The beast holds it's own
Courtesy of amguy at mbworld.org
Dec 2002 Automobile Magazine.
Article Summary.
BMW M5 is the winner....
Jag S-type R 12 mpg 0-60 5.7 sec 1/4 mile 14.2 sec @ 100 mph
The four valve per cylinder, 4.2-liter V8 from Coventry is seriously strong, yet it still lags a long way behind the three valve per cylinder Benz...
While the three German cars stay hot on each other's heels when pushed, the Jag slowly but surely, drops back. It loses 1.4 sec to the RS6 from 0 -60 mph, it is more than 4 sec behind the E55 at the 100mph mark and it takes almost twice as long as it rivals to reach the electronically governed 155 mph top speed.
Jag's extra gear can't mask its relative lack of pulling power. The Jag in particular is hampered by the fretful demeanor of it digital watchdogs (Electronic stability control)
Pitch, dive and sway are far too pronounced. Brakes are excellent, steering is direct and precise, but the engine does not communicate particularly well with the transmission...
The Jag rides remarkably well. It is quiet and refined, lavishly appointed and nicely assembled. We might be able to overlook the cramped cabin and the small trunk, but we can't ignore the underwhelming straightline performance and the overall lack of agility.
Audi RS6 13 mpg 0-60 4.3 sec 1/4 mile 12.8 sec @ 109 mph
Caught off-kilter, humming along at low revs in a high gear, the turbo V-8 takes a second or two to build up to full boost, but once therem, it loads up the driveline like a Pratt & Whitney jet engine at full afterburner.
thanks to the AWD the RS6 puts the power down with aplomb. It is unfortunately, nose-heavy, a trait that makes it understeer strongly. The RS6 also has the knobbliest ride. especially at low speeds. It also has a heavy steering
The Audi Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) keeps body motions in check. DRC gives the RS6 a speed advantage in the corners, but at the expense of feedback and response. The car remains so consistently flat, discovering the limits is a strangely uninvolving experience.
The RS6 is blindling fast. But little niggles such as wind noises, questionable directional stability on uneven surfaces and the lumpy ride bring it down.
M5 14mpg 0-60mph 4.8 sec 1/4 mile 13.2 sec @ 108mph
It has the best steering, which is accurate, quick enough but never nervous and very three dimensional in the way it transmits messages to your palms
The M5 corner by corner, more elastic and nimble than its rivals.
Five years old, the M5 still manages to beat the new kids on the block. The BMW simply drives better than the rest. ...it strengths are a beautifully progessive and creamy engine, a neatly spaced six speed gearboxm great steering ample brakes, and the best chassis in the super sedan league.
The M5 doesn't ride as well as the Jag, lack the explosive power of the Merc, and can't match the traction and ultimate grip of the Audi. But as a whole, the BMW is a masterpiece.
E55 11 mpg 0-60mph 5.0 sec 1/4mile 13.1 sec @ 112mph
With the stability and traction off, the E55 can't wait to demonstrate its own pirouette, which is more difficul to control because of slower steering and considerably greater mass. In addition, the Airmatic suspension affords too much body roll, to the detriment of at the limit handling.
The Benz does not decelerate as well as expected. It electrohydraulic brakes feel strangely passive, heavy and lifeless that feeling was backed up by the longest 70 to 0 mph stopping distance. The steering deserves criticism for its rubbery response and uneven weighting.
Automobile Mag Dec Issue Tests E55, Rs6, S Type R, M5
Kevin
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