Apples and oranges, but my assumption is the C2S with a few mods will tear up an M5 up on a track.

Does anyone have any experience with this comparison?
CATTMAN

 

I saw your post over on E60.net! I agree with you. The M5 is an incredible car, but the 997S is much lighter (by over 800lbs), and much nimbler. Assuming its de-restricted, I think the M5 has us at the top end as it will have a higher top speed but below that (and particularly on the track) the 997 ought to win out. In your case, the extra 45 hp or so will definitely see you through but I'd expect the same result from a stock S. I wouldn't want to take Tony up on his offer though - he's made some mods to his M5 too! His is a really nice M5, I've seen it a lot at the NorCal E60 meets. He's also a really cool guy.

 

Please clarify, I assume you are referring to the two cars competing in a road course.
In that case will concede because of the massive difference between these cars.
The weight of the M5 at approx. 4,100 lbs is certainly a compromise on road racing.
I will say that it can be interesting after putting a coilover set up (KW v3 or Motons).
Regarding straightline power the M5 will clean house.
We have some nice set ups down here in So. Florida with ASR Engineering.
My M5 has run 11.65 sec 1/4 mile with a 126 mph trap. Best trap has been a 129.

Bottomline is they are very different cars and hard to compare. I feel I have a monster of a grocery getter and room for my 3 sons.

I was going to make a video run between my M5 and my 997GT3 but the M5 is down for "major" work.

Cheers
Ranger

 

On a road course the 997C2S will clean up.

On a drag race from stopped, or way low on the roll (below 20mph), you'll have the jump and if you cut down around 100mph, the 997C2S should be ahead (don't miss your shifts).

If you're on teh freeway, or you do a roll from say 50mph, the M5 should eat the 997C2S up. Those E60 M5's are a monster at freeway speeds.

 

Even on a straight I dont think the 997S would be too far off.
I ran an e92 M3 a couple days ago and took it pretty easily from about 50 - 110.
He was pretty much stock besides weight reduction (3500 lbs) but was on 20's.
My car weighed in around 3100.

 

This conversation, like any performance discussion must include the caveats that the cars are stock with similarly skilled drivers.

I don't think you'd need an "S" to beat an M5/M6 on a road course.

Conversely, in any more-or-less straight course especially from a decent roll, the M5/6 will spank a C2 or C2S.

Those M's are sweet, but they are SOOO much better suited to the autobahn than the US market.

 

In 2000 I bought what I thought was the best M5 of all time . It had the classic pre Bangle BMW appeal and was an amazing sedan.
At the time the 996 was probably the most controversial 911 in recent times with its flimsy interior and new design.

I traded the BMW in two months . In retrospect it was the better car . I just wasn't ready for a big four door family car .

In recent times the Bangled cars sure do have great engines but the atrocious design ,flimsy interior,and technology which becomes dated so rapidly make the 997S the most sensible choice FOR ME.

In fact I even wish I didn't buy the M3 which I also have.

Everyone has to decide for himself.

PS. perdormance wise --The M5 is fast . Depends on the race.

 

The 997 is probably going to stomp the M5. I drove an M5 for 2 days at the M advanced driving school and I can say that it is far from being a boat, but the tires go greasy after 4 laps on track and the brakes fade like all BMWs. It loves to understeer in low speed corners, and can be loose in the faster ones. When you look over your shoulder, you would think you were in a school bus, due to the rear seats being 6 feet away. Overall, an impressive car, but the pro drivers on staff already said that they got better lap times out of the new M3. The M6 was even heavier feeling than the M5 and felt like there was more understeer. Both M5 and M6 felt very heavy and sluggish. Speed was OK and should be fast in a straight line. Either way, you need a lot of trail braking to get them to turn in. I have never driven the 997, but cannot imagine that they are as heavy and dull as the bigger M cars. The M coupe felt like a scalpel next to them.....

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytiPEIxqD1M

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLrXNvF6buo

This will sum up some things. The 1st link at the end begins the 3 man race btw the Aston M6 and the Carrera S. Ive come to the conclusion the 997S on a road course or track is just unbelievable compared to cars w way more horsepower. A Porsche in the straightline means NOTHING on a track or road course is where ALL sport cars try to imulate Porsche. The Grand Daddy of them all THERE IS NO SUBISTUTE

 

I hate M5's, what a yuppie grandpa car