Sell my M5 for a 996 Cabriolet??

Hi guys I am new to the board and need some advice. I am considering selling my 2000 Dinan M5 and replacing it with a 2002 C2 Cabriolet. In fact, before I purchased my M5 I was strongly considering a 996, but I decided on the M5 since it was the best all around performance car on the market in my opinion. 30 months later I still think about a 996 cabriolet. Has anyone had experience with both vehicles? I love the looks of the 996 Cabriolet and would enjoy top down motoring, but also thoroughly enjoy the all around capability of the M5. Following are my primary needs for my daily driver: 1. Performance (handling,acceleration and drivability) I enjoy autocrossing and track events. 2. Reliability 3. Practicality (need to carry my toddler in the back seat) 4. Performance upgradeability Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated. By the way, I am also considering the 96-97 993 Turbos as well. Thanks. Sandy

Not trying to be an *** but a c2 will run circles around an m5. I know the M5 is the benchmark in sports sedans, but it is not a sports car. I traded up from an 02 M3 and could not be happier.

krichard, I appreciate your feedback. What are the primary things you like the C2 over the E46 M3 you had previously? Thanks.

Sandy, You must have seen or heard the famous porsche history video.. Since my Sunday is as boring as it can get, i've written the words, they're enough for you to realize what Porsche is all about, here goes: What would the world be like if everything had to be practical? Would there be a place for cotton candy, or amusment parks? What would the world be like if composers were told to be more efficient? and poets had to keep to the facts? And in this world, where would we live? How would we live? What would give us joy? And the cars..? Would the cars give us joy? Or would they too only be built to satisfy a need? What would the world be like if everything had to be practical? What would happen to men with dreams? Crazy, impossible, unbelievably impractical dreams? Of building something no one had said they need? What would the world be like if everything had to be rational? Would there be room for a dreamer? Would there be room for a company of dreamers? A place where inspiration comes not just once, but again, and again, and again..! And where everything they build is a culmination of everything they know, and everything they are.. So perhaps it is time once again to look around, and be thankful that we live in the world that we do.. and there are companies like Porsche, that build cars, ..like these! That allow little boys and the rest of the world to dream, As impractical, irrational and unnecessary as that may be..! Introducing the new 996 Turbo from Porsche, here's to the dreams! Sandy, got the point? Waz 996 C2 99 *am going out for a spin!*

1. Performance (handling,acceleration and drivability) I enjoy autocrossing and track events. This is a NO CONTEST, the 966 even in its cab version is far behond the M5. 2. Reliability I've owned M cars and I'd say about the same or better for the 996 but I have no real data. 3. Practicality (need to carry my toddler in the back seat) While the M5 is far more practical, the 996 rear seats are suited for small kinds. 4. Performance upgradeability There should be more aftermarket options for the 996 but at a higher cost too.

From my experience, the M5 and the C2/C4 are pretty evenly matched at Nurburgring. And between the M3 and a C2/C4 I'd likely bet on the M3. <img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" /> S.

Hmmmmm, M5 vs. 996. Here's a head-to-head video comparison. Beware - it's a HUGE file (about 100 MB) but well worth the download! The pursuing car is purported to be the previous itteration of the GT3, but I am not sure. The BMW M5 is the 'Ring Taxi and is driven by a lady by the name of Sabine. Does this help your decision? Probably not, but you're gonne like it anyway! <a href="http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~cielo/vids/200209_Sabine.WMV" target="_blank">BMW M5 vs. Porsche GT3</a>

[quote]Originally posted by Sean: <strong>Hmmmmm, M5 vs. 996. Here's a head-to-head video comparison. Beware - it's a HUGE file (about 100 MB) but well worth the download! The pursuing car is purported to be the previous itteration of the GT3, but I am not sure. The BMW M5 is the 'Ring Taxi and is driven by a lady by the name of Sabine. Does this help your decision? Probably not, but you're gonne like it anyway! <a href="http://web.ics.purdue.edu/~cielo/vids/200209_Sabine.WMV" target="_blank">BMW M5 vs. Porsche GT3</a></strong><hr></blockquote> The guy in the 996 obviously wasn't pushing the car 100%. If it is a GT3, the car will lap the ring in under 8 seconds. Also...at one point the guy driving asked if the car was AWD...the passanger responded saying it was RWD. At the begining the driver is very thankful for the chance. So obviously it's the passanger's car and is doing the driver a friendly favor, letting him drive his car. Though it was fun to watch and the server provided great download speed. 950k/sec sustained.

