Strange question: M5 or 991?

[visualguy]

Neither. Get an Audi S5, and invest the money you saved. I like my S5 better overall than my M5. The M5 has more power (which is overkill), but the lighter, smaller, and more nimble S5 is more fun to drive. The Porsche Carrera is also a fun car, but pretty impractical, overpriced, and I can't get over how the rear of the car has to be dismantled to reach the engine. Also, the Porsche draws too much unwanted attention.

[smashhell]

Originally Posted by visualguy

Neither. Get an Audi S5, and invest the money you saved. I like my S5 better overall than my M5. The M5 has more power (which is overkill), but the lighter, smaller, and more nimble S5 is more fun to drive. The Porsche Carrera is also a fun car, but pretty impractical, overpriced, and I can't get over how the rear of the car has to be dismantled to reach the engine. Also, the Porsche draws too much unwanted attention.

Ugghhh you realize you are on the M5 forum right?

The S5 is not even comparable to either of these cars. And frankly, I believe the S5 is bland, overpriced, weak, and comes with a VW golf interior.

Also to those that suggesting Panamera GTS. I agree that it's a great car. But if you add a couple of basic options, it'll cost 50% more than the M5, about $140k. Where as the M5 comes with pretty much everything standard.

[clar]

Originally Posted by visualguy

Neither. Get an Audi S5, and invest the money you saved. I like my S5 better overall than my M5. The M5 has more power (which is overkill), but the lighter, smaller, and more nimble S5 is more fun to drive. The Porsche Carrera is also a fun car, but pretty impractical, overpriced, and I can't get over how the rear of the car has to be dismantled to reach the engine. Also, the Porsche draws too much unwanted attention.

Sounds like u were hallucinating. The S5 is not even remotely close to an M5. The last thing it is, is more nimble. A fren traded his S5 for an M5 and couldn't stop cursing the S5. He said it handled like crap and couldn't even keep up with a stock WRX in the bends.

[visualguy]

Originally Posted by clar

Sounds like u were hallucinating. The S5 is not even remotely close to an M5. The last thing it is, is more nimble. A fren traded his S5 for an M5 and couldn't stop cursing the S5. He said it handled like crap and couldn't even keep up with a stock WRX in the bends.

That's the opposite of my experience. The S5 is awesome on curvy mountain roads - superb grip of the road at high speeds, and very precise steering (although the steering is a little too light and somewhat lacking in feel and feedback). Mine has the supercharged V6, not the V8, by the way.

I much prefer the S5 to the M5 on mountain roads.

[Tylerstar]

S5 ?! I drive my sisters S5 it feels way to slow, the steering is way to firm. The only thing i like is the interior. The only thing I would get over the m5 right now is the new SL65.

[visualguy]

Originally Posted by smashhell

And frankly, I believe the S5 is bland, overpriced, weak, and comes with a VW golf interior.

Huh? Have you ever driven the S5? The interior quality is among the best. The engine has more power than you'll ever need on public roads, with a very impressive amount of low-end torque.

I'm not saying the M5 is bad (well, other than the manufacturing glitches) - it's a great car. I just enjoy driving my S5 more, mostly because it's smaller, lighter, nimbler, and it has the best manual transmission in the business.

[cnicholson]

For a "one car" solution, the M5 cannot be beaten. That said, everyone needs to own a 911, so you might as well get that out of your system. I have a 997 Turbo and I rarely drive it. I'm not super eager to upgrade to 991 Turbo when they come out in a year or so--- the cars are moving in wrong direction, IMHO.

Although I stand by statement that everyone needs a 911 (ideally a turbo) at least once in your life, for a *sports car* I think the Cayman is better.

So: F10 M5, unless you feel that it is time to scratch the 911 itch. For a two car configuration, consider the F10 M5 and a used Cayman S. Can prob get both for less money than a 911 Turbo....

[Tourbillon]

Originally Posted by TylerStarBmw

S5 ?! I drive my sisters S5 it feels way to slow, the steering is way to firm. The only thing i like is the interior. The only thing I would get over the m5 right now is the new SL65.

Completely agree with your points. My sister has one as well.

[grendel88]

Originally Posted by cnicholson

For a "one car" solution, the M5 cannot be beaten. That said, everyone needs to own a 911, so you might as well get that out of your system. I have a 997 Turbo and I rarely drive it. I'm not super eager to upgrade to 991 Turbo when they come out in a year or so--- the cars are moving in wrong direction, IMHO.

