 335i at that price.

Those are very strange cars to shop cross IMO.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

You might as well throw the S4/C350/135i in the mix as well, though its a strange mix of cars

 

[JulesMaximus]

There is no contest. BMW 335i is hands down far superior to either the Camaro or the Mustang.

 

[overst33r]

Originally posted by: cprince

Originally posted by: mariok2006
Why not go test drive the current models?

IMO that should give you enough of an idea what you like about each of the cars. The mustang won't have 400hp, but the rest of the car can still be evaluated. Personally I think the price range is too wide to compare the 335i and mustang/camaro. As a daily driver I think the 335i will be superior, plus when you get tired of 330hp you can just chip it and have 400hp in the blink of an eye. (idk about warranty) Maintenance isn't really an issue since it is covered by BMW for the first 4 years. The only thing I see the camaro and mustang have over the 335i is the sound of a v8, and looks.

Are you considering slightly used cars?

I don't really want a used BMW b/c it costs a lot to fix, and there's really no used Camaro. I'll go to test drive them all when I'm ready to lease/buy. Can you recommend any other cars that I miss?

Going by your rwd sports car and unusual choice in cars...

In order from most bang for the buck: Corvette, GT500, 370Z, Cayman, G37...

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Dman877
Second the Corvette. It'll run circles around all 3 of your choices.

And hold 2 fewer passengers and a fair amount of luggage. Unless you are tracking these cars running circles around them is pretty much meaningless.

 

[sjwaste]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Dman877
Second the Corvette. It'll run circles around all 3 of your choices.

And hold 2 fewer passengers and a fair amount of luggage. Unless you are tracking these cars running circles around them is pretty much meaningless.

OP said, a few responses down:

"Sorry. I forgot to mention what I'm looking for. Like you said, I like RWD, high performance, sporty cars that look good and under $50K."

That very clearly includes the Corvette. His scope is large.

 

[exdeath]

E46 M3 or 03-04 Cobra and call it a day.