There are a couple things that I like more about the c2 over the e46 m3. The M3 was a pig. The c2 is much lighter and feels more connected to the driver. The M3 felt like it was struggling every time I would get on it and take it up to 8k. The c2 goes to redline effortlessly and I have actually hit the revlimiter a couple times because I didn't realise I was there already. The car just wants to be driven hard. I know the performance of the c2 and the m3 are pretty close but last weekend I actually got to see first hand how my 99 c2 could perform against two other 02 M3 SMGs(some friends of mine). I though for sure they would pull on me in the straights and possibly in the twisties but to my surprise I pulled on them in every instance and actually past them up. We went on a spirited 150 mile drive in the hill country outside Austin. We even did a couple 50 to 120 mph sprints and every time I pulled ahead by a car length. My car is bone stock btw. Anyway long story to just explain that I love the c2 and don't regret giving up the M3. I did like the creature comforts of the M3 and it took about 5 minutes after driving off the dealer lot to foget about them. You will not be dissapointed although it will be an adjusment coming from such a large car. Kerry

Waz, I got it. Emotionally I want the 996, then there is that pratical side that told me to get the "Swiss Army knife" of performance cars. My emotional side has been wondering ever since. Sean, The "Ring" video was very a lot of fun. The M5 never ceases to impress me for a 4000 pound sedan. Adrial, Your obseravations make sense. However, it appeared that the driver of the M5 had several passengers in her car and may have been holding back as well. I do agree that the 996 will brake and handle better, since it is about 900 pounds lighter and a purpose built machine, but you gotta give the M5 credit for what it can do. I have been modifying my M5 since it was new by changing the entire suspension, brakes and some engine enhancements as well as other performance related parts trying to convert it into a sports car. My M5 has improved substantially, but it still isn't a sports car. Also, it is a little too stealthy looking. I love the looks of the 996. If I finally decide on a new 996, am I giving up a lot in the handling department by getting the cabriolet versus the coupe? Thanks guys for all the feedback. Please keep it coming.

My dad recently made the swap 01 M5 for 02 996 C2 Tip. Like you, he wanted the 996 before but settled for the M5 because my mom didn't want him to get the P-car. He finally switched because he wanted an automatic, but he couldnt be happier with the change. The 996 is so much more agile yet still comfortable that it is much more fun to drive and to commute in even than the M5.

My experience is very much like yours in that I was considering purchasing both cars and ended up purchasing the 2000 M5. I also then upgraded everything that I could via Dinan. I then sold the M5 and bougt a C2 2002 Cab and here is the main reason. Handling! The M5 was a great car, it was very fast but just didn't handle like a sports car. The C2 just is much more fun to drive because it communicates with the drive in a way the M5 can't. Also, if you want to modify the C2 to make it a little quicker you can do that as well so you don't need to loose that radical excelleration feeling you got with the M5. About the only thing that I miss is the torque from that big V8 of the M5. I hope that helps.

Hank, Thanks for your feedback. Is the M5's torque the only thing you miss? Does the 996 offer enough versatility for your needs? How do you compare the acceleration of your 02 996 versus the M5? Overall quality between the cars? Did you consider any other cars before you purchased your 996? Is it a Tip or 6-speed? Thanks again.

had a chance to drive an M5 on the German Autobahn last year........perhaps it was the need to keep up with the "traffic", or the 400HP on foot but I always felt like I was in a hurry to get somewhere. If you have a lot of driving, kid events, groceries, business lunches where you're driving, etc. etc. one cannot beat the M5 but....I always look forward to driving the cab when I get home with the top down (even in colder bay area weather), kick back enjoy the ride, drive a little slower.....smell the roses! bottom line: the cab can do wonders for balancing one's pace in life.....and who cares about hauling people and stuff if you can avoid it, the 4x4 works fine for that just a thought.

Thanks for all the responses. You have all pushed me to test drive a few 996s today. I am going to my local dealer to test drive both a 2001 and 2002 996 for comparison. I will let you know my findings. By the way, when will the 996 be replaced with a complete new model makeover? I heard od rumors of a possible V-8 from the Cayenne. Thanks again

997 is due 2004-2005 but supposedly will keep a flat-6 with 3.8litre and 320Hp & 350Hp versions.

Have the M-5, got it first,and I track it. Got the 02C2 Tip second, and track it,too! Both have strong points. Best soulution?? Do what I did and keep both! If you can work it out, it is great. The C2 is a track car you can drive on the street, The M-5 is a street car you can drive on the track!

