Hi there
Well a few of you wanted to hear my thoughts on how the EVO X compares to the Mustang and CSL, so I thought I'd throw in my well kind of review of the three cars. For those who do not know I did get the Mustang back and in my ownership second time round I fitted adjustable suspension plus pushed the power output just shy of 600 horses on the stock engine.
I shall split my review into the following:-
The Specification of each car:-
BMW M3 CSL
2003 - 53 M3 CSL
3.2l N/A Straight 6 Engine with an 8250rpm redline
375BHP @ 7900rpm
275lb/ft @ 4900rpm
0-60mph with LC = 4.6s
0-100mph with LC = 10.8s
30-70mph (Racelogic) = 3.9s
60-100mph (Racelogic) = 5.9s
Top Speed = 180ish mph
Weight = 1385kg
Modifications = Miltek Exhaust and centre pipe (hence marginal power increase)
Mitsubishi EVO X FQ-360
2008 EVO X FQ-360
2.0l 4 Cyclinder Turbo'd Engine with an 7500rpm redline
354BHP @ 6500rpm
363lb/ft @ 3500rpm
0-60mph with LC = 4.1s
0-100mph with LC = 10.8s
30-70mph (Racelogic) = 3.9s
60-100mph (Racelogic) = 5.6s
Top Speed = 165ish mph (gearing limited)
Weight = 1550kg
Modifications = None unless you count AD08 tyres as a modification?
Saleen SC281 Highly Modified Mustang
2005 - 55 Plate S197 Mustang
4.6l V8 Ford Modular engine fitted with Saleen Supercharger with 6800rpm redline
577BHP @ 6800rpm
510lb/ft @ 4500rpm (400lb/ft @ 2000rpm)
0-60mph = 4.4s (Road tyres / Racelogic tested)
0-100mph = 8.9s (Road tyres / Racelogic tested)
30-70mph = 2.75s (Racelogic)
60-100mph = 4.2s (Racelogic)
Top Speed = 165mph in 4th, in excess of 200mph in 5th
Weight = 1620kg when corner weighted with supercharger fitted.
Modifications = An endless list of suspension, brakes and engine. Though engine internals and transmission were stock apart from clutch.
Engine / Gearbox / Performance / Sound
No prizes here for guessing which ones wins this, with ease it was the Mustang lets face it when it comes to sound a V8 is unbeatable. The CSL had a fantastic intake soundtrack but the Mustang still had the edge. When it comes to sound lets not discuss the EVO as it sounds like a strained 2.0l.
So getting onto performance well again its an easy win to the Mustang, instant throttle response that could make passengers feel like they just left their internal organs on the back seats and could make girls scream with fear. The shear acceleration from the Mustang was relentless no matter how slow or fast or what gear you were in, there was always power on tap, incredible considering how long the gears were (120mph in 3rd). The CSL on the other hand too had very responsive engine, but it never felt particular fast, its power delivery was so smooth and refined, if it was not for the wonderful intake soundtrack it would not feel particular quick at all, but that is I suppose German over-engineering. Now onto the EVO X well compared to EVO's of old LAG is greatly reduced, the turbo is spooling from 2000rpm and really gets a shift on from 2500rpm onwards with peak torque coming as low as 3500rpm and this surge of power/torque holds all the way to the redline of 7500rpm in the FQ-360. In the FQ300/330 models the power surge dies off around 5500-6000rpm so the FQ-360 certainly feels more potent but is not the all out nutter of the previous generation EVO 9 MR FQ-360 which due to its lightness and lighter turbines the 9 is a lot more aggressive in power delivery, to get an X to feel like this you need to fettle with it a little. The EVO like the Mustang does not require you to stir the box so often, you can drive a country lane in 4th gear and never be out of the powerband, the only issue been that due to the vast grip you will most likely find yourself in 5th on many corners. The Turbo surge also helps make the car feel like its got 400+ horses, though the speedo tells a different story as its performance is practically identical to the M3 CSL, the EVO is only better when in higher gears as the CSL does need you to use the gears but thats not an issue in the CSL due to its SMG.
