Used test: BMW M235i vs Ford Mustang

Our verdict

The Ford Mustang isn’t perfect, but it’s certainly great fun and offers something unique for the money: a real V8 muscle car experience. It’s well equipped, too, offering many luxuries as standard that were options on its rival.

However, the Mustang loses out here because it simply isn’t as polished an all-rounder as the BMW M235i and its hefty running costs really cannot be ignored. The interior quality isn’t as good, either – something that you may have been able to justify when new because it was the cheaper of the two. However, two years on, it’s the M235i that costs significantly less to purchase.

All things considered, the Mustang is a fun weekend toy, but a disappointing everyday car. The M235i, on the other hand, satisfies both the heart and the head in equal measure, making it the superior used purchase. The fact that it’s cheaper and has the better warranty is just the icing on the cake.

1st – BMW M235i

For Better to drive; lower running bills; more practical; a classier interior

Against Offset pedals; slightly numb steering

Verdict A coupé you can buy with your head and your heart

Rated 4 out of 5

2nd – Ford Mustang

For Glorious V8 engine; strong resale values; lots of standard kit

Against High running costs; disappointing interior quality; infotainment system is worse than BMW's; poor rear head room

Verdict Huge appeal as a weekend toy, but not as an everyday car

Rated 4 out of 5

Specifications: BMW M235i

Engine size 3.0-litre petrol
List price when new £35,075
Price today £21,000
Power 322bhp
Torque 332lb ft
0-60mph 4.9sec
Top speed 155mph
Fuel economy 34.9mpg (official average)
CO2 emissions 189g/km

Specifications: Ford Mustang 5.0 V8 GT

Engine size 5.0-litre petrol
List price when new £33,995
Price today £29,500
Power 410bhp
Torque 391lb ft
0-60mph 5.0sec
Top speed 155mph
Fuel economy 20.9mpg (official average)
CO2 emissions 299g/km

Price today is based on a 2016 model with average mileage and full service history, correct at time of writing

Read more:
Ford Mustang review
Used Ford cars for sale
BMW M2 review
Used BMW cars for sale
Best coupé cars

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