If you were a journalist, what would you compare it to?

If you were a journalist, what would you compare it to?

Author
Discussion

VUB

Original Poster:

69 posts

169 months

Thursday 31st December 2015
quotequote all
I mean those reports where the motoring journalists take 3 similar cars and help us all decide which is the best. So, 3 hot hatches or 3 convertible sports cars, 3 mid range estates and so on.

I struggle really to think of anything that compares in terms of type of car and price. And I am only thinking RHD and generally available in the UK.

I did read one report where it was put head to head with an M2. Stupid. Two completely different cars!

Broda

139 posts

113 months

Thursday 31st December 2015
quotequote all
RS5 & M4

Mike_Mac

664 posts

207 months

Thursday 31st December 2015
quotequote all
According to Auto Express, it's the BMW M235i...

ftypical

457 posts

125 months

Thursday 31st December 2015
quotequote all
Well, on price - yes.


slowhand99

242 posts

115 months

Thursday 31st December 2015
quotequote all
The only comparison for me is between having a Mustang, and not having a Mustang. The journos don't generally get that.

Gibbo205

3,572 posts

214 months

Thursday 31st December 2015
quotequote all
The lowest price:

A5/S5 V8 Coupe or A4/S4 V8 couple if such a thing exist any more, they are probably all 6 cylinder turbo's now.

BMW 4 series, say 335i, M4, but again not V8 and 60k vs 35k.

Mercedes C63 AMG, again 60k vs 35k.


Problem is it has no true competitor, there is no other V8 Coupe engine car for sub 50k.

So magazine either pitch it against cars with similar performance or similar price tag irrelevent of the actual spec. Yes an M235i is as quick pretty much, probably not on a track but on a UK road they will be similar, but there is nothing particular special about an M235i its just a great all round car. A Mustang is an icon, its got a great V8 engine, lots of equipment and is a car modders dream.

Broda

139 posts

113 months

Thursday 31st December 2015
quotequote all
The new C AMG is a 2.0 Turbo lmfao!!! Same engine as a A class lol

Gibbo205

3,572 posts

214 months

Thursday 31st December 2015
quotequote all
Broda said:
The new C AMG is a 2.0 Turbo lmfao!!! Same engine as a A class lol
I mean proper AMG.

crostonian

2,427 posts

179 months

Friday 1st January 2016
quotequote all
CAR have been running a series of tests where they pitch a new car against 2 or 3 used alternatives and try to work out if the depreciation saving would outweigh the running costs. I was looking at used XKRs, Maserati Gran Turismos, BMW 6 Series, Aston Martins etc before going for the Mustang and to be honest I'm still not sure if I've done the right thing!

Used cars from a higher price point do seem to offer the only genuine comparisons which I suppose says a lot about the Mustang.

DoubleD

22,154 posts

115 months

Friday 1st January 2016
quotequote all
People tend to have a budget when looking for a car, so comparing a Mustang to a M235i is a fair test imho. If they are both quick coupes at the same price then they are competing for the same sales.
I don't like the Mustang or the M235i so I can remain impartial.

sumpoil

431 posts

171 months

Friday 1st January 2016
quotequote all
Well from a basic 'big, front engine, RWD coupe' point of view how about the F-Type? .... but obviously much more expensive. I was also thinking GTR. Size and looks-wise they're quite similar, but again way more expensive and with a lot more trick bits and bobs. However, GTR vs GT350R .... now there's a shootout I'd buy a ticket for! clap

slowhand99

242 posts

115 months

Friday 1st January 2016
quotequote all
crostonian said:
Used cars from a higher price point do seem to offer the only genuine comparisons which I suppose says a lot about the Mustang.
I think that's a lot nearer the mark for me.

PanzerCommander

5,026 posts

225 months

Tuesday 5th January 2016
quotequote all
slowhand99 said:
crostonian said:
Used cars from a higher price point do seem to offer the only genuine comparisons which I suppose says a lot about the Mustang.
I think that's a lot nearer the mark for me.
Until you factor in long term running costs based on regular usage (6,000 to 10,000 miles p/a) you don't buy these cars to park with the family silver for perfect day driving.

I dread to think how much a used Maserati would cost to run in comparison, fuel and tax would be about the same, but I imagine that’s where the similarity ends. Even a 645i is going to be eye watering in comparison to the Mustang. Based on my own experiences with a 2006 Mustang GT if the dealers are charging more than the cost of a basic focus to service them (ok it is going to need a couple of litres more oil in the sump) then you are being ripped off royally. Obviously things like brakes and clutches in terms of raw parts are going to cost more - they are physically bigger and designed to handle the increased loads.

bennno

12,674 posts

276 months

Tuesday 5th January 2016
quotequote all

Would be good to see it tested against a 2 year old 5.0L Jaguar XK or C63AMG coupe both of which are a similar purchase price. Would make an interesting group test.

Quinny

15,816 posts

273 months

Tuesday 5th January 2016
quotequote all
bennno said:
Would be good to see it tested against a 2 year old 5.0L Jaguar XK or C63AMG coupe both of which are a similar purchase price. Would make an interesting group test.
Funny you should say that......I was getting a bit pissed off with waiting to the point that I was considering cancelling my order and getting an XKR.. 5.0 with 510 bhp...

A friend has just bought one, and it's a lovely machine, his has 17k on the clock and the fantastic sports seats, and I recon it'd be right up my street.....but looking on line for a car similar to his, I'm still looking at around £43k £45k, which is still £8k to £10k more than my brand new mustang...... smile

Don't know about the Merc, as im sure it's a fine car, but it doesn't do anything for me...

Kaelic

2,698 posts

208 months

Tuesday 5th January 2016
quotequote all
It's a strange one, I am chopping in an RS5 for the mustang, the RS5 is the car I buy and drive with my head and is a much better all rounder, but it doesnt have that pony badge or the sound if I was honest.

But an RS5 is £55K brand new

Mustang is £36K which is a huge difference in price.

I do hope I don't regret my decision biggrin


Stone Cold

1,545 posts

180 months

Tuesday 5th January 2016
quotequote all
Nissan 370Z

Used Holden/Vauxhall VXR thing

Used E9X M3 4.0 V8

croyde

23,881 posts

237 months

Wednesday 6th January 2016
quotequote all
I would not be buying a brand new car, or even a secondhand one if the Mustang GT didn't exist.

I absolutely have no need for a second car, but I'm getting one anyway biggrin

I have not liked the look of the newer BMWs since my E36 or maybe the E46, and I don't see the point of buying an expensive version of a 318 or 218, especially as the one to get is twice the price of the Mustang V8.

rusgb

206 posts

174 months

Wednesday 6th January 2016
quotequote all
A pension.

That was my alternative.

The pension may have arrived sooner.

croyde

23,881 posts

237 months

Wednesday 6th January 2016
quotequote all
I feel your pain mate.