So moving onto gearboxes, well this is where the Mustang falls short of the other two, even though its gears are close they are not precise and so stirring the box is not as much fun, but neverless due to the gearing the fact you can go from 10mph-80mph in 2nd is great fun and makes leaving other cars standing on slip roads very easy. The EVO X has a truly fantastic manual gearbox, it is very precise and is a very fast shift, the only issue really ever been selecting 5th when your really on it. Now to the CSL, this is where the CSL literally owns the other 2 cars, infact I'd say the CSL has got the best SMG/DSG type box of any car. I've driven Audi A5 with DSG, BMW 335D and over 100 miles in the R35 GTR and I still preferre the SMG in the CSL, its the quickest changing box of them all (0.08s) and selecting the next gear up on the paddles or lever coming out of a fast corner makes you feel like your in a race car feeling the diff kick you in the back. The full auto mode works really well and launching the car consistently below 5.0s is an absolute breeze as all you have to do is stamp the throttle and off the car goes. Launching the Mustang takes huge work and is very difficult to keep sub 5.0s to 60mph as bleaching the tyres is so easy. The EVO X is also not the easiest, too little revs and you go nowhere, slip clutch too mutch and you just bog, but get it right and yes its very fast even though 1st gear is torque limited. So gearbox and ease of launching goes to the CSL on a plate.
So Mustang on performance and noise, the CSL for the gearbox and the EVO for surge of torque from the turbo, but the Mustang and CSL definetely reign in this category.
So to summarise without a doubt the Mustang was easily the fastest car once on a roll, truly untouchable. Off the mark the CSL and EVO are very good, if you get the EVO launch right its mind warpingly fast too 60mph and the EVO does not run out of puff either, it will return 140mph in no time, yes the CSL is quicker above 100mph but the EVO is not far behind. Even though the Mustang is not aero-dynamic and is the heaviest here beyond 100mph its still untouchable due to its brute power but at the same time the CSL and EVO feel perfectly safe and planted at over 150mph, wheras the Mustang things all feel a bit well lets just say you need big balls.
Steering / Handling / Grip / Brakes
Lets talk about the Mustang, people don't believe you when you say an American car can handle, but all I say is look at the Roush Mustang and Corvette around Top Gears track, they both put in great times. Then I say ask those who have gone out in the Mustang, they quickly change their minds. Ford built the Mustang as a platform, they made them cheap and then left it upto the owners and tuning companies to take them to the next stages. Yes a bog standard V8 Mustang is probably similar to a sorted ST Mondeo, its nothing special but capable in the right hands. A Mustang V8 with uprated shocks, springs and roll bars is another story its closing onto M3 levels quite quickly. Then go one step further with adjustable suspension, uprated lower/upper control arms, bracing, decent tyres and you have an M3 handling car for a lot less money, but with a superior engine, especially with the new 5.0 Mustangs now here. So yes the Mustang can be made to handle very well and yes the LIVE AXLE is still in place. But lets not forget as good as the live axle is in the Mustang on roads with bumps and altering cambers yes the Mustang can feel twitchy and not at all confident inspiring making you not cover ground so fast as when pushed you need your wits about you, the handling is good but it keeps you very busy on the steering and throttle to keep it all under control. On the better UK roads a sorted Mustang can keep up with some of the most exotic cars, but on poorer/narrower roads it will fall behind and could be trouble by cars with a lot less power. Communication wise a Mustang with right suspension and correct GEO setup is extremely communitive from every wheel which means when you pull of that corner it is incredibly rewarding. So handling wise a sorted one is good, there is also plenty of mechanical grip too, but the torque can quickly break that grip. Though you never forget your driving a hugely powerful RWD car with no driver assist, its all you, mess it up and its gonna hurt.
The M3 CSL is a car that prides itself on handling ability and I think its fair to say its probably the best handling car ever to emerge from BMW. Out of the box the handling is just immense and this is a stock car, yes in stock form it is better than even a modified Mustang. The car is simply put so well balanced, the power, gearbox and handling all work in harmony with each other. The M3 CSL is very precise car, yes the steering on centre is a little numb but once your throwing it into the corners the feedback is there and its the corners that make this car so enjoyable as its so thrilling to push this car hard in the corners and be awarded for it. The M-Track mode is very welcome on UK roads, means you can push and even get it wrong and get the chance to catch it yourself before the computer will kick in to save you. But on a track you do need to switch DSC completely off as even M-Track mode on track is instrusive plus if you want maximum shift speed and a huge thump in your back DSC has to be off to get the fantastic S6 mode from the gearbox for those 0.08s shifts. So handling wise yes the CSL is a truly epic car, the handling is incredible and even getting the rear-end out over 100mph is catchable though rather breath taking.
