[ToneM2]

Car and Driver tested a manual GT. Not the Darkhorse but it’s only a 14 horsepower difference, same torque I believe. If you compare their numbers to when they tested a manual M2, you see the BMW is quicker.

[baron95]

That's ~10" more overhang (outside wheelbase), ~200lbs more weight, a bit less trunk and rear seat passenger space vs the M2.

Though I don't love the weight of the M2, by comparison to a similarly powered 4-seat coupe S650 Mustang GT, it is looking mighty impressive.

I'm glad I chose the M2 (I briefly considered the Dark Horse).

[M2siast]

Performance figures look right.
Can’t get over the fact the BMW is more thirsty in the city than a freaking Mustang GT… that’s why I posted that thread, it’s not right lol

[baron95]

Dark Horse Tested by Car and Driver....

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...k-horse-drive/

Cool but not very impressed compared to the M2

3,975 lbs for the manual

1/4 mile in 12.5 @ only 115MPH

1.07g on Trofeo R tires

Price as tested: US$73,205

[M3WC]

Originally Posted by baron95

Dark Horse Tested by Car and Driver....

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews...k-horse-drive/

Cool but not very impressed compared to the M2

Looks right in line with Mach 1, but with more lateral grip. Should put up a better Lightning Lap than the Mach 1. Mach 1 did 2:51. Which is quite quick.

[Chet for short]

Note the WHP is 408 for the GT (Ford says 480 at the crank). M2 WHP is like 460. M2 has the real world HP advantage by a significant margin.

[AZG87]

Originally Posted by Chet for short

Note the WHP is 408 for the GT (Ford says 480 at the crank). M2 WHP is like 460. M2 has the real world HP advantage by a significant margin.

The Mustang GT I'm giving up for my new G87 has more power and handling than the DH and I'm not thinking twice about the upgrade. Plus there is absolutely no comparison in the interior even with the premium package the Ford interior cannot touch the BMW.

[baron95]

Originally Posted by AZG87

The Mustang GT I'm giving up for my new G87 has more power and handling than the DH and I'm not thinking twice about the upgrade. Plus there is absolutely no comparison in the interior even with the premium package the Ford interior cannot touch the BMW.

I'm moving from a Camaro SS1LE to the M2, and will track the car somewhat often.

I hope you are right and the M2 holds up in the handling, cooling, brakes deptmt.

One thing that the 1LE and Dark Horse (I think) do well is put big tires under the car from the factory, have adjustable front camber, and being NA, be more linear and trap less heat.

I'm making the jump to the M2, but I'm still a bit apprehensive.

[Chet for short]

interesting as the GT dynoed the same 408 whp (different dyno, different day). Both well down on the G87 460ish whp.


http://www.motor1.com/news/684379/20...inds-dyno-pull

[Fastfwd]

Originally Posted by Chet for short

interesting as the GT dynoed the same 408 whp (different dyno, different day). Both well down on the G87 460ish whp.


http://www.motor1.com/news/684379/20...inds-dyno-pull

I saw this video too. It made me think if you used Ford's Darkhorse math of 18% drive-train loss the M2 would be rated to like 560hp at the crank.

I've seen a more recent video with better numbers, however.

[AZG87]

Originally Posted by Fastfwd

I saw this video too. It made me think if you used Ford's Darkhorse math of 18% drive-train loss the M2 would be rated to like 560hp at the crank.

I've seen a more recent video with better numbers, however.

The GT power is easy to increase. Longtubes and a tune for E is all you need for significant whp. But, compare that to just a level 1 tune on the G87 where boost is increased and the delta is much bigger and thus the $/hp value is higher. So not only is the M2 better off the lot, but also higher potential with simple mods. This is coming from a Coyote owner upgrading to the G87.

[baron95]

Motortrend did a full test of the Dark Horse, this time with the 10 speed auto.

They had a glowing review and really showered it with praise, but I think they were trying too hard to downplay the negatives.

Price as Tested: US$75,500

Weight as Tested: 4,028 lbs (55/45%)

1/4 mile: 12.0 @ 118.4MPH

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2...t-test-review/

I mean, geez. I was considering this before ordering my M2. The concerns about the M2 being heavy and detuned to 453HP are erased.

M2 is 200 lbs lighter, faster in the 1/4 mile, has basically similar interior space, better weight distribution, and guess what? It is cheaper!

Dark Horse will sell, I'm glad Ford is building it (competition is good), but I'm very sure I made the right choice going M2.

[baron95]

Data Panel Added for Reference