Unbiased opinion needed: Keep combo of '91 MB & 08 Porsche 911 OR get 1 sports sedan?

Which is better? Keeping a combo of classic '91 Mercedes 300E (from college days) & '08 Porsche 991 or have just one multi-tasker like BMW 750, 650, M6 (maybe an overkill) or Mercedes S-class? My 300E is not dependable for long distance trips due to it age. It stranded me a few times, less than 4 times in the past 5 years which is not bad actually. And that's the reason it's a DD for all local trips. I started to play golf again recently after I got a '08 997. Golf bags don't fit into P cars with a passenger. Well, it does fit in the rear folded seat area, but with much work involved. I started thinking whether I should continue to drive to out-of-town golf courses my old MB OR to just get rid of both 300E & 997 for just one car like the Mercedes S-class or a BMW 750/650/M6. One drawback: I'm still in my 30's, and I don't want to look like I took out my father's S-class or 750. So starting looking at 650 & M6. What would you do? Keep two cars or just get one comfortable sports sedan? Oh, one reason I got a sports car (had a Corvette and 01 Porsche 911) was because I got bored with the overly luxurious ride in my 91 Mercedes for about a decade. So I have a feeling I'm gonna miss a fast sports car after a while if I go with a sedan. But I would not want to take on a burden of keeping my 911 and getting another large sedan when I'm still single. I would rather use the money somewhere else. Cheers.

I tried having one car that fits 5 and hauls *** -- I had an 03 E55. I got rid of it after 6 months. It's not great at being a "sportscar" and not great at being a sedan. It's heavy and understeers too much for a "sportscar" and was too loud and bumpy for a family sedan. I think you'd be happy to just separate them if you can, financially. Of course, you can keep the 997 and get a C43, C32, C55, or E55 for cheap nowadays... but you still wouldn't have a "comfortable" sedan.

BTW, I've heard the M6 handles like @ss. Our 750 handles well since all 7ers (and 5er SPORT) have the active front anti-sway bar.

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What do you consider a 'comfortable' sedan? 7 series? So the 7 series was the replacement for the E55? One of my family member has a black 745i sport which I drive very often. It drives like a locomotive. I like the design better than the S550. People talk about the controversial Bangle butt on the 7 series, but the S550 rear looks like a Maxima. You must the envy of many folks (including me) around you for having a C4S and a super sedan like the 7 series. Cheers.

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I test drove the M6 before getting the 997. M6 was more comfortable since I'm 6'2". Lots of room for golf bags, more passengers, impressive power, but lacked the exotic charismatic look of a badboy 911. Forbest Auto readers votes on the Ultimate German Supercar on Porche 911 Turbo and BMW M6: 64% in favor of the 997 TT 36% M6 But if the question was which one would you BUY, I'm sure the answer would be a lot differenct since the buyers will need to think about the practical nature. These are two of my favorite cars over Italian and British exotics.

Another vote for keep the 2 cars separate. Fast German sedans are great, but still a big compromise compared to a 911.

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I asked the same q on the 997 forum. All of them said to keep the 997 and get a replacement on the old MB. From the MB forum, all of them said to sell the 997 and get the CL 2 door coupe. This is why the title is 'unbiased opinion needed' ha ha

Sonds like a good reason to hold off untill the Panamera becomes available

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Sure, I'd say to keep the sports car and sedan separate almost no matter what you had. I love my buddy's S4, but he is trying to sell it and wishes he had my A3 as DD + 911 for fun.... (I've also got an '03 Westfalia and '62 Bug Cabrio, each one very different obviously.)

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I'd say the 7er is comfortable yet sporty. It's a little stiff compared to the S and compared to my E430 w/ H&R and Bilstein Sports. All 7ers (and 5er SPORT) have an active front anti-sway bar that contributes to the handling and hence, stiffness. I'm surprised you think the 7er drivers like a locomotive. It's very easy to toss around and more predictable. Still, I believe trying to find a "compromise" point between a family saloon and an fast grand-tourer is futile and will lead to disappointment. I agree with the 997 guys... keep the 997 and get an updated MB for your sedan needs. C43, C32, C55, E55 (non-SC) are becoming VERY inexpensive nowadays if you want to stick with MB.

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Even a CL can't compare to the 911, especially in handling and driving involvement and fun.. check this out: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-...m310061047994& I think it's still expensive, however.

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My family member's BMW 745i is a Sport with 19 inch wheels, and the ride is supposed to be very stiff, but since I am used to 996 and 997 rides, I love the sporty yet somewhat luxurious ride of the 745 Sport. I say it drives like a locomotive b/c it turns corners like it's on a rail and powerful at the same time. Maybe I used a wrong expression. At 90+ MPH, the car accelerates effortlessly. I would probably stick with either a 750 or an M6 as my 300E replacement. 300E will probably be kept as a beater since the value isn't much anyway.

I was thinking the same thing. Have you driven the Quatraporte?

the new QPs with the true automatic are worth a look, I hate the implementation of the F1 in the older ones. I don't know why an M5 isn't in the running here, I think it's a good compromise if you only want one car. Or hold on to your 997 and just lease a smaller car e.g. A4/S4, 335/M3 or a C350/C63 for daily driver purposes and call it a day.

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I did consider that car, but I decided to stay away from Italian and British cars (was looking at Jag XKR, baby Aston) due to reliability issue. I was test driving a black 997 at a local dealer, and this teen celeb drove in her black Quattroporte. She left the dealer in a black 997. People around me who own a Quattreporte did not have much good things to say about them. Maybe they want to remain exclusive?? I don't think so based on reviews I read. I decided on a 997 over the BMW M6 after watching a video of several tuned Porsche 997 turbo's. Why are you looking for a muti-tasker car? Getting married?

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Oh I see. I thought you meant like a locomotive... heavy and slow. LOL I've taken my our 750 to Cal Speedway's interior and in the canyon. Can't complain.. it's an awesome car. 750 vs M6 is a huge price difference though. Just be sure to know what you want. Nobody here can decide for you. Here's me on Palomar Mtn w/ the 750i (with the 19" Sport wheels) Body roll is minimal for a heavy car.

PS the 750/m6/m5/whatever may handle well but it's still no 911.

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A white one, very cool indeed. One of the best colors for the 750. You certainly got the best of both world. C4S and a 750 plus your other cars. Another 2 door like an M6 may not compliment my 997, and so a less pricey 4-door 750 may work out much better for me. Did you consider the Range Rover or the S550 before deciding on the 750? I found no excitment on the R/R after a test-drive, and ruled against the S550 since it's not as sporty as the 7 series. Lots of young drivers in 20's and 30's in 7 series, but S550 drivers seem to be a lot older. Thanks for the great photo. Btw, who took that shot? You had someone wait for you there to take a shot while you're turning corners ha ha

hehe my friend and his brother went up Palomar Mtn in their 350Z and GSXR650. I tagged along with the 750 cause I think my C4S was at the dealer for an RMS replacement at that time. LOL! We have our old 99 ML430 for an SUV and it's still running strong so no, we didn't lookat an RR. Everytime I drive my dad's (older bodystyle) S-class, I get annoyed by the seats. The S-class seats just don't adjust the way the 7er does. Different dimensions to begin with. I found it felt the same when we test drove the S550 and the S550 felt too soft and wobbly overall. S550 is a nice car though... get the one with the AMG kit, lower it and get some 21's..