So now we come to the EVO X a car that you can scare the wits out of the entire family with. When I first got the car the handling/grip/feedback I was a little dissapointed in as it was all rather numb. But my EVO X came fitted with Vredsteins tyres which although great in the wet on the EVO really gave little to no feedback at all on this car. EVO X as standard come fitted with Yokohamas with strong sidewalls. So I decided to try the very recently released Advan AD08 tyres from Yokohama which is tested on the EVO X in particular. Needless to say the tyres transformed the car in the dry, the steering is full of feedback and I can feel when the grip is going to run out and even push it beyond that limit and enjoy the car on the edge due to the progressive nature of both the tyres and the cars willingness to powerslide. So I can say that on a twisty back road the EVO X is pretty untouchable, well until another EVO comes along. A few encounters I've had with Subarus, Ferraris, Hot hatches and they just cannot keep up, infact its amazing how the EVO can take some corners flat out even in top gear. Only yesterday I came across a Porsche GT2 yep the bonkers fast one on some back roads, I filled his mirrors and the next moment I heard him open up and such a glorious noise by the way, yep on the straight he pulled 2-3 cars on me but through the corners the EVO well it was faster, simply put, obviously helped by my tyres but the EVO inspires incredible confidence and when you do get it wrong the handling is fantastic or you can simply leave the ASC on and the computer will just gather it all up, the only issue with the ASC is it will kill your pace, so for maximum attack turn it off and rely on the 4WD system and just powerslide or simply hold on because as if by voodoo magic the car pushes your face against the sidewindows and slingshots you out the corner.
So when it comes to handling on UK roads, the EVO X simply put is the best car I've driven, the only car I'd say as good is the R35 GTR I drove. I found the GTR had more grip, no doubt due to its specialised rubber and such large contact patch, but in comparison the GTR feels heavy wheras the EVO feels nimble. Yes the GTR is even quicker out the corners due to its vast power and little to no lag but the EVO X with that tyre combination is just full of communication and very confident inspiring which a car should be.
People say these 4WD cars take the fun out of driving, but I can assure you once you realise what an EVO can do, match it to the right tyres they are a lot of fun. When I got my EVO X I had to be showed what it could do by a rally driver, he took my car way beyond where I was pushing as I simply thought such levels of grip/handling did not exist but once I knew they did I myself started to explore them and once you get there I can happily say the EVO X is a lot of fun. Easily the better car out of the three on the road. On a track I can see the EVO X and CSL being very closely matched just as long as the driver in the EVO has the ASC OFF.
Lets talk brakes, well the CSL lets just say for this kind of car they were simply poor, either on or off and not that powerful, the only reason the car stopped well was because it weighed sub 1400kg.
The Mustang was upgraded to Brembo 4-Piston brakes which made them great, plenty of feel and good stopping power.
The EVO comes as standard with huge front and rear Brembo's and needless to say this think stops incredibly well, helped hugely by the AD08 tyres I might add though but the feedback is incredible and the stopping power sublime, the only weakness is the Ferodo DS2500 pads, it needs something more hardcore and fade resistent.
Everyday practicality
Well all three of these cars have been my everyday all year round cars and I've done long 4hr+ drives in them all. The Mustang is a comfy place to be, incredible sound system and it cruises amazingly on the motorway, 70mph is something like 2000rpm. Though car parks, fast-food drive through can all be issues due to LHD and the size of the car.
The EVO is actually very practical, you can seat 4 people with comfort with plenty of room for all and you can take it anywhere. Its weak point is that cruising on the motorway can be loud due to its 5-speed box, 70mph is 3000rpm, so when your cruising around 85-90mph its over 4000rpm which requires the stereo to drown the engine noise out. Now the Rockford Sound system standard in all GSR's is very good indeed, the quality of the sound is excellent and it can go very loud with plenty of bass too. Plus the build in SATNAV works well and you can even watch DVD's so the EVO definetely wins on sound system and it also has the best seats, they are very comfortable.
The CSL is the worse of the three here, a lot of people can struggle to fit in the seats which have little padding and the suspension is certainly firm but not crashy. But the CSL is the car passengers would rather not do a long journey in, but on the motorway it does cruise well due to the long gearing in 6th gear. The radio in the CSL is just pathetic and unfortunately even uprated systems work poorly in the CSL due to having no sound padding.
So in short the Mustang LHD and size cause it issues, in the EVO its the short gearing that makes motorway trips a chor and in the CSL it can all be a bit to firm. Overall the EVO is the winner here simply due to its comfortable interior, vast interior room and huge boot space plus the incredible sound system. But in all honesty none of these cars are hugely practical.
Build quality
So build quality ok lets focus interior, well none of these cars are particular special in this area as they are not comfortable cruising barges from the likes of Audi. But for interior quality and comfort for the driver the Mustang wins, it just feels more solidly built inside compared to the other cars.
The CSL is quite bare on the interior which could lead people to think its not very well put together, but don't be mistaken its still built by Germans to a high level, but in this company the build quality of the interior does seem lacking.
