Quote:
Originally Posted by yco
Eh i prefer E60.. E39 wasnt that faster than E46 M3.. but E60 is still a rocket..
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The e46 M3 and e39 M5 are interesting in how different they are. Other generations of the pair (e60/e9X, e36/e34, etc) they're fairly similar. Currently they're both turbo automatic poor steering feel boredom. Last gen both high revving similar engine designs.
In the e46/e39 era, there were dramatically different cars. The e46 is probably the most hardcore M3 (e.g. highest specific output NA engine, highest piston speeds, harshest riding, most drivetrain noise that makes it to the cabin) whereas the e39 M5 is almost an AMG (but you get a manual trans). Far more torque, civility, and comfort focused than the e28, e34, or e60 (which I consider the last M5). And the lowest specific output of any NA M engine (outside of the S52, if you consider that an M engine).
Imho, the result is the two make a great pair of cars to own-- they complement eachother by being great at the things the other is not.... whereas all the other generations of M3/M5 are kind of small/large versions of the same car.
The other result, in my opinion, is that the e39 is the worst weekend M5, but the best DD/road trip M5. If that makes it the best or worst M5 depends on what you want an M5 to be. For me, I want a small/nimble car for weekend use (so not any generation M5), so I want an M5 that excels at DDing... which makes the e39 M5 the best M5 for my wants.