M5 versus T350
Discussion
Well, it's a shame but I've had to move on.
I've changed jobs and am now doing lots of mileage.
I've therefore shipped the T350 off to Henley Heritage, sold the Land Rover and bought an M5.
Fascinating comparison to the TVR.
Bits I prefer with the BMW-
Use it everyday, 1000 miles per week and not worry about getting parts, servicing, warranty etc.
LOADS of gadgets (head up display is wonderous)
Even an idiot like me can drive it well.
Bits I don't like in comparison to the TVR-
Looks dull
It's a BMW
It's almost too bloody efficient.
The thing I miss the most and didn't realise I would-
The noise when you start the engine.
I never realised how important this is, as it really sets the scene for your enjoyment of the whole journey experience.
TVR's sound awesome. M5's sound like diesels (it's Ok when it gets going but is awful on startup).
I also can't wave at TVRs any more _ I feel like I've been expelled from a club.
I've changed jobs and am now doing lots of mileage.
I've therefore shipped the T350 off to Henley Heritage, sold the Land Rover and bought an M5.
Fascinating comparison to the TVR.
Bits I prefer with the BMW-
Use it everyday, 1000 miles per week and not worry about getting parts, servicing, warranty etc.
LOADS of gadgets (head up display is wonderous)
Even an idiot like me can drive it well.
Bits I don't like in comparison to the TVR-
Looks dull
It's a BMW
It's almost too bloody efficient.
The thing I miss the most and didn't realise I would-
The noise when you start the engine.
I never realised how important this is, as it really sets the scene for your enjoyment of the whole journey experience.
TVR's sound awesome. M5's sound like diesels (it's Ok when it gets going but is awful on startup).
I also can't wave at TVRs any more _ I feel like I've been expelled from a club.
I passed a Z4 today and the Guy driving did'nt acknowledge my Tiv at all, but the women passenger just loved seeing the Tiv and I saw her eyes just light up at the sound of my Tiv.
Can't see you getting no where near the same enjoyment with your BMW as you would with the T350.
Could never see myself parting with my Tiv.
Can't see you getting no where near the same enjoyment with your BMW as you would with the T350.
Could never see myself parting with my Tiv.
Performance and handling comparisons are very interesting.
I'd say that with a very good driver, in excellent conditions, the TVR is faster - certainly up to 100 or so.
The M5 is very easy to drive very fast though and its SMG box shifts like lightening on its fastest setting.
With an average driver (i.e. me) in average conditions the M5 is faster most of the time.
Handling wise though, they are very differnt.
In standard (400bhp) mode the M5 is quite wallowy and doesn't turn in very sharply (it's a big old barge of course).
In 500BHP M mode though, it is a very different animal - very precise and with amazing throttle response - just don't drive it in traffic in this setting; you kangaroo like a day one learner.
The TVR is much more traditional and exciting (on the right day!). It is also much lighter and more precise of course.
It's character that really separates them though - the TVR has charisma is abundance; the BMW has none.
Gravitas yes, charisma no.
It's rather like Michael Schumacher - almost boringly able but crushingly competent.
There's more passion in the TVR's fuel filler cap then in the whole of the M5 and that's why we love TVRs of course - completely mad but bloody marvellous.
I'd say that with a very good driver, in excellent conditions, the TVR is faster - certainly up to 100 or so.
The M5 is very easy to drive very fast though and its SMG box shifts like lightening on its fastest setting.
With an average driver (i.e. me) in average conditions the M5 is faster most of the time.
Handling wise though, they are very differnt.
In standard (400bhp) mode the M5 is quite wallowy and doesn't turn in very sharply (it's a big old barge of course).
In 500BHP M mode though, it is a very different animal - very precise and with amazing throttle response - just don't drive it in traffic in this setting; you kangaroo like a day one learner.
The TVR is much more traditional and exciting (on the right day!). It is also much lighter and more precise of course.
It's character that really separates them though - the TVR has charisma is abundance; the BMW has none.
Gravitas yes, charisma no.
It's rather like Michael Schumacher - almost boringly able but crushingly competent.
There's more passion in the TVR's fuel filler cap then in the whole of the M5 and that's why we love TVRs of course - completely mad but bloody marvellous.
espresso said:
Performance and handling comparisons are very interesting.
I'd say that with a very good driver, in excellent conditions, the TVR is faster - certainly up to 100 or so.
The M5 is very easy to drive very fast though and its SMG box shifts like lightening on its fastest setting.
With an average driver (i.e. me) in average conditions the M5 is faster most of the time.
Handling wise though, they are very differnt.
In standard (400bhp) mode the M5 is quite wallowy and doesn't turn in very sharply (it's a big old barge of course).
In 500BHP M mode though, it is a very different animal - very precise and with amazing throttle response - just don't drive it in traffic in this setting; you kangaroo like a day one learner.
The TVR is much more traditional and exciting (on the right day!). It is also much lighter and more precise of course.
It's character that really separates them though - the TVR has charisma is abundance; the BMW has none.
Gravitas yes, charisma no.
It's rather like Michael Schumacher - almost boringly able but crushingly competent.
There's more passion in the TVR's fuel filler cap then in the whole of the M5 and that's why we love TVRs of course - completely mad but bloody marvellous.
Nice summary. I'd say that with a very good driver, in excellent conditions, the TVR is faster - certainly up to 100 or so.
The M5 is very easy to drive very fast though and its SMG box shifts like lightening on its fastest setting.
With an average driver (i.e. me) in average conditions the M5 is faster most of the time.
Handling wise though, they are very differnt.
In standard (400bhp) mode the M5 is quite wallowy and doesn't turn in very sharply (it's a big old barge of course).
In 500BHP M mode though, it is a very different animal - very precise and with amazing throttle response - just don't drive it in traffic in this setting; you kangaroo like a day one learner.
The TVR is much more traditional and exciting (on the right day!). It is also much lighter and more precise of course.
It's character that really separates them though - the TVR has charisma is abundance; the BMW has none.
Gravitas yes, charisma no.
It's rather like Michael Schumacher - almost boringly able but crushingly competent.
There's more passion in the TVR's fuel filler cap then in the whole of the M5 and that's why we love TVRs of course - completely mad but bloody marvellous.
V-GOM said:
S5TVR said:
What are your initial thoughts on comparing performance and handling ?
espresso said:
Performance and handling comparisons are very interesting.
I'm glad you thought comparisons would be interesting also espresso.V-GOM - I'm not sure what point you were attempting to make with your "whistle" response - opening a can of worms perhaps or boredom at the question ?.
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