E39 M5 or Cadillac CTS-V

[RacerJames666]

CTS-V is one hell of a bargain for what you get....it was tested at the nurburgring, as well as GM's "baby ring" here in the states(maybe they got a little overzealous on the suspension tune from such testing). Its really an amazing piece of work, and easy on the peepers....BUT.....
Im a M guy through and through,and we all know why.
I would do just about anything to get my hands on a M5...any one of em.

[thro]

Originally Posted by Eric

I would pick the M5 overall stock verses stock

BUT the CTS-V's LS1 could handle 700hp

could the M5 motor make the same power...sure but is will probably cost 3 times more.
.

Yeah, but the M5 will be infinitely better made, handle a million times better and not fall apart after 18 months of ownership...


Don't get me wrong, the LS1 is a great motor with HEAPS of cheap bolt on performance potential, but seriously... 400-500 real world (vs "oh look at my huge dyno figure!") usable hp is PLENTY for street use, and when comparing the rest of the car, its a no brainer...

[cornercarver]

I purchased the 05 CTSV in February of this year. Being an M5 fanatic, here is what I have learned...

finding 2nd is a pain in the ass, but the aftermarket shifters elliminate it for cheap.

There gobs of usable torque in every gear but 6th.

Wheel hop is excessive. This is not a launching vehicle. Many who own one have put the Cobra IRS in it. There are some add ons that minimalize it.

There are Trim Rattles, M5 is much more quality.

The turning radius is way better than the M5. My stock car handles like go kart.

All in all. the M5 is way more refined, and easier to use that power, but the CTSV is a raw banshee that cost less for repair maintanance. I would take the M5 over the V overall though.