America Takes on Germany: Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 Vs. BMW M4

Wait just a moment here. Comparisons are now being made between the high-performance version of a modern American muscle car and a premium German high-performing coupe? Yes, that's exactly what's happening because when you examine the specs of the new Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and the BMW M4, you'll notice a few similarities. For starters, both are RWD engineered for the enthusiast driver. They're also decked out with plenty of exterior aero bits.

当然,她lby GT350 doesn't quite have the luxuriously-appointed interior of the M4, but that alone doesn't make it an unworthy competitor. While the M4 is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six rated at 430 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque, the GT350 has a naturally-aspirated (hell yeah!) high-revving flat-plane crankshaft 5.2-liter V8 that develops over 500 hp and 400 lb-ft. Power is sent to the rear wheels in both cars via a six-speed manual (or an optional dual-clutch for the M4). Design wise, both look great and it all comes down to personal preference. So does the M4 have a new competitor to deal with or is the Shelby GT350 nothing more than a track toy muscle car (now with an independent rear suspension)? Let the debate begin.