Now the EVO does unfortunately feature cheap Japanese plastics that create little rattles from time to time, the seats make up for a lot of it, even thought he plastic inserts in the Recaros do have a mind of their own, so on interior quality the EVO X for me is the worse of the three, which is quite shocking as Mitsubishi highlight of the X was the improved interior, but I can tell you the interior on the older EVO's is shockingly poor. The new EVO is mainly rescued by its seats and excellent in-car sound/navigation system.
When it comes to actual build quality of the cars though like stuff like engines, suspension parts and transmissions well the EVO seems to be the strongest, you can abuse it so much and it all remains in one piece and feels very solid to drive. The CSL also had a solid feeling too though with age they do seem to loosen up. The Mustang felt very solid, but every in the Mustang looks like it was built to withstand bombs exploding underneath it, especially the gearbox and engine. Afterall how many cars can you double the power output from 300BHP too 600BHP and remain on the same stock engine and gearbox, well I don't know of any. The EVO does seem most solid on its suspension components though which is no doubt due from its rally heritage.
Running cost
Well simply put the EVO wins this hands down, now I bet that has shocked a few. Well work it out, 10,000 mile service intervals that cost £350 each. The car can return upto 32MPG on a long run if driven like an OAP and I tend to average 20-22MPG. Tyres last 5000-7000 miles on the AD08 tyres and normal summer tyres will do over 12,000-15,000 miles.
The Mustang was not as expensive as people would think either, servicing you do yourself and its every 6000 miles on supercharged ones and its just an oil service so £100 a time. Every 60,000 miles you change the plus and at 100,000 miles you do a full check over along with diff/gear oils etc. On a run due to the long gearing its possible to return 30MPG but that is been very gentle on average I would see 14-16MPG so yes they do drink fuel unless your sitting on the motorway in top all the time. The Mustang surprisingly was very good on its tyres, a set of fronts would see 15,000-20,000 miles with ease with rears always returning approx 10,000 miles.
The CSL was the most expensive to run because it would get through its tyres quick, servicing was expensive and it was also quite thirsty. On a run 33-35MPG was possible which made it the best on the motorway but the average was only 17-19MPG due to the fact the gearbox encourages you to stir it a lot and drive hard.
The effect on passengers and feedback from the public
OK no guess here to what wins this, the Mustang could generate crowds of all ages and it got me quite a few girls numbers as well. People were simply intrigued by it and taking out passengers would make people grin like crazy, or envoke childish screams/laughter in men and get women screaming with fear. It was a car that was well accepted by all and got attention everywhere it went and created conversation. It was with ease on par with Ferrari's for attention levels but without the jealousy factor thrown in.
The CSL only seemed to get the attention of well petrol heads, to most people it was simply another 3 series that made a nice noise. Passenger would mainly complain about the seats but at the same time be amazed by its gearbox and handling abilities.
The EVO was the surprise, I got one in red as I did not want the chavtastic image. But still driving along and chavs will point and go look its an EVO, but what is quite surprising girls do seem to quite like the EVO, though not as much as the Mustang. Now passengers well the turbo surge gets them grinning and when the corner/roundabout comes about you can see them grabbing the door handles or begging you to slow down simply because no one expects a car to corner quite like it.
Summary
Lets keep it simple:-
Mustang for acceleration, noise and presence.
CSL for gearbox, precision and noise.
EVO for brakes, grip/handling and sheer ability on UK roads.
Out of the three for driving pleasure it has to be the CSL, the gearbox was the charm, so if I was in the mood for carving up some smooth country roads or going on a track day I'd choose the CSL.
If I wanted to make myself grin from ear-to-ear from start to finish then its the Mustang, that V8, that shear performance and the attention along with people you can meet is a very enjoyable experience.
If I was going to the shops or just wanted to go and drive some country roads, smooth or bumpy like a hooligan well it has got to be the EVO, there is a lot of fun to be had out of destroying other cars on the road or simply powersliding around roundabouts or attacking your favourite corner at a higher speed than previously.
All truly great cars, so what next, well at the moment for me I want that V8 engine, EVO Ability and well the looks/presence of the Mustang and for me the only car I can think of that delivers that combination of all three is an Audi R8. (Though I need to get saving a lot)
Pictures / Videos to follow of Mustang, EVO and CSL.
This Noise is unbeatable
Mustang 30-70mph when at 480BHP, looks slow due to speedo but that is 3.1-3.3s
M3 CSL 30-70mph when at 360BHP and in S5 - Great sound & 4.0s
EVO X FQ-360 30-70mph in 3rd gear, slighter faster if use 2nd and shift to 3rd - 4.0s
Well a few of you wanted to hear my thoughts on how the EVO X compares to the Mustang and CSL, so I thought I'd throw in my well kind of review of the three cars. For those who do not know I did get the Mustang back and in my ownership second time round I fitted adjustable suspension plus pushed the power output just shy of 600 horses on the stock engine.
