BMW M5 vs Chrysler 300C SRT-8 (Top Gear)

[Lebowski]

I may be wrong but isn't the XLR-V fundamentally a Z06 in executive clothing?

No.? It's based on the base C6, only it is slower and significantly heavier than the base C6, yet is twice as expensive.? The engine isn't an LS2 or LS7, I believed it's a supercharged northstar that puts out less power than the LS2.? The interior has the same shitty hard plastic as all other GM products.? It's an inferior sports car to the C6 and it's also an inferior luxury/executive cruiser to the competition (I'm guessing they're targeting the SL?).

In summary, it's an overpriced piece of shit and anyone who would buy one would have to be either a) on crack, or b) utterly unknowledgable about cars.

[MX793]

No.  It's based on the base C6, only it is slower and significantly heavier than the base C6, yet is twice as expensive.  The engine isn't an LS2 or LS7, I believed it's a supercharged northstar that puts out less power than the LS2.  The interior has the same hard plastic as all other GM products.  It's an inferior sports car to the C6 and it's also an inferior luxury/executive cruiser to the competition (I'm guessing they're targeting the SL with it).

In summary, it's an overpriced piece of shit and anyone who would buy one would have to be either a) on crack, or b) utterly unknowledgable about cars.

The XLR-V is more powerful and quicker than the standard C6.

[Lebowski]

The XLR-V is more powerful and quicker than the standard C6.

Sorry, it is a bit more powerful but it is most certainly not quicker.

0-60 in 4.7, 1/4 in 13.0, top speed 155.

Comparable figures for base C6 are 4.2, 12.8, and 186.

http://www.caranddriver.com/roadtests/10846/road-test-review-2006-cadillac-xlr-v-2006-cadillac-xlr-v-specifications-page3.html

I was wrong on the hp figure but regardless, my point remains it's slower than a C6, has a shitty interior, and is an utter ripoff at $100k.  I reiterate my opinion that you'd have to be either stupid or on crack to purchase one.

[The Pirate]

Don't underestimate the number of crackheads and stupid people with money.

[1 BAD 7]

No surprise here M5 is the best midsize/large luxury sports sedan. I think just the fact that people are even seriously comparing a 300 C SRT-8 to M5 speaks volumes about how good this car is for its price. I think at its price no other midsize/large luxury sports sedan can compete head to head with 300 C SRT-8. It offers tons of performance and style for a $45K car.

If I was limited to $45K and wanted a super fast midsize/large luxury sedan with nice and upscale styling I would go for SRT-8 myself. However, for those that can afford a $80K car and want the best sports sedan in that class period I think M5 is the obvious choice.

[Submariner]

No surprise here M5 is the best midsize/large luxury sports sedan.

C&D would disagree.

[sportyaccordy]

My mom could have seen that outcome.

And just in watching the video I can tell how the SRT-8 handles and rides. Soft springs to mitigate the stiffness of the heavy handed dampers that have to control the 20" rims. Terrible combination. You get no handling or ride quality.

As far as the M5...it's a nice sedan with a very cool engine, but a sports sedan? Me thinks not. My experience with it is limited to GT4, but even in that it's painfully apparent that the M5 is overburdened by its own weight, whether it be in braking or turning. It's a sports sedan like my dad's M45 would be with a better sorted suspension...

[TheIntrepid]

Ah I posted that a couple days ago. I read an old C&D and I saw that it has a Supercharged Northstar 443hp. I see.

[1 BAD 7]

I dont think C&D would disagree with 7-speed SMG M5 as the best sedan because it has previously beaten the Audi S6 and E55 AMG. I think they just didnot like the fact that the 6-speed makes M5 slower and causes its electro nannies to not be turned off. Keep in mind that it is the 6-speed manual M5 that failed to win the comparison where as 7-speed SMG in M5 in various automotive sources has not only beaten E55 AMG but also the CLS55 AMG .

C&D would disagree.

[1 BAD 7]

Where you might have driven a M5 in a video game sportyaccord I have driven it in person and believe me when I say that M5 has more in common with a sports sedan then a normal driver would ever have with an experienced race car driver. Most normal drivers ability/talents to drive fast will reach its limits first before M5 would ever reach its limits.

By no stretch of imagination M5 is as small or light weight as an EVO MR or WRX-STi and neither should it be. But when you are behind the wheel the M5 size tends to shrink arround it self and car inspires great confidence that is hard to be duplicated in cars with far less mass that I have driven. I think M5 is a very decent size ultimate luxury sports sedan and nothing else. Where  EVO MR and WRX-STi are cramped tight little sedan with back seats that are no more roomy then some 2 door coupes. The M5 has dual personality of practicality, luxury and fun that is hard for those cars to duplicate. This is not just limited to M5 but also to cars like CLS 63 AMG or E63 AMG and Audi S6 or RS6.


I think overall everything is a compromise of one sort or another in life. The difference between M5 and EVO MR is the difference between Porsche Cayman S and Lotus Exige.


   

As far as the M5...it's a nice sedan with a very cool engine, but a sports sedan? Me thinks not. My experience with it is limited to GT4, but even in that it's painfully apparent that the M5 is overburdened by its own weight, whether it be in braking or turning. It's a sports sedan like my dad's M45 would be with a better sorted suspension...

[850CSi]

It's a little too heavy, but the M5 is still the best sedan on the market right now, and the 2nd best ever built (behind the E39).

