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If you want a used car with a sophisticated badge, pleasant interior materials, and track day poise, you seek an M car. BMW has been taking its many “Series” vehicles and turning them into joyful driver’s cars with M badges for years, like the BMW M4. However, they often cost a premium, and cheap thrills like the Mustang GT are out there. So does pricier mean better when it comes to the 2020 BMW M4 and the 2020 Ford Mustang GT?

Is a BMW M4 fast?

The 2020 BMW M4, like every M car, is seriously quick. The 2020 M4 Competition could hit 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds on its way up to a governed top speed of 155 mph. Of course, the M4 is less potent with the cheaper coupe or convertible platforms. Still, that sort of speed makes the M4 a serious performer in the world of performance coupes. 

However, there are coupes with performance credentials nearly identical to the 2020 BMW M4 Competition, like the Mercedes Benz AMG C63 S and the 2020 Ford Mustang GT Performance Package. The Performance Package-equipped GT will dispatch a sprint to sixty in just 3.9 seconds in optimal conditions. 

How much horsepower does a 2020 Ford Mustang have?

The 2020 Ford Mustang GT produces 460 horsepower from its 5.0L Coyote V8 engine. Save for the Dodge Challenger R/T Scat Pack and its 485 horsepower, the 2020 GT was one of the most potent cars for under $50,000 at the time of release. That includes the 2020 BMW M4 and its 425-horsepower twin-turbocharged inline-six engine. However, while the Mustang uses an optional 10-speed automatic transmission, the M4 packs a snappy seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. 

The 2020 Ford Mustang is a performance match for the 2020 BMW M4, but not a luxury match.
2020 Ford Mustang | Ford

Is an M4 a luxury car?

The 2020 BMW M4 is a thoroughbred luxury performance car. While it might not be as comfortable as a four-door sedan from the 3 Series lineup, it’s not without its luxury credentials. Carbon fiber trims and M Heritage edition two-tone color schemes make the interior a handsome affair. 

In comparison, the frugality of the Ford Mustang shines through. Cheaper-feeling materials and a cramped back seat remind drivers that the pony car’s cockpit isn’t up to BMW standards. However, Car and Driver concluded that the 2020 Mustang’s interior preserves the heritage aesthetic.  

How much is a 2020 BMW M4?

The 2020 BMW M4 is sharp, fast, and practical, but it will cost you. According to Kelley Blue Book (KBB), an M4 coupe with under 30,000 miles will demand around $70,000. Considering its starting price of $70,145, the used Bimmer isn’t exactly a performance bargain. Still, if you already own one, you might be ecstatic to learn that the M4 hasn’t shed that much value. 

The 2020 BMW M4, like old M4s, is a good match for the 2020 Ford Mustang, if much more plush.
BMW M4 | SeongJoon Cho, Bloomberg via Getty Images

In comparison, the 2020 Ford Mustang GT has a dealership-fair purchase price of $36,257, nearly half the BMW’s price tag. Of course, the BMW is far sharper, more luxurious, and more exclusive than the Ford. 

Should you buy a 2020 BMW M4 or a 2020 Ford Mustang GT?

The BMW M4 and Ford Mustang GT share speed and number of doors in common, and that’s about it. If you have the resources, the M4 is a track-ready version of a refined and posh coupe. However, the GT is much more affordable and nearly as quick as an M4 Competition. It all boils down to what you want and what you can afford. 

Scroll down to the following article to read more about Ford Mustangs!

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