I shall split my review into the following:-
- Engine / Gearbox / Performance / Sound
- Steering / Handling / Grip
- Everyday practicality
- Build quality
- Running cost
- The effect on passengers and feedback from the public
The Specification of each car:-
BMW M3 CSL
2003 - 53 M3 CSL
3.2l N/A Straight 6 Engine with an 8250rpm redline
375BHP @ 7900rpm
275lb/ft @ 4900rpm
0-60mph with LC = 4.6s
0-100mph with LC = 10.8s
30-70mph (Racelogic) = 3.9s
60-100mph (Racelogic) = 5.9s
Top Speed = 180ish mph
Weight = 1385kg
Modifications = Miltek Exhaust and centre pipe (hence marginal power increase)
Mitsubishi EVO X FQ-360
2008 EVO X FQ-360
2.0l 4 Cyclinder Turbo'd Engine with an 7500rpm redline
354BHP @ 6500rpm
363lb/ft @ 3500rpm
0-60mph with LC = 4.1s
0-100mph with LC = 10.8s
30-70mph (Racelogic) = 3.9s
60-100mph (Racelogic) = 5.6s
Top Speed = 165ish mph (gearing limited)
Weight = 1550kg
Modifications = None unless you count AD08 tyres as a modification?
Saleen SC281 Highly Modified Mustang
2005 - 55 Plate S197 Mustang
4.6l V8 Ford Modular engine fitted with Saleen Supercharger with 6800rpm redline
577BHP @ 6800rpm
510lb/ft @ 4500rpm (400lb/ft @ 2000rpm)
0-60mph = 4.4s (Road tyres / Racelogic tested)
0-100mph = 8.9s (Road tyres / Racelogic tested)
30-70mph = 2.75s (Racelogic)
60-100mph = 4.2s (Racelogic)
Top Speed = 165mph in 4th, in excess of 200mph in 5th
Weight = 1620kg when corner weighted with supercharger fitted.
Modifications = An endless list of suspension, brakes and engine. Though engine internals and transmission were stock apart from clutch.
Engine / Gearbox / Performance / Sound
No prizes here for guessing which ones wins this, with ease it was the Mustang lets face it when it comes to sound a V8 is unbeatable. The CSL had a fantastic intake soundtrack but the Mustang still had the edge. When it comes to sound lets not discuss the EVO as it sounds like a strained 2.0l.
So getting onto performance well again its an easy win to the Mustang, instant throttle response that could make passengers feel like they just left their internal organs on the back seats and could make girls scream with fear. The shear acceleration from the Mustang was relentless no matter how slow or fast or what gear you were in, there was always power on tap, incredible considering how long the gears were (120mph in 3rd). The CSL on the other hand too had very responsive engine, but it never felt particular fast, its power delivery was so smooth and refined, if it was not for the wonderful intake soundtrack it would not feel particular quick at all, but that is I suppose German over-engineering. Now onto the EVO X well compared to EVO's of old LAG is greatly reduced, the turbo is spooling from 2000rpm and really gets a shift on from 2500rpm onwards with peak torque coming as low as 3500rpm and this surge of power/torque holds all the way to the redline of 7500rpm in the FQ-360. In the FQ300/330 models the power surge dies off around 5500-6000rpm so the FQ-360 certainly feels more potent but is not the all out nutter of the previous generation EVO 9 MR FQ-360 which due to its lightness and lighter turbines the 9 is a lot more aggressive in power delivery, to get an X to feel like this you need to fettle with it a little. The EVO like the Mustang does not require you to stir the box so often, you can drive a country lane in 4th gear and never be out of the powerband, the only issue been that due to the vast grip you will most likely find yourself in 5th on many corners. The Turbo surge also helps make the car feel like its got 400+ horses, though the speedo tells a different story as its performance is practically identical to the M3 CSL, the EVO is only better when in higher gears as the CSL does need you to use the gears but thats not an issue in the CSL due to its SMG.