[quote]Originally posted by adrial: [QB] The guy in the 996 obviously wasn't pushing the car 100%. If it is a GT3, the car will lap the ring in under 8 seconds. Also...at one point the guy driving asked if the car was AWD...the passanger responded saying it was RWD. At the begining the driver is very thankful for the chance. So obviously it's the passanger's car and is doing the driver a friendly favor, letting him drive his car. QB]<hr></blockquote> The owner is a Swedish guy, and he drove the car - can't imagine that he would let someone unknown drive his GT3 on the ring. The passenger thanked for the opporunity to ride along for a lap. I wonder if anyone not familiar to the 996 can drive a 996 that fast. Even if neither Sabine or him were going 10/10 they were'nt toying around either...

My dad has a 2000 GS400 and right now he is going to trade it in for a new Carrera coupe. When I test drove it, it felt so much more faster than the GS even though it was a tip. I cant wait till we get it.

Carlos... You must be joking if you think an M5 is better than a 996. Ive dome countless track days all over the UK Ive seen virtually every performance car on track chasing and leading and I can tell you that the M5 is NO WAY quicker than a 996. In fact Ive had no trouble losing them on every circuit every time. ( Cars that heavy are not real sports cars. Only a racing driver could go quicker) As for a 996 cab or M5 ... Why do you want a Cabriolet??? GO for a Coupe...Cabs look a bit girly and sad. In fact its considered to be the 5th most Gay car you can buy.

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just checked out that video... The M5 was holding the 996 up the whole way round. 996 wasn't going flat out ... revs werent high, and very little loss of traction. M5 was all over the place. Case closed.

Petrepeter, I don�t see anyother Carlos on this thread so ... are you reffering to me? cause if you read my post again, I said the exact opposite.

[quote]Originally posted by peterpeter: [QB As for a 996 cab or M5 ... Why do you want a Cabriolet??? GO for a Coupe...Cabs look a bit girly and sad. In fact its considered to be the 5th most Gay car you can buy.[/QB]<hr></blockquote> As a 996 cab owner, i want to know what the 4 "gayer" cars were.

carlos, with all due respect, I just read your post again and from what you infer, you are suggesting that a m5 is better in performance and reliability than a 996. As for Gay cars, well i the UK we have a program called Top Gear.. They rated the gayest 10 cars and I remember the Jeep Wrangler was no.1 The Merc SL55 ws 2n dor 3rd. and the Audi TT was fairly high too. Porsche 911 Cabriolets were no.5 In Europe we tend to frown on Cabs (maybe we are jealous of your weather) but we dont consider them purist cars.

Hi Peterpeter, Well there is a problem with comunication here cause I said performance wise "the 966 even in its cab version is far behond the M5" i.e. 996 far ahead in performance. And in reliability "about the same or better for the 996" i.e. they are equal or the 996 more reliable. The only thing is said the M5 is better is in terms of practicality. So actually we both agree BTW love Top Gear! they are hilarious.

A P-car was my dream car since I was a kid, I started driving RX7, 323i, E300.... but never I thought to compare them to the P-car or even convince myself of similarity. Alot of ppl in our area buy a P-car coz they can afford buying it and the other lot buy a P-car coz it's a fast car. My opinion: When I got my driving permit, I had a blood test, they have mentioned on the permit that my blood group is A+ but I still insist and I am convinced that they have made a mistake coz I am sure that my blood group is a P+ not an A+ Happy New Year

Carlos, My apologies...

Peter, Man, I wish people in my latitudes were so polite as you English but no apologies needed my fellow P-friend, I took no ofence, I just wanted to make sure I wasn�t being misinterpreted that all, since English is my second language. <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Sandy, I'm also a new member (signed up today!). I have the good fortune of having both an '02 M5 and an '02 C2 Coupe. The rock-solid M5 belies its size and weight with unbelievable performance for such a car, no doubt. Having just returned from the M5 Driving Experience at the BMW Performance Center, I'm amazed at what this car is capable of. BUT... Now that the 996 has a bit more power, I couldn't resist buying the car that I've been secretly lusting over for years. Both cars are extremely communicative, but the Porsche's size and weight define it as a sports car, not a sports sedan, with a more nimble feel, and to me this equates to more fun. Both cars sit side-by-side in my garage, and the car I usually choose is the Porsche. This says it all. Rgds, -DT