[Raza]

How many of those cars will seat four passengers in comfort, and be refined and practical enough to use as an everyday car?

BMW 335, for one. 

[Raza]

It's a little too heavy, but the M5 is still the best sedan on the market right now, and the 2nd best ever built (behind the E39).

Yeah, the day I believe that is the day BMW marketers cut my head open and just go to town.

[1 BAD 7]

 

[S204STi]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y3TZIb3ZmuE

The link in the original post won't work.

[MexicoCityM3]

BMW 335, for one.?

An M5 will destroy a 335 around a fast track. I am saying this from personal experience riding in an M5 (with three other people) and simply destroying a 335i coupe around Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. This even with the advantage that the turbo gets in Mexico City being almost 8000ft above sea level. So, I am waiting still for someone to mention a faster sedan than an M5 around a track........

I'd actually take an M5 easily over an M6 since I love the cool factor of being able to tell to the kids: "wave bye bye to the nice man in that Carrera S".

[BMWDave]

No.? Totally different powertrain.

Yup, it has the supercharged Northstar engine, while the Vette has the LS7.

[Mak450]

Of course, The GT.  That's what I would like to see more of!

Hmm there is the S7TT, its definitely fast but I don't think its been tested by many European magazines. There's also the Mosler MT900, although since Clarkson likes to argue that the GT is European, theres probably a few good reasons why the MT900 is European in his mind as well. There's that SSC Aero thing, but thats gotten so much flak for looking like a mangled Diablo in the past that I don't really think Clarkson would have many nice things to say about it.

[MexicoCityM3]

Hmm there is the S7TT, its definitely fast but I don't think its been tested by many European magazines. There's also the Mosler MT900, although since Clarkson likes to argue that the GT is European, theres probably a few good reasons why the MT900 is European in his mind as well. There's that SSC Aero thing, but thats gotten so much flak for looking like a mangled Diablo in the past that I don't really think Clarkson would have many nice things to say about it.

The Callaway C16 on the latest R&T is also sweet.

[565]

An M5 will destroy a 335 around a fast track. I am saying this from personal experience riding in an M5 (with three other people) and simply destroying a 335i coupe around Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez. This even with the advantage that the turbo gets in Mexico City being almost 8000ft above sea level. So, I am waiting still for someone to mention a faster sedan than an M5 around a track........

Wasn't the Maserati Quattroporte faster around a track in a recent magazine test with only 400 HP?  Now that is a sexy exclusive sports sedan. 

[Mak450]

The Callaway C16 on the latest R&T is also sweet.

Definitely! I don't care for the nose, but everything else looks amazing.

[SVT_Power]

Sorry, it is a bit more powerful but it is most certainly not quicker.

0-60 in 4.7, 1/4 in 13.0, top speed 155.

Comparable figures for base C6 are 4.2, 12.8, and 186.

http://www.caranddriver.com/roadtests/10846/road-test-review-2006-cadillac-xlr-v-2006-cadillac-xlr-v-specifications-page3.html

I was wrong on the hp figure but regardless, my point remains it's slower than a C6, has a shitty interior, and is an utter ripoff at $100k.  I reiterate my opinion that you'd have to be either stupid or on crack to purchase one.

stick vs. auto?

[SJ_GTI]

Sorry, it is a bit more powerful but it is most certainly not quicker.

0-60 in 4.7, 1/4 in 13.0, top speed 155.

Comparable figures for base C6 are 4.2, 12.8, and 186.

http://www.caranddriver.com/roadtests/10846/road-test-review-2006-cadillac-xlr-v-2006-cadillac-xlr-v-specifications-page3.html

I was wrong on the hp figure but regardless, my point remains it's slower than a C6, has a shitty interior, and is an utter ripoff at $100k.? I reiterate my opinion that you'd have to be either stupid or on crack to purchase one.

See, now that is irony.   

[SVT666]

If I was being given one of these cars, I would take the M5.  If I had to pay for it, I would take the SRT-8.  80% of the performance for 50% of the price...and better looks.

[565]

If I was being given one of these cars, I would take the M5.? If I had to pay for it, I would take the SRT-8.? 80% of the performance for 50% of the price...and better looks.

Speaking of being given one of these cars.  Burger King has a Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT as part of a give away. 



I know the chances of winning are like nil, but I couldn't help fantasizing about having one of those sexy beasts while I was munching on my triple whopper.

[Tave]

Speaking of being given one of these cars.? Burger King has a Maserati Quattroporte Sport GT as part of a give away.?



I know the chances of winning are like nil, but I couldn't help fantasizing about having one of those sexy beasts while I was munching on my triple whopper.

How much would you have to pay on taxes to "win" that? 20 grand, 30?

[565]

How much would you have to pay on taxes to "win" that? 20 grand, 30?

No idea, but that sucks the government wants a piece of stuff we even win.  WTF right? 

[MexicoCityM3]

See, now that is irony.? ?

[SVT666]

No idea, but that sucks the government wants a piece of stuff we even win.? WTF right??

Canadians don't pay taxes on prizes or lottery winnings. :P

[Tave]

No idea, but that sucks the government wants a piece of stuff we even win.? WTF right??

Yeah. The sad fact is whoever wins the Quattroporte won't even be able to afford the taxes he or she will have to pay. They'll have to sell the car to pay for their "prize," likely without ever even driving it.