So moving onto gearboxes, well this is where the Mustang falls short of the other two, even though its gears are close they are not precise and so stirring the box is not as much fun, but neverless due to the gearing the fact you can go from 10mph-80mph in 2nd is great fun and makes leaving other cars standing on slip roads very easy. The EVO X has a truly fantastic manual gearbox, it is very precise and is a very fast shift, the only issue really ever been selecting 5th when your really on it. Now to the CSL, this is where the CSL literally owns the other 2 cars, infact I'd say the CSL has got the best SMG/DSG type box of any car. I've driven Audi A5 with DSG, BMW 335D and over 100 miles in the R35 GTR and I still preferre the SMG in the CSL, its the quickest changing box of them all (0.08s) and selecting the next gear up on the paddles or lever coming out of a fast corner makes you feel like your in a race car feeling the diff kick you in the back. The full auto mode works really well and launching the car consistently below 5.0s is an absolute breeze as all you have to do is stamp the throttle and off the car goes. Launching the Mustang takes huge work and is very difficult to keep sub 5.0s to 60mph as bleaching the tyres is so easy. The EVO X is also not the easiest, too little revs and you go nowhere, slip clutch too mutch and you just bog, but get it right and yes its very fast even though 1st gear is torque limited. So gearbox and ease of launching goes to the CSL on a plate.
So Mustang on performance and noise, the CSL for the gearbox and the EVO for surge of torque from the turbo, but the Mustang and CSL definetely reign in this category.
So to summarise without a doubt the Mustang was easily the fastest car once on a roll, truly untouchable. Off the mark the CSL and EVO are very good, if you get the EVO launch right its mind warpingly fast too 60mph and the EVO does not run out of puff either, it will return 140mph in no time, yes the CSL is quicker above 100mph but the EVO is not far behind. Even though the Mustang is not aero-dynamic and is the heaviest here beyond 100mph its still untouchable due to its brute power but at the same time the CSL and EVO feel perfectly safe and planted at over 150mph, wheras the Mustang things all feel a bit well lets just say you need big balls.
Steering / Handling / Grip / Brakes
Lets talk about the Mustang, people don't believe you when you say an American car can handle, but all I say is look at the Roush Mustang and Corvette around Top Gears track, they both put in great times. Then I say ask those who have gone out in the Mustang, they quickly change their minds. Ford built the Mustang as a platform, they made them cheap and then left it upto the owners and tuning companies to take them to the next stages. Yes a bog standard V8 Mustang is probably similar to a sorted ST Mondeo, its nothing special but capable in the right hands. A Mustang V8 with uprated shocks, springs and roll bars is another story its closing onto M3 levels quite quickly. Then go one step further with adjustable suspension, uprated lower/upper control arms, bracing, decent tyres and you have an M3 handling car for a lot less money, but with a superior engine, especially with the new 5.0 Mustangs now here. So yes the Mustang can be made to handle very well and yes the LIVE AXLE is still in place. But lets not forget as good as the live axle is in the Mustang on roads with bumps and altering cambers yes the Mustang can feel twitchy and not at all confident inspiring making you not cover ground so fast as when pushed you need your wits about you, the handling is good but it keeps you very busy on the steering and throttle to keep it all under control. On the better UK roads a sorted Mustang can keep up with some of the most exotic cars, but on poorer/narrower roads it will fall behind and could be trouble by cars with a lot less power. Communication wise a Mustang with right suspension and correct GEO setup is extremely communitive from every wheel which means when you pull of that corner it is incredibly rewarding. So handling wise a sorted one is good, there is also plenty of mechanical grip too, but the torque can quickly break that grip. Though you never forget your driving a hugely powerful RWD car with no driver assist, its all you, mess it up and its gonna hurt.
The M3 CSL is a car that prides itself on handling ability and I think its fair to say its probably the best handling car ever to emerge from BMW. Out of the box the handling is just immense and this is a stock car, yes in stock form it is better than even a modified Mustang. The car is simply put so well balanced, the power, gearbox and handling all work in harmony with each other. The M3 CSL is very precise car, yes the steering on centre is a little numb but once your throwing it into the corners the feedback is there and its the corners that make this car so enjoyable as its so thrilling to push this car hard in the corners and be awarded for it. The M-Track mode is very welcome on UK roads, means you can push and even get it wrong and get the chance to catch it yourself before the computer will kick in to save you. But on a track you do need to switch DSC completely off as even M-Track mode on track is instrusive plus if you want maximum shift speed and a huge thump in your back DSC has to be off to get the fantastic S6 mode from the gearbox for those 0.08s shifts. So handling wise yes the CSL is a truly epic car, the handling is incredible and even getting the rear-end out over 100mph is catchable though rather breath taking.
