Not all of them are them same. The factory short shifter is a less aggressive short shifter than the B&M. I driven them both and the factory short shifter is a little sloppy and throws are not quite as short as the B&M. There is a tradeoff though, the B&M feels notchy at times, where the factory short shifter doesn't. I guess it depends on what you're looking for if price is no object for you?

Personally, I wanted a shorter more positive feeling shifter. I would have gone with the B&M anyway after driving cars with both of them, but since I know a few people over at B&M, I got a smokin' deal too. To be honest, the B&M is probably a much nicer shifter than the factory short shifter is anyway. The quality is nothing less than top notch. It's not a low-brow cheap product just because it's less expensive.

To be fair, I've never seen the factory short shifter out of the car like I have with the B&M. However, if it's anything like the standard factory shifter then the B&M is a better quality part.

 

There are plenty reasons aside from the price. Materials could be better, design could be improved, it's worth researching. OE does not always equal better, price aside.