Audi RS6 vs Jag S Type R vs Merc E55 vs BMW M5
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From: Sweden
What does it matter that the E55 had a bad time in 0-60 in one test?? It will be tested thousand times with different 0-60 mph times, some better than others. And the car was very fast in higher speeds, which I find more interesting.
These cars are supposed to be driver´s cars. And it doens´t matter how much new technology you have when it comes do that. Performance isn´t everything either. Just look at Lotus Elise which is a terrific driver´s car. It´s not that fast, doesn´t stand a chance against the E55 and it´s very very low-tech compared to it too. But it´s soo much fun to drive.
Lo Pan,
Acutally I think the interior is more than up to it in the BMW. It uses very nice materials, better quality than the Merc, probably the same as in the Audi. I am a little dissapointed in the interior in the new E-class.
These cars are supposed to be driver´s cars. And it doens´t matter how much new technology you have when it comes do that. Performance isn´t everything either. Just look at Lotus Elise which is a terrific driver´s car. It´s not that fast, doesn´t stand a chance against the E55 and it´s very very low-tech compared to it too. But it´s soo much fun to drive.
Lo Pan,
Acutally I think the interior is more than up to it in the BMW. It uses very nice materials, better quality than the Merc, probably the same as in the Audi. I am a little dissapointed in the interior in the new E-class.
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From: San Francisco, CA
1996 C36 AMG, 1995 Volvo 850 Turbowagon
Originally posted by Family Guy
I own a 2001 M5 and have an E55 on order (late summer delivery) this review is very, very disapointing
I'm almost thinking of the RS6 but I can't see myself happy with an Audi (even a 450 hp twin turbo one).
I own a 2001 M5 and have an E55 on order (late summer delivery) this review is very, very disapointing
I'm almost thinking of the RS6 but I can't see myself happy with an Audi (even a 450 hp twin turbo one).
hey, m5 may be masterpiece....but it can't hang with a corvette z06 on the autobahn or drag strip like the new e55 w212 can...wohoo
can i take ur order??
i'll take one of each please :p
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apalling that a sooper old car, the e39 M5 took top honors.
just out of curiosity, has ANYONE seen a SINGLE published comparison review where the e39 M5 actually LOST overall (not just an individual reviewer's pick, like Sam Mitani's, but the overall pick) against other high-performance sports SEDANS (must have four doors)?
the new M5 will be nutty! v10... normally aspirated, over 500HP... mated to an SMG tranny... wow, by the time my 745Li lease ends, i'll know exactly what to get!
MMAfia
just out of curiosity, has ANYONE seen a SINGLE published comparison review where the e39 M5 actually LOST overall (not just an individual reviewer's pick, like Sam Mitani's, but the overall pick) against other high-performance sports SEDANS (must have four doors)?
the new M5 will be nutty! v10... normally aspirated, over 500HP... mated to an SMG tranny... wow, by the time my 745Li lease ends, i'll know exactly what to get!
MMAfia
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From: Boston
2003 CL55
Automobile Magazine either got a faulty E55 or has some agenda that favors BMW (see post above about all of the ink that BMW got in that issue, including the advertisement.) The M5 is a fabulous car and may well be better on a track than the new E55, but their concepts are a bit different. I am expecting my CL55 in Feb. and was surprised and disapointed to read about the 0-60 time of the E55 because MB is usually conservative when they print performance specs. C&D's recent review of the SL55, confirmed by comments on the Sensotronic brake system in other reviews, was also disappointing regarding stopping distances, although the accel. time 0-60 was 4.5 sec and confirms MB claims. Maybe MB needs to recalibrate the brake program in the new system.
BTW, R&T did a comparison last spring or summer on a 996 Twin Turbo, an 06 and a Ferrari 360 that was as about as obviously as subjective as anyone could be, so the qualitative ratings of the car mags need to be put in perspective. Drive what feels best to you, not what some reviewer thinks is best.
BTW, R&T did a comparison last spring or summer on a 996 Twin Turbo, an 06 and a Ferrari 360 that was as about as obviously as subjective as anyone could be, so the qualitative ratings of the car mags need to be put in perspective. Drive what feels best to you, not what some reviewer thinks is best.
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From: Maryland
'14 E63S & '14 Audi SQ5
I think you guys are a little too preoccupied by the whole 0-60 issue. The E55 tested was probably a sterling example of the model. However, what was lacking was a test surface conducive to laying down 516 ft-lbs of torque through 265 tires in the rear. Traction is the main issue...if you can't put the power down to the road...you aren't going anywhere. This is exactly what happened to the E55 in the test in question. Take at least 1/2 of a second off the time to make yourself happy. The E55 will beat most every other production car once at highway speed. In fact using Automobile Magazine's test figures...the E55 will go from 60-150mph in 17.8 seconds (22.8-5.0) versus a best 17.7 for the 996 twin turbo (Car & Driver 21.6-3.9). Those are some amazing numbers for a 4 door luxurious sedan!!! Who cares about 0-60 bragging rights...the E55 is the overall speed king!!!
