I currently own a 2003 BMW M5 (old style not the latest Bangled version). It is a great car, 400hp, bags of torque, fast as hell, great handling for such a heavy beast. I love the car, but then I test drove an 07 Mini Cooper S.

I think losing it, but the car really appeals, it is raw but still feels like it has plenty of power (especially when there is only one person in it) with good low down grunt and as a bonus will only use about half as much juice. The only downside would seem to be fairly pronounced torque stear - does the limited slip diff help to reduce that at all?

I read a post on here over the weekend about having more fun riding a slower bike fast than riding a fast bike slowly - I guess I feel the same way about the M5. Go over 2/10ths and you'll likely get a ticket, over 4/10ths and you'll get shot at. The Mini on the other hand can be pushed harder for fun more often.

I posted my thoughts over on the M5 board and most thought I was nuts or was crazy to be doing it to save gas - that isn't the reason, just a bonus So, what say you, I am on the fence on this one.

Thanks!

 

I drove 2 MCSs. One w/ and one w/out LSD. The one w/out had a lot of torque steer. The one w/ LSD still had some, but was very manageable. I'm guessing replacing the runflats w/ performance rubber and a set of lowering springs will eliminate almost all of the torque steer. FWIW, I sold an older Porsche 911 Turbo for my MCS, and have looked hard at your current car as a replacement for the 930. Happily chose the MCS after the drive.

YMMV

 

I've driven the demo MCS (without LSD) at my dealer like 5 times since I ordered mine, and the torque steer becomes less and less noticable everytime. I think you get used to it and learn how to compensate for it.

From what I've heard/read, the LSD is more for cornering at speed and not losing traction than for off the line performance or eliminating torque steer.

 

IMHO it comes down to how much of a financial bite you will take when selling the M5. You have to balance desires and cost in life.

 

You'll definitely be more in touch with the road in the Mini over the M5. You may not go as fast but it will feel like you are. And you can probably trade 'em straight across.