Test Drive Trade: Porsche for M5

GGarai · 4th May 2000, 13:09

I have a '96 Porsche 993 C4, which I would love to swap for a couple of days for an M5...am considering switching (family needs bigger car), but would like to see what M5 feels like. I live in Boston area.

SteveP · 4th May 2000, 17:02

Not for a couple days, but maybe for a few minutes. EMail me at spaulin@cisco.com.

-SteveP
'00 M5
Avus Blue / Black Exclusive
Westboro, MA

TWC · 5th May 2000, 02:51

If you are looking for a bigger car to replace the Porsche I would strongly recommend the M5. I have a '95 Porsche 993 C2 cab and an M5. Having just recently resumed driving the Porsche after winter storage, and comparing it to the M5, I can't decide which one I like driving more. The Porsche obviously feels lighter and and is a bit quicker through turns, but the M5 is amazingly balanced and can be tossed around almost as easily. The M5 is faster and the interior makes the Porsche feel cheap in comparison. I bought the M5 for when I need to carry more than two people, and for me it is the perfect "family car."

one2000m5 · 5th May 2000, 17:13

Can't help you on the Porsche comparison, but one reason I got the M5 was for a "family" car to carry 4 people in comfort. It is a fantastic compromise, if one has to be made, between a two seater and a sedan with all (or almost all)of the two seater performance. The ride, even with 18" wheels is surprisingly good. Not the kidney jarring experience I expected.

GGarai · 8th May 2000, 03:04

I was able to take advantage of a generous swap offer (it's a small world....Shawn and I knew each other from 12 years ago). So here are my impressions:
1. M5 is far more luxurious...in comparison, 993 is spartan
2. M5 torque is significantly more powerful
3. M5 suspension is more forgiving, though still provides good feedback
4. M5 engine sound is good (still can enjoy stereo), 993 is better.
5. Need to push "sport" button each time you start car is annoying
6. M5 seats are great, 993 in comparison is merely good
7. Biggest difference: in 993 you feel like you're in a sports car with some luxuries added, whereas in M5 you're in a very powerful sedan with an excellent sports suspension.
8. Personal quandary: 993 is my toy, to drive spring to fall with max. one passenger...M5 would be all year car, to drive family around. 993 is more fun, but M5 is close and can be enjoyed more frequently. So, if you multiply fun times frequency of enjoyment, M5 wins, but 993 vs M5 on a particular occasion, 993 wins.