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Auto Talk => Luxury Talk => Topic started by: TBR on May 05, 2005, 10:17:08 PM

Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: TBR on May 05, 2005, 10:17:08 PM
Pretty self explanitory. I didn't do a poll because votes without explanations aren't very constructive.

Anyway, I personally think that the M is almost as good as the 5-series, but really isn't quite there. However, the Infiniti's price advantage, aggressive yet classy styling, and good ergonomics make it my choice.


Also, let's try to have a reasonable debate with no name calling, personal attacks, etc
Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: Catman on May 05, 2005, 10:26:39 PM
I agree.  I think I'd go M simply based on price.  The M45 is probably priced the same as a 6 cyl 5 Series.  
Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: ifcar on May 06, 2005, 05:49:53 AM
QuotePretty self explanitory. I didn't do a poll because votes without explanations aren't very constructive.

Anyway, I personally think that the M is almost as good as the 5-series, but really isn't quite there. However, the Infiniti's price advantage, aggressive yet classy styling, and good ergonomics make it my choice.


Also, let's try to have a reasonable debate with no name calling, personal attacks, etc
You don't have to worry about that, we don't have trolls from either side in the discussion.

Anyway, others have basically said it. The M is as good as or better than the 5-Series, and when price is factored in, that's the end of any comparison.  
Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: FlatBlackCaddy on May 06, 2005, 09:49:38 AM
I think the M takes a real good run after the 5 series.

If i was in the market for a automatic sport sedan i'd say M hands down.

However anyone looking for a true(balls to the wall) sport sedan will probobly end up with the bimmer.  I personally don't think the M can fully compete with with the 5er until it offers a manual with the V-8 and sports package.  
Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: ifcar on May 06, 2005, 02:21:44 PM
QuoteI think the M takes a real good run after the 5 series.

If i was in the market for a automatic sport sedan i'd say M hands down.

However anyone looking for a true(balls to the wall) sport sedan will probobly end up with the bimmer.  I personally don't think the M can fully compete with with the 5er until it offers a manual with the V-8 and sports package.
You could possibly pay someone part of the $20,000 (probably more, not checking out the actual prices) that you save by chosing the Infiniti to put in some sort of manual transmission.
Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: FlatBlackCaddy on May 06, 2005, 02:28:19 PM
Quote
QuoteI think the M takes a real good run after the 5 series.

If i was in the market for a automatic sport sedan i'd say M hands down.

However anyone looking for a true(balls to the wall) sport sedan will probobly end up with the bimmer.  I personally don't think the M can fully compete with with the 5er until it offers a manual with the V-8 and sports package.
You could possibly pay someone part of the $20,000 (probably more, not checking out the actual prices) that you save by chosing the Infiniti to put in some sort of manual transmission.
Now your just being a smarta**. :angry:

Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: Why? on May 06, 2005, 02:32:19 PM
If I had unlimited funds, I would choose the BMW. But the Infiniti is a very good car, especially for someone who doesn't want to blow all his money on a car. I think the M is prolly 90% of the BMW.

I would also suggest that a manual transmission would be a big selling point for people looking to buy a car in this category.
Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: Laconian on May 06, 2005, 02:36:16 PM
The panache of the BMW logo might be enough for some people to go with the 5-series. Once you make an emotional commitment, no amount of reason will disuade you.

Personally, I would have to drive them back to back. Sure, the M45 has a V8 while the comparably priced 5er would have an I6, but I appreciate a supple chassis more than a huge engine once I get over the novelty of straightline acceleration. A V8 might be a little too thirsty for my tastes.

I am crossing my fingers that I'll have the good fortune to be stuck in this dillemma a couple years from now :)
Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: BMWDave on May 06, 2005, 02:52:35 PM
I think that these are both such great cars that it comes down to brand loyalty, or the prestige of the brand.  
Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: SJ_GTI on May 06, 2005, 06:01:59 PM
I like the 5er better, mainly due to "on paper" things like lower weight and available 6MT. Only a drive in both could tell me for sure of course, but most comparisons have them both as really good performers, with the M35/45 as being the better deal.
Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: NomisR on May 06, 2005, 06:18:25 PM
One big thing I don't like about the M35/45 is the center console.  It looks and feels too much like something from a cheap Sci-Fi b-movie from the 70-80s.  When I first saw it at the Los Angeles Car show, my first thought was "OMG, it's the command center of a space ship!"
Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: ifcar on May 06, 2005, 08:08:53 PM
QuoteOne big thing I don't like about the M35/45 is the center console.  It looks and feels too much like something from a cheap Sci-Fi b-movie from the 70-80s.  When I first saw it at the Los Angeles Car show, my first thought was "OMG, it's the command center of a space ship!"
I don't love it either. However, I really dislike the 5's dash, so that's not an issue for me just between the two, as I still prefer the Infiniti.  
Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: TBR on May 06, 2005, 08:34:38 PM
Quote
QuoteI think the M takes a real good run after the 5 series.

If i was in the market for a automatic sport sedan i'd say M hands down.

However anyone looking for a true(balls to the wall) sport sedan will probobly end up with the bimmer.  I personally don't think the M can fully compete with with the 5er until it offers a manual with the V-8 and sports package.
You could possibly pay someone part of the $20,000 (probably more, not checking out the actual prices) that you save by chosing the Infiniti to put in some sort of manual transmission.
There is a 12k difference between the two when comparably equipped.
Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: TBR on May 06, 2005, 08:36:59 PM
QuoteI think the M takes a real good run after the 5 series.

If i was in the market for a automatic sport sedan i'd say M hands down.

However anyone looking for a true(balls to the wall) sport sedan will probobly end up with the bimmer.  I personally don't think the M can fully compete with with the 5er until it offers a manual with the V-8 and sports package.
I agree that a manual would be a good idea, but the M does have a sport package.
Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: Fire It Up on May 06, 2005, 09:02:55 PM
Lets see. The M45 is muscular looking, filled with luxury goodies, powerful, and less expensive than the 5. The 5 looks weird, is more expensive, but it has a manual. But the M has a sport auto. Good enough. So thats a M45 > 5 Series for me.  
Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: Speed_Racer on May 07, 2005, 10:16:24 AM
I consider the M to be way more easy on the eyes than the 5er.

But, throw in content, quality, and enough oomph for less $$$ (comparatively for a similarly optioned car) makes the M a winner in my eyes.
Title: M vs. 5-series
Post by: SaleenS7 on May 07, 2005, 02:53:40 PM
Oh... for a second I thought you guys were talking about the M5! LoL :D