Choosing between a BMW M340i & a used Ford Mustang GT

I am selling both of my personal vehicles, to make way for a FAST car. I'm currently confused between the BMW M340i and the used Ford Mustang.

BHPian M-TownBeast recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I'm a young man who has just entered into my family business and have been very enthusiastic about cars since my childhood.

The Dilemma

I stay in Hisar, Haryana (Tier-3 city) and we own many cars which are used by my family members individually. A Toyota Innova Crysta 2.8 (2017) used by my father, an Audi A4 35TDI (2018) used by my sister, a Volkswagen Polo GT TSI (2016) used by my mother, a Ford Endeavour 3.2 (2017) and a Mahindra Thar CRDe (2016) used by me. So the itch for a new car has started (me being a car enthusiast in the family) and I am selling both of my personal vehicles, to make way for a FAST car. I'm currently confused between the BMW M340i and the used Ford Mustang.

BMW M340i - I made an enquiry with BMW India about the car and was later contacted by the BMW Bird Automotive, Gurgaon. My father and I took a quick test drive of the 'Dravit Grey' coloured vehicle and were in love with the engine and the way the car handled. But, we were not impressed with the colour of the vehicle (neither the blackish-grey interior nor the exterior colour). We left the dealership and went to the BMW Infinity cars dealership (which was on our way back home) in search of a Tanzanite Blue or a Sunset Orange shade, but to our surprise, they had a car in stock (from lot 1) in the same Grey shade. This time, we liked the colour to our surprise, maybe due to the bright lights of the showroom or the car being very clean compared to the previous test drive car. Overall, came back with a confused state of mind - an amazing car to drive, but with ordinary looks.

Ford Mustang GT - We straight away headed to Big Boy Toyz, Gurgaon to have a look at a 2017 Black Mustang and oh boy, what an eye-catching machine it was. The car was shining crazy in that black shade and we also got to hear the Borla exhaust note which had a good roar. I was adoring the car but yet doubtful, as this car is still an impractical vehicle to own (strictly a 2-seater due to my tall height). The interiors weren't of great quality either, though the car felt absolutely new.

We came back home and were in a confused state of mind as to what car should it be. I wish to keep this car for at least 5 years and want it to be a reliable vehicle. We do not wish to extend our budget. All your suggestions are welcome.

Here's what BHPian vishy76 had to say on the matter:

You are selling two of your personal cars for the next buy so I think the decision is quite obvious. The Mustang is a great car and also quite versatile by sports car standards, but it isn't what I would call very practical or polished. The interiors and the cramped rear seats are a huge letdown. I would say these compromises are too much considering what you get in return is looks and muscle car panache.

The 340i on the other hand is a much more polished car. It can put all the power down better, you can buy one brand new and it comes with the added practicality of being a proper 4 seater at the very least. It's handling will also be leagues ahead of the RWD Mustang.

If you would have wanted to replace the Thar only, I would have suggested the Mustang as a competent weekend car, but since this will be your only car, I think the 340i it should be without doubt.

Here's what GTO had to say on the matter:

Have driven both of them on the highway and pushed them hard. Both of them are spectacular machines. The Mustang is no longer just quick in a straight line; it can corner pretty darn well too (requires more driver skill due to its loose butt than the 340i though). Mustang advantages = looks, muscle car (admit it, you always wanted to own one), style, everyday driveability & reliability (it's designed to be a daily use car) and character.

But in almost every other area - outright handling (340i has AWD), interior quality, gearbox brilliance, quality & finesse, the 340i is ahead. Machine to machine and in terms of depth of engineering, the 340i is vastly superior. The 340i uses precision where the Mustang throws sheer muscle.

In my 20s, I would definitely buy the Mustang. There is lots of time for 4-door sedans later in life for you. But for the 20s, give me a muscle car any day. Since you are 25, this is what you should get. I got a Jeep on my 20th birthday when I could very well have settled for something faster + more practical. But where is the fun in that? The Jeep gave me joy & memories that no 4-door sedan could. I have a feeling the Mustang will do the same for you.

I would also buy the Mustang if I already had a luxury sedan in the house. Irrespective of age.

But as the only car of the house, I would probably pick the 340i.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.