In a word torque. Neither car had nearly enough imo. Also, the high revving nature of these cars and there subsequent torque "sweet spot" was high in the rev range. This may be fine or desirable on the track but for a solid daily driver I did not enjoy having to race the car from light to light.

The new M5 has 500ft/lb's available at below 2000rpm's. This makes a HUGE difference in everyday drivability.

Also, the M5 required too much programing to get the car the way I like it. Too many shift settings, etc. I want one button to switch between ideal comfort mode and dynamic.

 

I use just 1 button with my e60 m5 - the "M" button and it does just what you're saying you want :

"M" on = dynamic

"M" off = my ideal DD mode

(takes a while to learn how to set it up - ya just can't jump into the driver's seat cold - 'spose I'm saying that you've gotta own one to "learn" - but when you do, it's a really comfortable pussycat (unlike Top Gear's ridiculous review)

 

Please know, I am NOT bad mouthing V10 M5. Obviously it's an exceptional car. I just like big torque down low. I prefer lots of low end torque for my daily driver. For city driving I like to stay below 4000 rpm's.

 

Havent driven the S6, but I have driven a S5. And like all Audi's it was a dissapointment to drive, a understeering noose heavy kinda boring car.

Get a Passat CC if you want a front wheel drive car converted to 4wd, and save more than $20k

 

2013 M5 or 2013 RS5.

 

S6

I'm biased as well to Audi. The S6 technically isn't meant to compete with the M5, hence the price and power difference. Tuning will get the S6 more inline on the power part. Audi's have the best interior but it's been a long while since I've sat in a BMW.

 

I know what you mean. Getting in the M3 it felt very planted, a real solid feel to everything. Very well built, but the engine just felt anemic compared to the 996TT I drive. I suppose being a high rpm engine down almost 150 lb ft. of torque and weighing hundreds of pounds more I shouldn't be surprised. The V10 M5 was a little rougher around the edges, but I found it had more character and actually was a better place to be sitting than the M3. Either way it doesn't look like I'll be swapping cars anytime soon.

 

why not a Panamera?!?

out of the two, I would get the M5.

 

Personally, I'd give up some power and just get an NA Panamera. But straight line acceleration isn't the most important thing to me.

Between those two I would actually take the S6 and the 20k to be honest. Interior quality is very good and I like AWD in a DD sedan.

 

I spec'd out the S6 today on Audi's website and it was 87k The M5 is about 102k with options. So we are talking the difference of 15k. Just not sure the Audi is worth close to 90k.

 

Audi used to have the no-brainer best interior, well not any more in my opinion! They don't do the M 550D over there?

 

Should look at 550i it is a closer comparison to the Audi S6 and is a rocket.

 

M5 all the way - test drove them in Spain and even did the MT one the other day. Its going to be my DD I did a review and compared it to my 911 - check it out

http://f10.m5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=731099 (this is the right one)

Cheers

 

Nice review!!! Your review coincides with what I have been reading in the press. It really sounds like it has a great dual personality. Which is exactly what I am looking for

 

Picked up a 2012 bi turbo E550 4matic at reasonable price, very comfortable daily driver with lovely soft suspension. Lots of low end and a quiet engine. Easily beat an older M6 in the wet at intersections.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...an-test-review

If I want more power, can always get RennTech ECU for $2,740 530 hp 606 lb torque,

http://www.renntechmercedes.com/www/node/700

which may give the 997 turbo a run on the straight line...