2008 M3 vs 2008 Ford Shelby GT500

[96OCTNE]

Does anyone here disagree with me when I say the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 (supercharged) is slightly slower than the 2008 BMW M3 (N/A)? IMO the M3 is a better all around car but my coworker believes his GT500 is faster. He has already challenged me to a drag race at the track (once i get my car next month and after the break-in period).

[BMW-videos.com]

Ehh, maybe slightly slower. I'm sure it weighs a good amount more. Good amount more power and torque, i'd say it's going to be pretty close.

[AMJ_77]

they quote the 0-60 at 4.3 or so for the gt500, should be close, could be a drivers race

[GnokGnik]

If he beats you for some odd reason, ask him for a re-match around a track.

[Hammer]

Originally Posted by GnokGnik

If he beats you for some odd reason, ask him for a re-match around a track.

Afaik the shelby takes stock around 4.5 - 4.7 for 100km/h
bmw around 4,4-4,8 so it could be close but i ´d bet on the bimmer.

as stated above, the bimmer is the much better overall car, less plastic, more leather, less brute force, more finesse and elegance, they are two worlds.

Arnold Schwarzenegger versus Bruce Lee

[hellrotm]

Tell him sure, I'll meet you at your drag strip of choice. If you meet me at my road course of choice.

Then see how far apart each car is in each discipline.

Drag strip, would be very close. Road course, he doesn't stand a chance.

Also do a race from roll, at 30mph.

[JEllis]

Originally Posted by 96OCTNE

Does anyone here disagree with me when I say the 2008 Ford Shelby GT500 (supercharged) is slightly slower than the 2008 BMW M3 (N/A)? IMO the M3 is a better all around car but my coworker believes his GT500 is faster. He has already challenged me to a drag race at the track (once i get my car next month and after the break-in period).

I used to be an avid GT500 fan a few years ago. So much so that I looked into get one. However, then all the news about the new M3 came out and I couldnt help myself.

That being said, I frequented a lot of Mustang forums searching for info on the GT500. Based on what I have seen the magazine 1/4mi acceleration numbers for the GT500 stock are about right. However, this really comes down to the driver as the GT500 is hard to get off the line smoothly. Also, with only a set of drag radials some drivers have been able to get low 12's to high 11's stock!!! I know, its nuts but proves the point that traction is really the issue for the GT500. Driver experience and track setup will play a big factor in your race.

Bottom line, I would be a little weary about racing him. If you have a DCT on the way then I would be a little more confident due to the launch control and the added confidence that you wont miss-shift. Either way, it will be a very close race indeed..... let us know how it turns out...

Jason

[SteelTorque]

From what I've seen at the track, most stock GT500's run high 12's as they have a lot of traction problems.

I think it will be a drivers race.

[Davinhci]

Originally Posted by GnokGnik

If he beats you for some odd reason, ask him for a re-match around a track.

das a sure win!

[RealSanaii]

They weigh about 3950 pounds...Even with 500 HP, they can't even beat a stock C6 Corvettes.

[icemang17]

GT500 is a pure drag car.....solid axle with big power and big weight too...most are 4000lbs.... depending on the mods to the GT500 (more power, drag radials, etc) and how skilled of a drag racer the owner is you might loose by a tiny bit........

However add something longer than 1/4 mile with turns and braking zones and the GT500 will quickly fall WAY off pace.....

http://www.fastestlaps.com/track9.html
http://www.fastestlaps.com/track1.html

There are no direct lap to lap comparisons, but cars that beat the GT500 are slower than an E92 M3 on other tracks

[BMW-videos.com]

I'd take the m3 over it if I had a choice any day.

[Big Windy]

Originally Posted by BMW-videos.com

I'd take the m3 over it if I had a choice any day.

i think most of us would...still, the gt500 will probably win on a drag. the track is another story entirely.

[RealSanaii]

Originally Posted by Big Windy

i think most of us would...still, the gt500 will probably win on a drag. the track is another story entirely.

Not according to the magazine times.

Most stock GT500 does quatermile in 12.8 seconds at 113 mph just like M3 w/ manual does.

It will be a driver race.

[Big Windy]

Originally Posted by RealSanaii

It will be a driver race.

big time

[JEllis]

Originally Posted by RealSanaii

Not according to the magazine times.

Most stock GT500 does quatermile in 12.8 seconds at 113 mph just like M3 w/ manual does.

It will be a driver race.

The problem with the magazine times is that they were done with a completely 100% streetable car. Meaning that they didnt even let any air of the rear tires to aid in traction off of the line. Most magazine tests are not done on a prepped drag strip either. As discussed the GT500's main issue is getting off of the line. Stock GT500's with drag radials frequently get low 12's and high 11's which goes to show how much traction is playing a factor. Even letting some air out of the tires or competing on a well prepped track is going to seriously help the GT500 while the mentioned benefits wont help a well balanced car like the M3 much....

In the end I believe it will still be a drivers race but I wouldnt take the magazine times to seriously.....

Jason

[zadam12]

i havent been in the new m3 yet even tho ill have mine in a month or so... but i did get to take a cobra 500 out with a friend one day and all i can say is that car is faassst and the torque is great, i cant forget the feeling of the g's pullin on ur face ... if the m3 is anywhere close to it i will be very happy

[BMW F22]

Why not take your co-worker to a track and duke it out there?

[PowerLex]

Those GT500's are drag cars, especially with the live axle. I witnessed a bone stock GT500 pull consistent 12.1-12.3 quarter mile times one night at the strip. The fastest real life, non professional time, I have ever seen out of a new M3 is like 13 flat, or maybe 12.8. Let's face it they are not suited for drag racing, but are still damn fast.

I think you could make it close if you are a great driver and your friend is just an ok shifter. But I think you are definitely at a disadvantage on the drag strip.

Circuit track on the other hand, hands down M3.

[M3V8]

I was wondering the same outcome. I was on the 101N in hollywood in the afternoon this sunday and some Shelby (White with blue stripes) hit me up on the freeway. I didn't bite because there were way too many cars on the fwy. My girl and I just kept laughing at him because he kept gunning it (about 4x) next to me. He decided to exit somewhere around Hollywood blvd.
What would the outcome be from a roll on?

[Bunkei]

Short of racing a Honda Civic, most races will be determined by driver's skill.

Just a reminder, the GT500, like most Mustangs, are not strangers to a road course. If the driver is competent, it will be just as competitive there as it is in a drag race.

[1ne]

Going fast and in a straight line is always fun. But it's more fun going fast into corners. I doubt the GT500 can out corner a M3.

My .02