Check out this comparison between the E63 AMG Estate vs. BMW M5 Touring

The other fact is that the R8 stands more to threaten 911s than Gallardos.

In the end it doesn’t mean a damn because the R8 is a limited edition car that will not really steal much of anything in the way of sales from any car, so this supposed conecern in the upper ranks of Audi are somewhat exaggerated now aren’t they?

The argument would be that it is a neutered Gallardo.

Only an lazy buffoon would make such an argument. Recent comments from an interview in EVO magazine with the head of design for the R8 bare this out.

Some fine points to remember include the fact that one of the key characters of this car is it’s powerplant, and that has been lifted straight from the sublime RS4. Other facts include the suspension being totaly different, the frame being longer, and the steering and throttle mapping providing a very different character than the Gallardo.

What it shares with the Gallardo is the transmission system (although this too has been altered) and the space frame aluminum. The car has a very different purpose since it provides significantly more interior space and comfort.

If and when Audi comes out with a higher powered R8, and should it come with the V10 from the Gallardo, then perhaps one can make such an argument.

Until then the forthcoming R8 will have entirely different character and attributes. Calling it a Gallardo poseur will probably become the mantra of the ignorant Audi hater in the year 2007/2008. I can’t wait.

wonder if anyone is going to use the same argument against the R8 as they have been using against the Cayman S. . .

The argument by some people (cough: Jeremy Clarkson & others who blindly follow) that they don’t like the Cayman S because it is not engineered to its full potential. . .it has been castrated.

I can hardly see how anyone could claim this. 420hp is hardly not engineered to its full potential. The car will eventuall have more, but how in the hell could anyone complain about it as is. It’s a good 400+ pounds lighter than the already stupidly fast RS4, and it has better weight distribution and center of gravity for the engine.

quantimouse:

i see, so u are concerned about the baby’s safety in the back of a convertable?

I had no idea u were so concerned!

Wow. What a guy

Why are you so bitter? Let’s keep this all about cars and not about you or me.

The argument by some people (cough: Jeremy Clarkson & others who blindly follow) that they don’t like the Cayman S because it is not engineered to its full potential. . .it has been castrated.

Oh yah tell that to the 996 C2 and the 997 C4 that saw nothing but Cayman tail in Malibu canyons last week.

i see, so u are concerned about the baby’s safety in the back of a convertable?

I had no idea u were so concerned!

Wow. What a guy

(although that’s doubtful, as BMWs are bought all too often for the wrong reason: as a status symbol)

Uh, I think you just answered your own question. Who wants to be associated with those people? When the M3 came out, it was seen more as an enthusiast car, that is less the case these days and that is a mark against it in my book.

Of course I still have respect for the car itself, but a lot goes into the decision to buy one or the other.

Great article and an even more amazing car. I’d take any M car, any AMG car (no SUVs), or any RS car any day of the week.

You have a point, but there are two things to consider:

1. How would you distinguish mercs AS A BRAND from bmw’s if they lost their “old man cruiser” suspension settings?

2. I love my C320, but jeez the seats are crap. THAT’S what they should change first.

Lastly, if i had the cash (and a family) the E63 would win over the M5. However, if i was still in my 30s without wife or kids – M5 would get the nod. Different strokes/cars for different folks…

It’s the same with the M3. So what if it’s become popular! Wouldn’t you rather see more M3s on the road than Camrys? It would mean more people might take their driving seriously (although that’s doubtful, as BMWs are bought all too often for the wrong reason: as a status symbol).

baby’s rock, but for their own safety i would think it pretty negligent putting them in the back of a high performance RWD sports coupe. call me crazy.

dont u like babies?

I don’t think the BMW or Acuras are past their prime…I just think everyone has realized they are in their primes. Criminy…after the $35,000 price tag, most cars are pretty incredible machines (note that I retain the right to withdraw this statement after 30-47 examples are presented…I did exclude most american cars and a few select others in my mind when I typed that out :) ).

If anyone is giving away a BMW, Audi, or otherwise because there simply is too many of them on the road now, please submit my name as a recipient. I’ll gladly take a free car…I don’t care if it’s overpopulated or not for that price. :)

please, lots of people who like cars have babies. geeze.

You keep missing the point – intentionaly? Nobody’s saying that you can’t have a baby and a nice car. Can you manage to twist words any more?

What is being said (and so far you seem to be losing this debate) is that the M3 is too common for the likes of a lot of car officianados. I provided as evidence a baby being tucked into the back of one. But I could have just as easily made my point by noting how nearly every teenage kid where I live is driving one.

Would that have made you feel better? Either way, the end result is the same. The car is played out.

please, lots of people who like cars have babies. geeze.

Wrong.

Best 2+2?

4.