When you’re comparing sports cars, you might not think to put the BMW and Mustang in the same class, but if you’re talking about the Mustang GT and the BMW M4, you might be surprised how well these two models stack up against one another. Let’s look at these two magnificent pieces of automotive engineering and see how they compare to one another. Plus, we’ll discover which one might take the crown when we put them head to head.

Specs on Paper

When you look at the specs of these two cars on paper, they line up reasonably well. The Mustang GT possesses the classic 5.0L V8 engine that can crank out 460 horsepower, while the BMW M4 has a twin-turbo 3.0L V6 engine under the hood. Despite being two cylinders smaller, the BMW’s engine produces 444 horsepower, putting it in the same ballpark as the GT. 

The GT’s package upgrades don’t focus on the powertrain. Instead, the improvements focus on giving the car better aerodynamics and creating the smoothest ride possible with upgraded suspension and sticky summer tires that help it grab the road. Of course, the BMW also has super sticky tires, but the Mustang is definitely a bit more aggressive in that stance. 

BMW Sticker Shock

For two cars that line up relatively well when you look at their specs, the biggest difference between the two is their prices. You can bring home a 2020 Ford Mustang GT at prices starting at $35,630. A 2020 BMW M4 will start at $69,150, nearly twice the Mustang’s expense. Why is there such a big difference between the two amounts? You have to consider — are you just paying for the BMW brand name with the more expensive choice?

Giving the Car Its Voice

One of the most significant differences between the M4 and the Mustang GT is the car’s voice — the throaty roar you expect to hear when you put the pedal to the metal. Both vehicles have adjustable exhausts so you can customize how noisy they are. Put it in quiet mode when you’re home so you don’t disturb the neighbors, and open it up when you’re on the highway so you can really hear it roar. 

The BMW lacks soul when it comes to exhaust sounds. Even in track mode, the BMW sounds more like a tractor than a sports car. The Mustang, on the other hand, is everything you’d expect from a sports car. It can be a little much when you’re driving to the grocery store, but if you’re on the track, open up the exhaust and enjoy that iconic 5.0 roar. 

Which One Is Better?

Other than a $40,000 price difference, is there that much of a difference between the M4 and the Mustang GT? The M4 is a little bit faster out of the gate, but for purists, the Mustang GT comes with a manual transmission option — which isn’t available on the BMW. As to which one is better, that is entirely up to you. Both cars will be a joy on the street and the track, but we’d still take the BMW.