e39 v. F10
There were some requests for my thoughts about this in that other thread.
These cars seem so different as to not be even remotely related. So much has changed in the last 10 years.
Technology has obviously come so far and the new car has so many gadgets and gizmos that it's not helpful to compare the two in that regard.
Both cars have great interiors (I got full leather in the F10 so it doesn't have that crappy cheap plastic dash) It's amazing how the e39 interior still seems fresh and luxurious in a sporty way. The F10 does have the bum coolers which are really nice to have.
Driving the F10, you are always aware of the weight of the car, although the car handles well, it doesn't feel tossable like the e39. It feels way more like a 7 series than any of the previous M5's I've owned. In comparison, the e39 feels downright dainty and lithe. It's so easy to get the tail out in a controlled way.
The tranny on the new car is amazingly quick but doesn't rev-match on the downshift, which is a big disappointment. The e39 has the nicest pedal set-up ever for heel - toe rev-matching. Although the new tranny is cool, I prefer to have three pedals.
The e39, although responsive, feels a tad slow compared to some of my other cars - it's no slouch, but I have some other pretty quick cars. The F10 is very fast, but it gathers itself - I've not noticed much turbo lag.
Both cars need exhausts since they are way too quiet.
The seats are really nice in both cars, but those in the F10 seem like thrones compared to the e39.
Unless we're going somewhere where I'm going to be drinking and need the wife to drive home, I grab the keys for the e39 rather than the F10.