So now we come to the EVO X a car that you can scare the wits out of the entire family with. When I first got the car the handling/grip/feedback I was a little dissapointed in as it was all rather numb. But my EVO X came fitted with Vredsteins tyres which although great in the wet on the EVO really gave little to no feedback at all on this car. EVO X as standard come fitted with Yokohamas with strong sidewalls. So I decided to try the very recently released Advan AD08 tyres from Yokohama which is tested on the EVO X in particular. Needless to say the tyres transformed the car in the dry, the steering is full of feedback and I can feel when the grip is going to run out and even push it beyond that limit and enjoy the car on the edge due to the progressive nature of both the tyres and the cars willingness to powerslide. So I can say that on a twisty back road the EVO X is pretty untouchable, well until another EVO comes along. A few encounters I've had with Subarus, Ferraris, Hot hatches and they just cannot keep up, infact its amazing how the EVO can take some corners flat out even in top gear. Only yesterday I came across a Porsche GT2 yep the bonkers fast one on some back roads, I filled his mirrors and the next moment I heard him open up and such a glorious noise by the way, yep on the straight he pulled 2-3 cars on me but through the corners the EVO well it was faster, simply put, obviously helped by my tyres but the EVO inspires incredible confidence and when you do get it wrong the handling is fantastic or you can simply leave the ASC on and the computer will just gather it all up, the only issue with the ASC is it will kill your pace, so for maximum attack turn it off and rely on the 4WD system and just powerslide or simply hold on because as if by voodoo magic the car pushes your face against the sidewindows and slingshots you out the corner.
So when it comes to handling on UK roads, the EVO X simply put is the best car I've driven, the only car I'd say as good is the R35 GTR I drove. I found the GTR had more grip, no doubt due to its specialised rubber and such large contact patch, but in comparison the GTR feels heavy wheras the EVO feels nimble. Yes the GTR is even quicker out the corners due to its vast power and little to no lag but the EVO X with that tyre combination is just full of communication and very confident inspiring which a car should be.
People say these 4WD cars take the fun out of driving, but I can assure you once you realise what an EVO can do, match it to the right tyres they are a lot of fun. When I got my EVO X I had to be showed what it could do by a rally driver, he took my car way beyond where I was pushing as I simply thought such levels of grip/handling did not exist but once I knew they did I myself started to explore them and once you get there I can happily say the EVO X is a lot of fun. Easily the better car out of the three on the road. On a track I can see the EVO X and CSL being very closely matched just as long as the driver in the EVO has the ASC OFF.
Lets talk brakes, well the CSL lets just say for this kind of car they were simply poor, either on or off and not that powerful, the only reason the car stopped well was because it weighed sub 1400kg.
The Mustang was upgraded to Brembo 4-Piston brakes which made them great, plenty of feel and good stopping power.
The EVO comes as standard with huge front and rear Brembo's and needless to say this think stops incredibly well, helped hugely by the AD08 tyres I might add though but the feedback is incredible and the stopping power sublime, the only weakness is the Ferodo DS2500 pads, it needs something more hardcore and fade resistent.
Everyday practicality
Well all three of these cars have been my everyday all year round cars and I've done long 4hr+ drives in them all. The Mustang is a comfy place to be, incredible sound system and it cruises amazingly on the motorway, 70mph is something like 2000rpm. Though car parks, fast-food drive through can all be issues due to LHD and the size of the car.
The EVO is actually very practical, you can seat 4 people with comfort with plenty of room for all and you can take it anywhere. Its weak point is that cruising on the motorway can be loud due to its 5-speed box, 70mph is 3000rpm, so when your cruising around 85-90mph its over 4000rpm which requires the stereo to drown the engine noise out. Now the Rockford Sound system standard in all GSR's is very good indeed, the quality of the sound is excellent and it can go very loud with plenty of bass too. Plus the build in SATNAV works well and you can even watch DVD's so the EVO definetely wins on sound system and it also has the best seats, they are very comfortable.
The CSL is the worse of the three here, a lot of people can struggle to fit in the seats which have little padding and the suspension is certainly firm but not crashy. But the CSL is the car passengers would rather not do a long journey in, but on the motorway it does cruise well due to the long gearing in 6th gear. The radio in the CSL is just pathetic and unfortunately even uprated systems work poorly in the CSL due to having no sound padding.
So in short the Mustang LHD and size cause it issues, in the EVO its the short gearing that makes motorway trips a chor and in the CSL it can all be a bit to firm. Overall the EVO is the winner here simply due to its comfortable interior, vast interior room and huge boot space plus the incredible sound system. But in all honesty none of these cars are hugely practical.
Build quality
So build quality ok lets focus interior, well none of these cars are particular special in this area as they are not comfortable cruising barges from the likes of Audi. But for interior quality and comfort for the driver the Mustang wins, it just feels more solidly built inside compared to the other cars.
The CSL is quite bare on the interior which could lead people to think its not very well put together, but don't be mistaken its still built by Germans to a high level, but in this company the build quality of the interior does seem lacking.