Although I stand by statement that everyone needs a 911 (ideally a turbo) at least once in your life, for a *sports car* I think the Cayman is better.

So: F10 M5, unless you feel that it is time to scratch the 911 itch. For a two car configuration, consider the F10 M5 and a used Cayman S. Can prob get both for less money than a 911 Turbo....

Love the itch analogy The other choice was a 08 997 turbo, less than $100k but again besides for the fierce looks, the car does nothing else for me. It is WAY too much car. My M3 is already too much for public roads, which is why I am leaning to basic 991.

[topologe]

Originally Posted by grendel88

Love the itch analogy The other choice was a 08 997 turbo, less than $100k but again besides for the fierce looks, the car does nothing else for me. It is WAY too much car. My M3 is already too much for public roads, which is why I am leaning to basic 991.

Bottom line, your lifestyle will dictate which car is best for you. Perhaps, since you like high performance cars, maybe you should try some novice track events and see if you like it. You might just discover a new purpose for these beautiful cars.

[uhn2000]

Originally Posted by cnicholson

For a "one car" solution, the M5 cannot be beaten. That said, everyone needs to own a 911, so you might as well get that out of your system. I have a 997 Turbo and I rarely drive it. I'm not super eager to upgrade to 991 Turbo when they come out in a year or so--- the cars are moving in wrong direction, IMHO.

Although I stand by statement that everyone needs a 911 (ideally a turbo) at least once in your life, for a *sports car* I think the Cayman is better.

So: F10 M5, unless you feel that it is time to scratch the 911 itch. For a two car configuration, consider the F10 M5 and a used Cayman S. Can prob get both for less money than a 911 Turbo....

I am really pumped about the new Cayman might bring back some of the more key driver feedback that was lost in the 997-991 transition. Was thinking of giving the Boxster a go...

Originally Posted by grendel88

Love the itch analogy The other choice was a 08 997 turbo, less than $100k but again besides for the fierce looks, the car does nothing else for me. It is WAY too much car. My M3 is already too much for public roads, which is why I am leaning to basic 991.

I tested a base 991 for a good hour - fantastic car but not sure how it stacks up to an M3. The nice thing about Porsche is they have stock and you can get into an 911 for a good drive. I find test driving an ///M car to be much harder as dealers get so few and are reluctant to turn any of them into demos for long term testing.

Whatever you do make sure to try the 7MT - it is the best in the business.

[Rob///M5]

.

[lincvert]

I wouldn't want to DD a 991 based on the attention it draws. I think a debadged M5 would blend in better and only be noticed by car nuts. Too many police on my local roads and I have a hard time staying at the posted speed limit.

[cnicholson]

Depends on where you live, I guess. Porsches don't turn heads in SF Bay area after you get rid of your paper plates. Only care I've had that attracted gawkers was a Nissan GT-R.

The first few 991s I saw on the street, I was approaching from behind and thought "Huh. Do they do a mini Panamera now?"

Originally Posted by lincvert

I wouldn't want to DD a 991 based on the attention it draws. I think a debadged M5 would blend in better and only be noticed by car nuts. Too many police on my local roads and I have a hard time staying at the posted speed limit.

[s4awd]

Originally Posted by grendel88

See.. that is what I am afraid of...

I have a 997.2 GT3RS and an F10 M5 but..... it's a 6MT M5. It's not boring at all. The RS is insanely fun but you have to have the right state of mind when driving it. You can't be commuting in it. The M5 can be both a sports car and a luxury car and with the 6MT, it's just looney fun. Big roads, small roads, going fast, going slow, it's great! Auto blip if you want, can be disabled if you want. It really is a fun car to drive. Is your E92 a 6MT? If it is and you're bored of that, then def don't get the M5 because it's the same experience but bigger.

[PappSchlumpf]

Originally Posted by dr.skp.ortho

I have the f10 M5 and the 991 911 Carrera S.

Both are amazing. The Porsche is the better sports car, handles better lighter etc.

The M5 is superior as a tourer sports luxury sedan.

If you want a very sporty experience get the Porsche but if you want more comfort and space get the M5.

Fully agree, I got the M5 now.. will the the 911 Carrera S later... I have time

[dr.skp.ortho]

Originally Posted by grendel88

Did you even consider a regular 991 or did you straight for the 991s?

