Re: 997S vs. M5
Quote:
Gabriel343 said:
The M5 lost 10 points to the 997 because of higher petrol use. The best driving machine seems to be the M5. Not really a surprise considering better performance figures and the fact that BMW still makes very good chassis for their cars. I still feel that a comparison between the two quite different cars isn't really very relevant, and it's probably also hard to compare them.
The M5 also lost 5 points to the 997 because its top speed is limited to 250 km/h. We all know that most limited German cars can easily be delimited.
Gabriel, PLEASE, the better driving machine is the M5??? For who? For my 80 years old father?
The word "driving machine" includes the word driving. The BMW M5 is a great sports limousine, no doubt about it. But on twisty country roads, it is as much fun as my E55 AMG was.
Autobahn? Well, up to 250 kph maybe and only if the full power is activated. Most drivers would probably use it with the 400 HP setting due to fuel consumption, at least here in Germany. And BMW cars can be easily delimited? BMW does not develop their cars for higher speeds and as far as I know, the test them only to speeds up to "true" 270 kph. The chassis, the tires, the whole car, even the engine and gearbox are not tested for higher speeds. I suppose you know what that means, don't you? Did you see any newer BMW cars really delimited in the past in Germany? The TÜV says no and it takes a lot of mods and relations for Tuners to get the certified to higher speeds. One reason why most Tuners stay with speeds below 270 kph. Alpina is no Tuner by the way, just in case you want to give me an example. 
What you also "forgot" to mention: the test has been done by a Autobild editor AND Nico Rosberg, a professional race driver and the son of the famous Keke Rosberg. And you forgot to mention that Nico Rosberg was heavily impressed by the 997 Carrera S, especially with traction, handling, engine sound and speed feel. What the editor liked about the M5 was power, comfort and interior/luggage room. If this is a driving machine by definition, you never drove a real sport car, my friend.
And another thing you forgot to mention: ALL electronic drive assistents in the BMW M5 were TURNED OFF during this testdrive, otherwise the BMW M5 would have looked even more worse on the track. I'd say 95% of the M5 owners will regret turning off the drive aids because they wouldn't be able to control the excessive power anymore.
And: the brake performance (you forgot that too, right?
). The 997 Carrera S comes over 2 meters earlier to a full stop from 100 kph to 0 kph than the BMW M5. I know most people (who don't have a clue about fast driving) don't care about brake performance but may I give you a little hint: whoever is able to brake later before a curve, usually reaches faster the curve and is faster out of the curve. On the track but also on the street, braking performance is a key factor. Last but not least, the "bling bling" factor (Kudos to Nick-nberry for introducing it
): two Autobild readers (a young couple) were invited to join the comparison test between the M5 and 997 Carrera S. Both elected the 997 Carrera S as their dream car, comment of the guy regarding the 997: this is something BMW can't offer. Gabriel, I suggest driving a Porsche from time to time, it might widen your horizon. I drove them all (not the new M5 yet
), even owned some and I'm still a Porsche customer. 
And as a last remark: the 997 Carrera S has been tested with PASM, imagine how delighted Nico Rosberg would have been with the 20 mm option incl. a limited slip diffrential. And the 997 GT3 is coming, the 997 Turbo is coming...what does BMW have to offer? An interesting price tag? Well, they know exactly they can't sell this thing for more. I'm sure the M5 is a great car, especially as a daily driver but since my E55 AMG ownership, I'm a "healed" person. No more sports limousine, no more compromise. If I want a sports car, I go for a real one. And if I want some comfort and power, I drive the Cayenne Turbo. I would love to see the BMW M5 on wet pavement and in winter time here in Bavaria.
For 20000 kms/year 2 liters savings means around 500 Euro which is nothing compared to costs associated to ownership of such a car (depreciation,insurance,tires,...).Think you are confusing 525d and M5 customers.
