gmm

Hey all,

have been a die hard M5 owner since april of 2000 and love the car. The fact that it allows me to drive 15 miles each way to/from work every day in comfort and still has the performance to satisfy the speed freak in me is what sold the car for me.

At the same time, there is one thing that I have noticed when driving other high performance vehicles and sports cars that the M5 does not exhibit as much of as I would like - cockpit intensity. M5 is of course a tremendously capable and high performance vehicle, the "problem" that I am finding is that the performance manifests itself in a way that is not as apparent to the driver/passenger as it might be in a sports car. As some of you might know you can cruise in the M5 at 120 all day long and it seems like you are doing 75. On one hand this is awesome, on the other I with I could be feeling the rush of cruising at high speed a little bit more.

The question that plagues me right now is this: lets assume my priorities are that I vehicle that not only performs at the highest level but also gives the driver the THRILL of being in the cockpit of a high performance machine. In addition I do not have any family to haul around but I do need to be able to travel to/from work every day.

I have been *considering* adding a second vehicle to compensate for this need for cockpit intensity simply because I cannot bring myself to trade in the M right now. The options I have been evaluating have narrowed down the selection to a 96-97 Porsche 993 Turbo or a 2001 996 Turbo. I have driven both and love them. I get the feeling though that the 993 delivers more of a rush to the driver than the 996 which appears more like a GT than raw sports car.

I noticed that a number of members of this board either have currently or had one of these two vehicles in their stable. What are your suggestions for an M5 owner that wants a vehicle that really delivers the adrenalin to the brain when its called for?

Thanks !

GMM

MAVERICK

gmm:
I'm assuming you're talking about cruising in 5th or 6th gear at 120 mph. Instead, try driving around in 3rd or 4th gear all the time. The increased engine sound and ready-to-go power at increased revs will surely increase "cockpit intensity." Of course, it never hurts to add a 993 turbo to your stable.

greg

I love the M5 exactly because of how UNDRAMATIC it is when I don't want it to be. Go drive it hard and keep the revs up - plenty of adrenalin for me. If that isn't enough, turn the DSC off, stab the gas and hang the tail out around every turn. Wheeeeeeeeeeee!

bobafett

gmm: the 996 is more of a Gt car than the 993TT. Have you considered a ferrari? honestly, NOTHING beats the feeling you get in that car. go test drive a 360 and wear the lead shoes. you will come back a better man!

--Dan

alpywhite

993TT all the way.

bobafett

That's also a good point. I don't really feel the same rush at 80-100 anymore. :/

Oh well, nothin wrong with a quick 4-3 double clutch and then ride all the way to redline 4th

--Dan

daniel

The Porsche will connect you a bit more, but still is not at the top of the visceral excitement scale. A Viper GTS for $70k will make all sorts of noises, shake, and keep your feet nice and sweaty... Or if $$$ is no object, go for the Ferrari 360 with it's wonderful noises. I guess it is up to you whether THRILLS means more challenging to drive, or just plain faster and better handling.

1C00lVC

Power, as with any other drug, you need more of it all the time just to feel normal..

BROKER

I had the same problem when I got my beast. I never actually felt the power of the car and it took a lot of the fun out of driving. After doing a few mods the problem has been fixed. Add the Dinan exhause to your M5, it gives off a very sporty exhaust note. Its amazing how you think your going faster than you actually are if you can hear the exhaust.(Why do you think all of the Honda owners put on those stupid pipes?) Next, add the Dinan stage two suspension, this will totally transform the car. you will definately feel like you are in a sports car. After doing these mods as well as others to my car, I can honestly say, THIS THING IS MEAN MEAN MEAN. I love my beast. Hope this helps.
Eric

gmm

Thanks for the input all,

Bobafett: yes I have driven a 360 extensively as a family member has one, also a 550. Both superb vehicles, and you're right the 360 is the rawest sports car I have ever driven. BUT .. there are a couple issues. Firstly the gouging going on my dealers is really unappetizing, and secondly I don't think I am "ready" for one yet. I consider the maranello family to be the top, but I would like a sports car that is usabile to the point of being able to go to publix with it on the weekend without worrying. After driving and using the 360 for periods of time I always felt pressure when I left it in less than optimal conditions. The mental side of things is a big part of making a decision for me.

On another note, I have ordered the Triflo group buy exhaust and I think this will make a big difference once it is installed. Hopefully it will be delivered in the next 10 days or so.

Another option I have been considering more and more is actually trading the M5 (don't lynch me) for a 996TT .. but is it REALLY the kind of vehicle that you can take to the supermarket or the pub down the street without attracting attention? I love the low profile attitude of the M5 and want to retain that as much as possible in a sports car.

bobafett

gmm: in all honesty, most people couldn tell you an f355 from a 360 from a maranello. I think that the simple fact that it's a ferrari might draw attention.

As for the car itself, I plan on keeping the M5. The 360 is more of a toy (while almost everyday in useability). I don't plan on taking to the shopping mall, or the grocery store, or what have you. Car meets, enthusiastic driving, and Marin (yes basil!) are what I had in mind. And maybe taking it to work.

To every man his own, and I do love the 550, really. 485bhp is intoxicating to say the least. My personal take is that the M5 has the everday civility and comfort, and I'd love to have a convertible (especially one that goes )... so why not start at the top?

--Dan

ijam