As far as the test result... until AMG hooks up a manual transmission... the E55 will be hard pressed to sway a traditional enthusiast.
Tom
As far as the test result... until AMG hooks up a manual transmission... the E55 will be hard pressed to sway a traditional enthusiast.
Tom
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E55 AMG
Originally posted by MMAfia
just out of curiosity, has ANYONE seen a SINGLE published comparison review where the e39 M5 actually LOST overall (not just an individual reviewer's pick, like Sam Mitani's, but the overall pick) against other high-performance sports SEDANS (must have four doors)?
MMAfia
just out of curiosity, has ANYONE seen a SINGLE published comparison review where the e39 M5 actually LOST overall (not just an individual reviewer's pick, like Sam Mitani's, but the overall pick) against other high-performance sports SEDANS (must have four doors)?
MMAfia
Granted the reviewer has his bias, but the E55 was picked as the better all around car.
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From: San Francisco, CA
1996 C36 AMG, 1995 Volvo 850 Turbowagon
Originally posted by TMC M5
Take at least 1/2 of a second off the time to make yourself happy.
Tom
Take at least 1/2 of a second off the time to make yourself happy.
Tom
Originally posted by TMC M5
As far as the test result... until AMG hooks up a manual transmission... the E55 will be hard pressed to sway a traditional enthusiast.
Tom
As far as the test result... until AMG hooks up a manual transmission... the E55 will be hard pressed to sway a traditional enthusiast.
Tom
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From: Boston
2003 CL55
Excellent points TMC M5. I have wondered why MB continues with the same tire sizes on the 03 55's, at least in the CL versions, as on the earlier model years, given the large increase in torque. My recollection is that my 996 C4S had 295's on 11 inch wheels in the back. Given the GW and torque, 9 inch wheels and 265 tires on the rear of the CL55 seem sub-optimal. My 02 CL500 Sport has the same wheels and tires as the new CL55 and even with the 5 liter engine they seem a bit weak in the corners to me, although the ABC does keep them planted relatively well. I will explore getting wider wheels and tires for my 03 CL55.
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1996 C36 AMG, 1995 Volvo 850 Turbowagon
well..just to make sure bmw doesn't win all the time...car and driver tested in sept 99 the ~40k sport sedans and the m3 finished second to the s4.
sam mitani (in r/t 3/00) just goes to show really how close these two cars really are (m5/e55)...would any of us really be complaining if we had either cars?
sam mitani (in r/t 3/00) just goes to show really how close these two cars really are (m5/e55)...would any of us really be complaining if we had either cars?
Last edited by steve s; Nov 16, 2002 at 02:17 AM.
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From: HKG
I agree wholeheartedly with what Mr. Janne posted. One should not concentrate too much on 0-60 numbers, or numbers in general, as it really depends on many factors to yield a significant time in any car. If numbers are of greatest concern, the W211 E55 has the best rolling acceleration and the MB beats all the other cars hands down in a 0-150mph sprint at 22.8secs whereas the BMW, Jaq, and Audi are clocked at 27.6, 49, and 26.8 seconds respectively.
What is most important, imo, is really up to the owner's preferences of what is the best overall package from fit to finish, drivability/handling, transmission, brand, etc., etc. These are all wonderful 4-door performance sedans in its own right. Surely there will be many different reviews comparing these wonderful sedans and each will have different determing factors for a winner. I'd say read each of them with a grain of salt, as the best review is your very own behind the wheel.
What is most important, imo, is really up to the owner's preferences of what is the best overall package from fit to finish, drivability/handling, transmission, brand, etc., etc. These are all wonderful 4-door performance sedans in its own right. Surely there will be many different reviews comparing these wonderful sedans and each will have different determing factors for a winner. I'd say read each of them with a grain of salt, as the best review is your very own behind the wheel.
Originally posted by Mr Janne
What does it matter that the E55 had a bad time in 0-60 in one test?? It will be tested thousand times with different 0-60 mph times, some better than others. And the car was very fast in higher speeds, which I find more interesting.
These cars are supposed to be driver´s cars. And it doens´t matter how much new technology you have when it comes do that. Performance isn´t everything either. Just look at Lotus Elise which is a terrific driver´s car. It´s not that fast, doesn´t stand a chance against the E55 and it´s very very low-tech compared to it too. But it´s soo much fun to drive.
What does it matter that the E55 had a bad time in 0-60 in one test?? It will be tested thousand times with different 0-60 mph times, some better than others. And the car was very fast in higher speeds, which I find more interesting.
These cars are supposed to be driver´s cars. And it doens´t matter how much new technology you have when it comes do that. Performance isn´t everything either. Just look at Lotus Elise which is a terrific driver´s car. It´s not that fast, doesn´t stand a chance against the E55 and it´s very very low-tech compared to it too. But it´s soo much fun to drive.
Last edited by krm; Nov 16, 2002 at 03:44 AM.
