Tough decision

[alexey21]

I am at a tough decision right now with my M5.

Recently I have been introduced to the drug "Porsche". After getting my first Porsche (2003 911 Carrera) I have learned to love the brand and now I have been looking at the entire Porsche line up. I have test driven everything from the 991 to 997 to the turbo models to the Cayman, Panamera and etc. I am now shopping to replace the M5 with a 2009-2011 Carrera S or 4S. I have much love for the M5 but here are the pros and cons as I see fit for the M5 and 911

M5 Pros:

1. Brutal acceleration
   
2. Very comfortable
   
3. Under steer / Over steer during cornering and in such a big car, it definitely gives a very nervous feeling.
   
4. Best looking BMW in the current line up

M5 Cons:

1. "Isolated feeling" - this topic has been beaten to death but I still think it is isolated.
   
2. This big car can not corner well. I understand it is a big 4 door luxury ship, but even the previous M cars felt perfectly balanced between speed and agility.

997.2 S Pros:

1. Sexy 911 look
   
2. That sound of a 3.8l Naturally aspirated flat 6!!
   
3. connected feel and amazing handling
   
4. did I mention the sound?
   
5. Small car, easy to maneuver around

997.2 Cons:

1. mostly space
   
2. a bit of an older car
   
3. Direct fuel injection can go bad (covered under warranty)

I love the M5 and it breaks my heart to let it go, but for me it is not a practical car in the North East. It stays during the winter time in the garage while all I do is pay. I don't really know about this decision and I am leaving it up to you fellow enthusiasts to maybe knock some sense into me....dark side or light side?

[ColdList]

You don't really want an answer do you?-lol!

I know this feeling. Do it and get it over with. 4S all day. Good and bad weather. It was funny because I was listening to Marc's C2S in a video today as he ran a couple of laps (He is in NY) and I was mesmerized by the sound of that NA flat 6.

[alexey21]

Originally Posted by ColdList

You don't really want an answer do you?-lol!

I know this feeling. Do it and get it over with. 4S all day. Good and bad weather. It was funny because I was listening to Marc's C2S in a video today as he ran a couple of laps (He is in NY) and I was mesmerized by the sound of that NA flat 6.

You are right, I guess I am overly attached to the M5 but I have to let it go.

[Bimmer6]

Originally Posted by alexey21

I am at a tough decision right now with my M5.

Recently I have been introduced to the drug "Porsche". After getting my first Porsche (2003 911 Carrera) I have learned to love the brand and now I have been looking at the entire Porsche line up. I have test driven everything from the 991 to 997 to the turbo models to the Cayman, Panamera and etc. I am now shopping to replace the M5 with a 2009-2011 Carrera S or 4S. I have much love for the M5 but here are the pros and cons as I see fit for the M5 and 911

M5 Pros:

1. Brutal acceleration
   
2. Very comfortable
   
3. Under steer / Over steer during cornering and in such a big car, it definitely gives a very nervous feeling.
   
4. Best looking BMW in the current line up

M5 Cons:

1. "Isolated feeling" - this topic has been beaten to death but I still think it is isolated.
   
2. This big car can not corner well. I understand it is a big 4 door luxury ship, but even the previous M cars felt perfectly balanced between speed and agility.

997.2 S Pros:

1. Sexy 911 look
   
2. That sound of a 3.8l Naturally aspirated flat 6!!
   
3. connected feel and amazing handling
   
4. did I mention the sound?
   
5. Small car, easy to maneuver around

997.2 Cons:

1. mostly space
   
2. a bit of an older car
   
3. Direct fuel injection can go bad (covered under warranty)

I love the M5 and it breaks my heart to let it go, but for me it is not a practical car in the North East. It stays during the winter time in the garage while all I do is pay. I don't really know about this decision and I am leaving it up to you fellow enthusiasts to maybe knock some sense into me....dark side or light side?

Personally if you had to choose between the two I would stay with the M5 for all around performance. Second, I would go with the 991 for looks, and better performance than the 997. Clearly my own opinion I think the Porsche is a great second car due to the space reason you described. M5 is great when the kids are in town, and a quick trip to the store .......also not good for my golf clubs.

This is my first Porsche, and I wanted to try the car/brand and I will be a long term customer hence my most recent GT3 build. Now I can't wait for that monster .......good luck with your choice.

[FLOMACKS]

^^^^--- he said it well. I'm 3 months into mine and I'm feeling the "cons" more than the "pros". The 911 is a unique car, and a great addition to the garage, especially as a second car.

If you use it as your daily driver, you will be accommodating the car. I even had to change my Starbucks order! People told me all this stuff, but I didn't listen. The force is strong man.