Now the EVO does unfortunately feature cheap Japanese plastics that create little rattles from time to time, the seats make up for a lot of it, even thought he plastic inserts in the Recaros do have a mind of their own, so on interior quality the EVO X for me is the worse of the three, which is quite shocking as Mitsubishi highlight of the X was the improved interior, but I can tell you the interior on the older EVO's is shockingly poor. The new EVO is mainly rescued by its seats and excellent in-car sound/navigation system.
When it comes to actual build quality of the cars though like stuff like engines, suspension parts and transmissions well the EVO seems to be the strongest, you can abuse it so much and it all remains in one piece and feels very solid to drive. The CSL also had a solid feeling too though with age they do seem to loosen up. The Mustang felt very solid, but every in the Mustang looks like it was built to withstand bombs exploding underneath it, especially the gearbox and engine. Afterall how many cars can you double the power output from 300BHP too 600BHP and remain on the same stock engine and gearbox, well I don't know of any. The EVO does seem most solid on its suspension components though which is no doubt due from its rally heritage.
Running cost
Well simply put the EVO wins this hands down, now I bet that has shocked a few. Well work it out, 10,000 mile service intervals that cost £350 each. The car can return upto 32MPG on a long run if driven like an OAP and I tend to average 20-22MPG. Tyres last 5000-7000 miles on the AD08 tyres and normal summer tyres will do over 12,000-15,000 miles.
The Mustang was not as expensive as people would think either, servicing you do yourself and its every 6000 miles on supercharged ones and its just an oil service so £100 a time. Every 60,000 miles you change the plus and at 100,000 miles you do a full check over along with diff/gear oils etc. On a run due to the long gearing its possible to return 30MPG but that is been very gentle on average I would see 14-16MPG so yes they do drink fuel unless your sitting on the motorway in top all the time. The Mustang surprisingly was very good on its tyres, a set of fronts would see 15,000-20,000 miles with ease with rears always returning approx 10,000 miles.
The CSL was the most expensive to run because it would get through its tyres quick, servicing was expensive and it was also quite thirsty. On a run 33-35MPG was possible which made it the best on the motorway but the average was only 17-19MPG due to the fact the gearbox encourages you to stir it a lot and drive hard.
The effect on passengers and feedback from the public
OK no guess here to what wins this, the Mustang could generate crowds of all ages and it got me quite a few girls numbers as well. People were simply intrigued by it and taking out passengers would make people grin like crazy, or envoke childish screams/laughter in men and get women screaming with fear. It was a car that was well accepted by all and got attention everywhere it went and created conversation. It was with ease on par with Ferrari's for attention levels but without the jealousy factor thrown in.
The CSL only seemed to get the attention of well petrol heads, to most people it was simply another 3 series that made a nice noise. Passenger would mainly complain about the seats but at the same time be amazed by its gearbox and handling abilities.
The EVO was the surprise, I got one in red as I did not want the chavtastic image. But still driving along and chavs will point and go look its an EVO, but what is quite surprising girls do seem to quite like the EVO, though not as much as the Mustang. Now passengers well the turbo surge gets them grinning and when the corner/roundabout comes about you can see them grabbing the door handles or begging you to slow down simply because no one expects a car to corner quite like it.
Summary
Lets keep it simple:-
Mustang for acceleration, noise and presence.
CSL for gearbox, precision and noise.
EVO for brakes, grip/handling and sheer ability on UK roads.
Out of the three for driving pleasure it has to be the CSL, the gearbox was the charm, so if I was in the mood for carving up some smooth country roads or going on a track day I'd choose the CSL.
If I wanted to make myself grin from ear-to-ear from start to finish then its the Mustang, that V8, that shear performance and the attention along with people you can meet is a very enjoyable experience.
If I was going to the shops or just wanted to go and drive some country roads, smooth or bumpy like a hooligan well it has got to be the EVO, there is a lot of fun to be had out of destroying other cars on the road or simply powersliding around roundabouts or attacking your favourite corner at a higher speed than previously.
All truly great cars, so what next, well at the moment for me I want that V8 engine, EVO Ability and well the looks/presence of the Mustang and for me the only car I can think of that delivers that combination of all three is an Audi R8.
(Though I need to get saving a lot)Pictures / Videos to follow of Mustang, EVO and CSL.
This Noise is unbeatable
Mustang 30-70mph when at 480BHP, looks slow due to speedo but that is 3.1-3.3s
M3 CSL 30-70mph when at 360BHP and in S5 - Great sound & 4.0s
EVO X FQ-360 30-70mph in 3rd gear, slighter faster if use 2nd and shift to 3rd - 4.0s
![[TW]Fox](/data/man-of-honor/2009.png){kind=avatar}