My experience is also between an E36 M3 and E39 M5. I don't think you'll find too many people that have driven the new M3.
If I'm coming hard into a 90 degree turn the M5 feels a lot heavier and it feels like I can't take the turn as fast as I could with the M3. However, if I'm moving down a mountain road with a lot of curves it feels like the M5 can go faster and hug the turns better then the M3 did. It feels as if the M5 is much more stable through the turns. I can't explain why if feels this way and maybe if I went back to the M3 (it was sold) and tried it again I might change my mind.
In any case, I have absolutely no second thoughts about making the shift. The raw power and feel of the M5 is unbelieveable. Touch the gas and the car leaps forward, no matter which gear you are in. It's intoxicating.
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Phil
01 M5 Silverstone/Silverstone
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