BMW E92 M3 / Ford Mustang GT S550

The BMW E92 M3 makes 425 horsepower and costs $37,500. The Ford Mustang GT S550 makes 435 horsepower and costs $47,500—a $10,000 price gap (21% cheaper for the M3) despite the Mustang having 10hp more power. Across 60 shared tracks with 282 unique comparison scenarios, the M3 wins by 2.53 seconds overall, and when you filter the comparison data on this page for matched modifications and matched tire treadwear, the M3 wins 72.4% of battles with a 4.48-second average gap.

This is BMW's last naturally aspirated M3 (2008-2013) versus Ford's S550-generation Mustang GT (2015-2017). The M3 weighs 3,648 lbs. The Mustang weighs 3,705 lbs—57 pounds heavier. The Mustang has 10hp more power (435hp vs 425hp), yet the M3 wins 72.4% of matched battles. The question isn't which is faster—it's whether saving $10,000 and winning 72% of the time makes the M3 the better value.

The 10-Horsepower Paradox: S65 V8 vs Coyote V8

The M3's S65 4.0L V8 makes 425hp at 8,300 rpm and 295 lb-ft at 3,900 rpm. Power-to-weight: 8.58 lbs/hp. The Mustang's Coyote 5.0L V8 makes 435hp at 6,500 rpm and 400 lb-ft at 4,250 rpm. Power-to-weight: 8.51 lbs/hp—virtually identical despite the Mustang having 105 lb-ft more torque.

The S65 is BMW's masterpiece: individual throttle bodies, 8,400 rpm redline, 106.25 hp/liter specific output (highest naturally aspirated production V8 ever), and the sound that defined the naturally aspirated era. The Coyote makes more torque (400 lb-ft vs 295 lb-ft) and costs less to modify, but the S65's high-revving character and the M3's chassis deliver a 72.4% win rate when conditions are equal.

What the Filtered Data Reveals

• Matched mod + matched tire (297 laps): M3 wins 72.4%, Mustang wins 27.6%, 4.48s gap. When both run equal preparation and tires, the M3's chassis advantage overwhelms the Mustang's 10hp and 105 lb-ft torque advantage. The Mustang wins only 1 out of 4 battles—the Coyote's torque can't overcome the S65's chassis integration.
• Medium M3 vs medium Mustang, TW200/200 (131 laps): M3 wins 70.2% with 4.20s gap. This is the largest matched scenario, and it shows the M3's superiority is consistent—the Mustang wins only 30% of battles when both are equally prepared on street tires.
• Mustang wins when running race tires against M3 street tires: Medium Mustang TW40 slicks vs medium M3 TW200 street tires (71 laps): Mustang wins 74.6%. This is the Mustang's path to victory—run grippier tires to overcome the chassis disadvantage.

The $10,000 Value Proposition and Modification Costs

E92 M3: $37,500 buys the S65 V8 (BMW's last naturally aspirated M3 engine), 425hp, 8,400 rpm redline, and 8-12% annual appreciation as values climb from $30,000 in 2020 to $45,000+ in 2025. Ownership costs are higher: rod bearing service ($3,000-5,000 preventative), throttle actuators ($2,000-3,000), premium fuel, and higher insurance. The S65's modification ceiling reaches 480hp naturally aspirated for $7,000-10,000 (headers, exhaust, tune).

Mustang GT S550: $47,500 buys the Coyote 5.0L V8, 435hp, independent rear suspension (first Mustang with IRS since 2004), and lower ownership costs. The Coyote's modification ceiling is higher and cheaper: supercharger kits ($6,000-8,000) = 650-700hp, naturally aspirated builds ($5,000-7,000) = 500hp. The Mustang is easier and cheaper to modify, but the comparison data shows the M3 wins 72.4% of matched battles stock-vs-stock.

That $10,000 savings buys the S65 engine that wins 72% of the time despite having 10hp less and 105 lb-ft less torque. The Mustang's lower entry price ($47,500 vs $37,500) means you're paying 27% more for a car that loses 72% of matched battles.

The Verdict

Choose the BMW E92 M3 if you want the S65 V8 experience at $37,500, prioritize winning (72.4% matched win rate), and can accept higher ownership costs. The M3 saves you $10,000 upfront and beats the Mustang in nearly 3 out of 4 matched battles despite having less power and torque. The M3 is the choice for drivers who want BMW's last naturally aspirated V8 and can justify rod bearing service and throttle actuator costs.

Choose the Ford Mustang GT S550 if you want the Coyote V8 at $47,500, accept losing 72.4% of matched battles, and prioritize lower ownership costs and easier modification. You're paying $10,000 more (27% premium) for a car with 10hp more power and 105 lb-ft more torque that loses 72% of the time when preparation is equal. The Mustang is the choice for drivers who want American V8 character, lower running costs, and don't care about lap times.

LapMeta's 2.53-second overall gap and 4.48-second matched-condition gap show the M3's superiority is real and consistent. The Mustang's 10hp power advantage and 105 lb-ft torque advantage can't overcome the M3's chassis integration and S65 engine character. For the driver who wants the best naturally aspirated V8 under $40,000, the M3 delivers superior performance for $10,000 less. For the driver who wants the Coyote V8's modification potential and lower ownership costs, the Mustang's 27% of matched wins proves it's competitive—but not dominant.