Just picked up the december issue of Motor Trend were they test(sort of) the E55 vs the M5. The reason I say "sort of test" becuase the performance numbers for the M5 were esimates, and the performance numbers for the E55 seemed to be taken from a previous test conducted by MT. The numbers(estimated) for the M5 were given as: 0-60 4.5 seconds, 0-100 10.0 seconds, and 1/4 mile 12.6 @ 115 mph. The e55 numbers were: 0-60 4.2 seconds, 0-100 9.7 seconds, and 1/4 mile 12.4 @ 116.2 mph. They seemed to pan the steering/handling of the E55 when compared to that of the M5. Lacks the sharpness of the M5, not consistent through the curves, lack of feedback...., not a glowing review there. They did praise the cabin and the engine of the E55.

I just wanted to give a heads up to the board, so check it out when you have a chance.

 

Do you find it odd that these magazines test cars based on previous numbers?
I remember when they tested cars, they use to test them side by side in the same environment with the same conditions.
I think that is they only way that it can be a real comparison.

 

I agree, and I think its very very weak that MT would do such a thing. I guess that's why I only subscribe to Car and Driver these days - I don't think I've seen them do that yet.

 

Heck, we do that all the time on this forum. No need to buy a magazine for a bench comparison.

 

One big difference in the two cars is: We're driving our E55s... They're reading about their M5s.

 

but when they come out what will you say?

 

By that time, if it is the kind of car I want, then I'll get one... who knows, it will be at least a year or so until they are even out. That just seems to be a long time to me to look forward to driving the car you want and reading evey article that someone is writing about it. I think the fact that they are comparing a car that will be that far down the road to a car we're driving right now speaks highly of the E55.

 

Bones,

How did you get your copy so soon?I was wondering if there where any other exciting cars in the magazine.Reason being is I just got my 997s and was curious to see if the Motor Trend #'s match up to Car and Drivers last month.
Is it tested in the December issue?

Thanks

 

Congrats on the 997. Did you get the S and were you a previous 993 911 owner? If you were can we get some opinions/comps please.

 

Yes I had a 1995 993 and loved it.The 997s reminded me of that car so that why I bought it.Good to see Porsche getting back to the 993 style and theme.The 997s is significantly faster than the 993 and has noticebly more torque.BTW I have a 2003 CL55 and a 2005 Corvette C6 auto with the performance rear axle option and the 997s outran both by about two car lengths to a 100mph on a deserted road(neighborhood developement that went bankrupt with about a 1/4 mile straight away with no one anywhere)near my house.Also the 997s ran a 4.21 on my G-Tech compared to a 4.45 for the vette and 4.44 for the Cl55.All in all quite and impressive car.How it does this with only 3.8 litres and 355hp/295torque only Porsche knows but it defies logic to be the fastest in this company.

 

That's impressive! I was debating on whether to wait for 997TT or just get the S now...I sat in the 997 and I must say that it felt as if fit and finish was much better (by far) than the 996. I've never owned a Porsche but always wanted one and the 997 is one car to die for IMO.

 

Excellent Point. I've heard the first batch of M5's won't be here until November of 2005!

 

If ppl say that if we should compare weather conditions, surface, etc as the same for both vehicles, shouldn't we compare the year as well for time being, and since the w211 came out in 2003, we should compare 03 e55 with 03 m5 and 04 e55 with 04 m5 and so on? so we clearly have a winner for the first 2 years, i don't know whats to come when actual ppl do drive their upcoming new release m5's and experience it but for now i think it's like comparing Intel vs AMD. I think if the new M5 comes out with a few better results, i know im still happy with my e55, only thing that doesn't purely get my jollies is the handling of my e55, but the comfort of it's suspension ride balances out my minor dislike..

 

I was at my local Barnes and Nobles hoping to see the new UK CAR or EVO magazines, but they were not there. I pushed over the November issue of MT, and behind it was the new M5 staring me in the face with the E55 behind it, with the headline in bold lettering screaming 1000-HP CLASH!!

Others cars they test or review are the CLS 500, Ferrari F430, and a short review of the CL 65 AMG. Performance numbers for the 65 were 0-60 3.8 seconds, and 1/4 mile 11.8 @ 120.9 mph. No test on the 997.