I'll probably be going back to Munich in September to get back in the M5. Should have kept the one I had. *wipes tear*

[ColdList]

Originally Posted by FLOMACKS

^^^^--- he said it well. I'm 3 months into mine and I'm feeling the "cons" more than the "pros". The 911 is a unique car, and a great addition to the garage, especially as a second car.

If you use it as your daily driver, you will be accommodating the car. I even had to change my Starbucks order! People told me all this stuff, but I didn't listen. The force is strong man.

I'll probably be going back to Munich in September to get back in the M5. Should have kept the one I had. *wipes tear*

WHAT!!!

Do you guys just carry around a lot of stuff or something? As a DD (especially in inclement weather) a 4S is a much better car.

Changing your Starbucks order? Who in the heck buys their coffee around a car and even worse, who factors in any $100K car decision AT ALL around a $5 cup of coffee? That is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard.

I would concede that in terms of space, of course the M5 has more. In terms of a more solid car and the fun factor, Porsche hands down.

Frankly, I think you have a very hard time with decisions and then remorse and I think you have been soured since your tax issue.

To each his own but c'mon-coffee?!

I still get my Grande No Whip White Mocha every day and whip around with the top down.

[ColdList]

Originally Posted by alexey21

You are right, I guess I am overly attached to the M5 but I have to let it go.

I do the same thing. I feel bad as if they are children-lol!

I will say this though. Unless it is purely a money consideration, there is no way I would buy a 997 over a 991. Vastly better chassis. In fact, I might have a hard time letting the F10 M5 go for a 997. I know I would. Too plain for me personally, but that is a matter of taste and of course, highly subjective. some prefer the simpler look/feel. I'm old. I like a bit of luxury and the improved ride/handling.

[FLOMACKS]

Originally Posted by ColdList

WHAT!!!

Do you guys just carry around a lot of stuff or something?


Frankly, I think you have a very hard time with decisions and then remorse and I think you have been soured since your tax issue.

i'm working with my therapist, my accountant, and my Barista (who happens to be my therapist) on all my issues. we still have a lot to do.

[RPiM5]

OP I would consider the change for a 991 but not for a 997. The 991's are way more refined and just in a different league. Concerning the handling of the M5, which you seem to not enjoy, you should seriously consider either installing the Competition Package Sway bars or the new Dinan Sway Bars. Either one, will transform your driving experience in the 2013 M5. The upgraded sway bars alone made me want to keep my 2013 M5 for longer. It's truly a different and much better experience in the corners. Add some good lowering springs or coilovers and your in cornering heaven in the F10 M5. Sure the weight is still there, but a lot of the understeer is dialed out and hardly any body roll, with a definite sharper turn-in feeling. Best mod for the 2013 F10 M5 if you intend on keeping it.

Can't do much about the isolated feeling though. It's a luxury sedan too, you know, you need that to listen to all of the notes from the Bang & Olufsen. As far as steering feel goes, it only starts to fade when you are really pushing the car, like on a race track, it does go numb, but on the street there is quite a bit of feedback.

If getting a Porsche get the 991 C2S or C4S, or if you intend on tracking the car, I'd consider the 981 Cayman S or upcoming Cayman GTS. Horsepower can always be added later.

[Hoopumpers]

I'll disagree with some comments here. The 991 is better looking. The 997 is better driving.

All depends on what you are into.
More luxury, cruiser, etc: 991
More raw, direct, manual: 997

No right or wrong, but since you are disappointed in the refined-ness of the M5, I would choose carefully. Fortunately, this is a very easy problem to solve. Go drive both of them! Easy to do so.

[GladiatorOwner]

You've already kicked this around in your head so you might as well go with the Porsche and move on. Almost everyone on this board changes cars like their underwear. They will not stop making M5s anytime soon. You can always buy another one in a few years and you know it'll be an improved version anyway..... Simple.

[Bimmer6]

Originally Posted by GladiatorOwner

You've already kicked this around in your head so you might as well go with the Porsche and move on. Almost everyone on this board changes cars like their underwear. They will not stop making M5s anytime soon. You can always buy another one in a few years and you know it'll be an improved version anyway..... Simple.

We like clean underware

[FLOMACKS]

It's not like I can flip cars AND wash my underwear. The price of Tide is ridiculous. Tough choices in tough times.

[Bimmer6]

Originally Posted by FLOMACKS

It's not like I can flip cars AND wash my underwear. The price of Tide is ridiculous. Tough choices in tough times.