I only considered the 991 Carrera S. The 991 base 3.4l engine is lovely but is about 50Kw down on the 3.8L engine in the Carrera S. it's noticeable. The 991 911 is more than about outright speed but IMO and for me the 3.4L engine didnt have enough grunt.

The 991 Carrera S would not beat with the M5 in a drag (put in some bends and the Carrera S with sports chrono/PDK/PDCC is vastly better) so the M5 would annihilate a base Carrera 3.4L.

For me i like straight line grunt (maybe my AMG background?!?) but i also highly value balance and handling...thats why i got both the 991S and the M5...fast great handling sports car with excellent straight line speed and the M5 - best super luxury sedan bar none!

[grendel88]

Originally Posted by s4awd

I have a 997.2 GT3RS and an F10 M5 but..... it's a 6MT M5. It's not boring at all. The RS is insanely fun but you have to have the right state of mind when driving it. You can't be commuting in it. The M5 can be both a sports car and a luxury car and with the 6MT, it's just looney fun. Big roads, small roads, going fast, going slow, it's great! Auto blip if you want, can be disabled if you want. It really is a fun car to drive. Is your E92 a 6MT? If it is and you're bored of that, then def don't get the M5 because it's the same experience but bigger.

DCT and love it. I "like" driving a 6MT, but I am way too lazy now

[grendel88]

Originally Posted by dr.skp.ortho

I only considered the 991 Carrera S. The 991 base 3.4l engine is lovely but is about 50Kw down on the 3.8L engine in the Carrera S. it's noticeable. The 991 911 is more than about outright speed but IMO and for me the 3.4L engine didnt have enough grunt.

The 991 Carrera S would not beat with the M5 in a drag (put in some bends and the Carrera S with sports chrono/PDK/PDCC is vastly better) so the M5 would annihilate a base Carrera 3.4L.

For me i like straight line grunt (maybe my AMG background?!?) but i also highly value balance and handling...thats why i got both the 991S and the M5...fast great handling sports car with excellent straight line speed and the M5 - best super luxury sedan bar none!

Yeah, I agree that is nice combo, but I like limiting myself to one car. I love cars, but I would rather spent an extra $100K USD on something else. I am a car monogamous

[catpat8000]

Originally Posted by visualguy

Huh? Have you ever driven the S5? The interior quality is among the best. The engine has more power than you'll ever need on public roads, with a very impressive amount of low-end torque.

I'm not saying the M5 is bad (well, other than the manufacturing glitches) - it's a great car. I just enjoy driving my S5 more, mostly because it's smaller, lighter, nimbler, and it has the best manual transmission in the business.

I've spent some time in the S5 - powerwise it feels pretty soft. Kinda like an M5 would feel if it were towing a trailer.

Agreed, the S5 interior is very nice.

Pat

[visualguy]

Originally Posted by catpat8000

I've spent some time in the S5 - powerwise it feels pretty soft. Kinda like an M5 would feel if it were towing a trailer.

Agreed, the S5 interior is very nice.

The S5 does 0-60 in less than 5 sec - how can the power be "soft"? Plenty of power at high speeds as well in my experience. Sure, it doesn't have the power of an M5, E63 or CTS-V, but it's way more than enough for anything you might actually want to do with it on public roads, at least in the US.

In terms of handling on twisty mountain roads, my S5 with sport differential beats my M5. The S5 has amazing grip - it's like the car is attached to rails. It's overall the best car I've ever owned (I prefer it to my M5.)

Oh, and did I say that the manual transmission on the S5 is absolutely fantastic?

[SANguru]

less than 5 secs? that's pretty slow.. and the throws are pretty long and sloppy compared to a lot of cars. To each their own I guess.

Originally Posted by visualguy

The S5 does 0-60 in less than 5 sec - how can the power be "soft"? Plenty of power at high speeds as well in my experience. Sure, it doesn't have the power of an M5, E63 or CTS-V, but it's way more than enough for anything you might actually want to do with it on public roads, at least in the US.

In terms of handling on twisty mountain roads, my S5 with sport differential beats my M5. The S5 has amazing grip - it's like the car is attached to rails. It's overall the best car I've ever owned (I prefer it to my M5.)

Oh, and did I say that the manual transmission on the S5 is absolutely fantastic?