 

Both these cars are for different types of drivers and enthusiasts. Numbers don't mean anything, only the joy of driving the car.

I picture MB drivers as drivers that use their car to get to work and home fast and quickly. MB I think is a little bit more luxurious and makes driving very relaxing. While looking good too. Plus MB is a little more family oriented and we know it's a easier drive for women. It's true that MB takes more to a liking to women drivers.

As for BMW, well, BMW's are more oriented for the driver that takes his car out on weekends, occasionally uses his car for commuting. Maybe the driver that wants to take his car out and go driving on Sunday's. You have to admit BMW is more liking to the sporty driver. Being, the fact almost all models have available 6 speed manual.

Those are just my opinions. But none the less, both companies are spectacular and they target their products to a certain audience.

 

i will agree with the steering issue. my E55 feels down right odd when driven hard. when i go out for a brisk drive on a twisting road, I take my E500 simply because it turns in and stays linear when you need it to be predicable (it actually can chase down a C32 with 10k in chassis mods... and no im not joking... the E500 stock can keep pace... but not pass the C32. The E55 is set for a new steering rack, new front end steering bushings for mid to late 2005 production so clearly MB knows this is an issue. The CLS55 has these same upgrades and the CLS55 has been said to be "better" than an M5 becasue it narrows the gap in chassis dynamics to a point where the higher quality and more comfortable MB out weighs the M5's handling edge.

So either get a new E55, upgrade the old E55 (if possible) or get a new CLS55. I have a CLS on order. but lets see if I take delivery.....i will agree with the steering issue. my E55 feels down right odd when driven hard. when i go out for a brisk drive I take my E500 simply because it turns in and stays linear when you need it to be predicable. The E55 is set for a new steering rack, new front end steering bushings for mid to late 2005 production so clearly MB knows this is an issue. The CLS55 has these same upgrades and the CLS55 has been said to be "better" than an M5 because it narrows the gap in chassis dynamics to a point where the higher quality and more comfortable MB out weighs the M5's handling edge.

So either get a new E55, upgrade the old E55 (if possible) or get a new CLS55. I have a CLS on order. but lets see if I take delivery.....the CLS55 also has revised shock valving and wider wheels and tires. Who knows what that car will be like but I sure would like to know!

 

[QUOTE=CynCarvin32]The E55 is set for a new steering rack, new front end steering bushings for mid to late 2005 production so clearly MB knows this is an issue.

QUOTE]

Where exactly can I find this information?

 

Hey I have a CLS55 on order too. But will have to wait and see if it really does look good in person.

 

I've never driven an M5, but the '04 E55 was just fine in the twisties. My experience with BMW is that there is just a little too much emphasis on "sport". I can imagine how rough a M5 would be after driving a '03 540 Sport. These are not race cars. Never will be. The M5 still will not run with a Z06 on a track, and even that is not a race car. The overall package of the MB is better as a daily driver. Honestly, how many people have the skill or the place to be running these cars at 9 tenths, the only time the E gives up anything to the BMW? I laugh when Bimmer owners throw the "handling" trump card at me. As Houston points out, the E55 handling isn't the cars' strongest point, but is balanced by the superior ride.

 

But there are people that rather have a good handling than excellent comfort. The M5 is still very comfortable by my standards. Anyhow the new E60 M5 will do the 'ring in around 8 mins, that around 30 secs better than the old one...

 

if it looks as good in person as it does in photos it will be the biggest thing to happen since the R230 SL. The CSL truly is a departure and I like where it is going.

But I still feel the doors need some wood to look "proper". The dash looks a bit like a jag but its has a feeling of class that the E60 M5 just does not have. If it drives as well as I have read I think it will be a wonderful car. But I still wonder how it can be "faster" than an E55 even though it has more mass but the same engine and the same rear-end ratio.

On a side note, an SL55 is equal in weight (about) to the CSL55 and the E55 is quicker than the SL (by a small margin). I had an associate drive the SL while I drove the E and the E pulls about 1/2 - 1 car length on a long freeway pull. But the SL does sound "out of this world" while doing it!