I hear ya! I'm a tad different I keep my cars for awhile. I purchased the 991S as a keeper, and got my hands on a GT3 slot which I will definately keep the car. If I didn't like the 991S by no means would have move on to the GT3. My M5 is not going anywhere unless it becomes a MTC problem. Cold is the prime flipper due to ADD

[ColdList]

Originally Posted by FLOMACKS

i'm working with my therapist, my accountant, and my Barista (who happens to be my therapist) on all my issues. we still have a lot to do.

You need a new therapist...or barista

[ColdList]

Originally Posted by Bimmer6

I purchased the 991S as a keeper

New definition of a "keeper"-12 months.

You went LOOKING for the GT3 and I know it-lol!

[Actor]

Originally Posted by ColdList

You need a new therapist.

Vic55 comes highly recommended…..

[alexey21]

Thank you for the input everyone.

I decided the 997.2 over the 991 for a couple of reasons.

First, the 997.2 is relatively a new car, being made from 2009-2012ish. It features the same 9A1 engine as in the new 991 C4S but makes a 25hp less. Yes some different internal parts but overall its the same engine.

I test drove the 997.2 and the 991, and to be honestly, I liked the raw feeling of the 997 over the 991. Yes 991 is more refined and a better looking car, but there are some parts that I tend to dislike.

Also, I do not want to get a new car and have it lose most of it value over the next year like the M5 did. I rather pick up a slightly used 2010 or 2011 C4S with around 10-20k miles on it at $40k less than what it was worth new, and enjoy it. It will still lose value, but not as much when it was new.

Now the 997.2 vs the M5 I can say I feel much safer in the Porsche, and not because it is slower, but because it is more controllable and more predictable and connects with me, the driver, way better. I feel I can explore curves and gaps on the roads better because I can place the car where I want to, and am always alert of the speed I am going unlike in the M5 where I am always going faster than I feel like I am. On the note of M5 being bigger and carrying more people, yes, it does, but I do not need to carry more people, I do not have kids, and I do not have much stuff to carry. If I do, I got an X5 up for that task. Decisions decisions....

I still have not made up my mind, but I am probably going to jump ship soon if the proper car and opportunity comes by.

[alexey21]

Sorry I forgot to mention, for the price of a loaded 991 C4S, I can get a 997.2 PDK Turbo loaded and even cheaper with only 6k miles on it. My dealer currently has one. I drove that car, and even though it is faster than the M5, it is miles more fun, enjoyable, predictable, controllable, did I mention faster? All for just a tick over 100k...

[ColdList]

Originally Posted by alexey21

Sorry I forgot to mention, for the price of a loaded 991 C4S, I can get a 997.2 PDK Turbo loaded and even cheaper with only 6k miles on it. My dealer currently has one. I drove that car, and even though it is faster than the M5, it is miles more fun, enjoyable, predictable, controllable, did I mention faster? All for just a tick over 100k...

[ColdList]

Originally Posted by Actor

Vic55 comes highly recommended…..

His couch is costly.

[Hoopumpers]

Originally Posted by alexey21

Thank you for the input everyone.

I decided the 997.2 over the 991 for a couple of reasons.

First, the 997.2 is relatively a new car, being made from 2009-2012ish. It features the same 9A1 engine as in the new 991 C4S but makes a 25hp less. Yes some different internal parts but overall its the same engine.

I test drove the 997.2 and the 991, and to be honestly, I liked the raw feeling of the 997 over the 991. Yes 991 is more refined and a better looking car, but there are some parts that I tend to dislike.

Also, I do not want to get a new car and have it lose most of it value over the next year like the M5 did. I rather pick up a slightly used 2010 or 2011 C4S with around 10-20k miles on it at $40k less than what it was worth new, and enjoy it. It will still lose value, but not as much when it was new.

Now the 997.2 vs the M5 I can say I feel much safer in the Porsche, and not because it is slower, but because it is more controllable and more predictable and connects with me, the driver, way better. I feel I can explore curves and gaps on the roads better because I can place the car where I want to, and am always alert of the speed I am going unlike in the M5 where I am always going faster than I feel like I am. On the note of M5 being bigger and carrying more people, yes, it does, but I do not need to carry more people, I do not have kids, and I do not have much stuff to carry. If I do, I got an X5 up for that task. Decisions decisions....

I still have not made up my mind, but I am probably going to jump ship soon if the proper car and opportunity comes by.

He gets it

Skip the turbo IMO. Again, just drive it and decide for yourself. I didn't like the AWD behavior in the 997 turbo. 991 is better in that regard. What you really want is a 997 GT3, but the prices have gone bananas since they took the stick away from the 991 GT3.

Also, Rennlist is a wealth of information if you need more input.