"Capt. Rob" wrote in message
oups.com...
I think even a BMW M3 (07) or an M5 (06) will dust your Evo or WRX.




None of these cars are so different in speed that they'll dust each
other and I'll always prefer the AWD launch over rear wheel in spite
of the small weight penalty. In fact they are so close in speed that
small mods to any will give a leg up.

Quite different, actually. The WRX Sti has 300+ hp, while the M5 has over
500 bhp and the new, soon-to-be-released M3 has a 440 bhp V-8, and the car
weighs less than the previous M3. Doubtful an Sti would stay with either,
even on a closed course.

Max

Quite different, actually. The WRX Sti has 300+ hp, while the M5 has over
500 bhp and the new, soon-to-be-released M3 has a 440 bhp V-8, and the car
weighs less than the previous M3. Doubtful an Sti would stay with either,
even on a closed course.



0-60 and 1/4 mile specs...


2006 BMW M5 4.1 12.4 (R&T Feb '06)

2006 Subaru WRX STI 4.5 13.0 MT Dec '05)

Not exactly a giant leap for the M5 and the AWD launch of the STI is
awesome.
And just for a comparison to my AWD Speed6 family sedan....which is a
more comfortable car than either the M5 or STI....

2006 Mazda MAZDASPEED 6, 5.4 13.9 (C&D Feb '06)




RB
35s5
NY

"Capt. Rob" wrote in message
oups.com...

Quite different, actually. The WRX Sti has 300+ hp, while the M5 has
over
500 bhp and the new, soon-to-be-released M3 has a 440 bhp V-8, and the
car
weighs less than the previous M3. Doubtful an Sti would stay with
either,
even on a closed course.



0-60 and 1/4 mile specs...


2006 BMW M5 4.1 12.4 (R&T Feb '06)


2006 Subaru WRX STI 4.5 13.0 MT Dec '05)

Not exactly a giant leap for the M5 and the AWD launch of the STI is
awesome.

The M5 beats the Sti every time. That would certainly qualify as "dusting."

And just for a comparison to my AWD Speed6 family sedan....which is a
more comfortable car than either the M5 or STI....

2006 Mazda MAZDASPEED 6, 5.4 13.9 (C&D Feb '06)

Rather leisurely. A 400cc motorcycle will better those figures. Sorry,
Bubbles.

Max

2006 Mazda MAZDASPEED 6, 5.4 13.9 (C&D Feb '06)



Rather leisurely. A 400cc motorcycle will better those figures.
Sorry,
Bubbles.


Now you're being silly. My friend's funny car is faster still. The
Mazdaspeed6 made the list of world's fastest sedans and in this hilly
terain with rain and snow it's a better car than an M5 for going fast.
And even with just a 350 dollar CAI added, the speed6 will drop below
13.5 for a 1/4 mile. AWD is a must for that kind of driving here. A
330XI is popular around here and for good reason. It's slower than a
Speed6, but still a fantastic car. Speed aint the bottom line and the
330XI does a lot of things right.
With it's AWD system, the M5 needs a perfect hookup to take the STI
and in a variety of road conditions other than ideal (read Real world)
the STI will trounce it. And the new Evo is even faster. AWD changes
everything in real world driving conditions
Don't get me wrong. I love the M5 (I drove a 2005 M3 and it great),
but to pretend that these Japanese efforts aren't pushing the envelope
is silly. Add to that a few cheap mods (not cheap for an M5) an you
have AWD monsters that can take on most any car. Subaru is rumored to
be working on a STI model for 2008 that will have 390HP. It'll weigh a
LOT less than a M5 and still be AWD.
Now,,,,,having driven BMW's and Subaru WRX and STI I'll say honestly
that I prefer the BMW, but it's not about the engines. Both cars just
take a different approach to driving and drivers and no one will agree
on which is more fun. But I prefer a car that feels confident when
driven hard; a quality missing from the WRX series for me. I find them
nervous, though they always seem to do the impossible when driven
hard. The BMW, even in a situation where there is only RWD, somehow
feels more secure and planted even when it's not.
Now when the M5 AWD V10 hits the market (That's what I heard from a
buddy at Manhattan BMW), that'll probably be the best sports sedan
ever. But for what it'll cost I think I can have more fun in my Speed6
and a new Elise for the same money!

Do post a pic of the Exige when you get her. Or send to me and I'll
post. Looks like our Speed6 will be in next Thursday, so I hope to
have it here on that weekend. I'm putting in stage two exhaust and a
CAI for now. Beyond that few will even know she's fast. Mazda built a
real Q car and I'd like to see what the big upgrade in power will be
for 2009.


RB
35s5
NY

"Capt. Rob" wrote in message
ups.com...
2006 Mazda MAZDASPEED 6, 5.4 13.9 (C&D Feb '06)



Rather leisurely. A 400cc motorcycle will better those figures.
Sorry,
Bubbles.


Now you're being silly. My friend's funny car is faster still. The
Mazdaspeed6 made the list of world's fastest sedans and in this hilly
terain with rain and snow it's a better car than an M5 for going fast.
And even with just a 350 dollar CAI added, the speed6 will drop below
13.5 for a 1/4 mile.

I'm going to have to see these claims in the automotive press before I
believe them. Sounds highly unrealistic, more like wishful thinking of a
new owner.

AWD is a must for that kind of driving here. A
330XI is popular around here and for good reason. It's slower than a
Speed6, but still a fantastic car. Speed aint the bottom line and the
330XI does a lot of things right.
With it's AWD system, the M5 needs a perfect hookup to take the STI
and in a variety of road conditions other than ideal (read Real world)
the STI will trounce it. And the new Evo is even faster. AWD changes
everything in real world driving conditions
Don't get me wrong. I love the M5 (I drove a 2005 M3 and it great),
but to pretend that these Japanese efforts aren't pushing the envelope
is silly. Add to that a few cheap mods (not cheap for an M5) an you
have AWD monsters that can take on most any car. Subaru is rumored to
be working on a STI model for 2008 that will have 390HP. It'll weigh a
LOT less than a M5 and still be AWD.

You've grossly overstated the value of AWD. Most competent drivers prefer
RWD on the track and on paved roads. There aren't many places in this
country where Euro-style rallye cars can outshine the RWD supercars, or even
BMW M-cars. I don't push the envelope on dirt or snow/ice. Too risky, and
bodywork gets very expensive.

Now,,,,,having driven BMW's and Subaru WRX and STI I'll say honestly
that I prefer the BMW, but it's not about the engines. Both cars just
take a different approach to driving and drivers and no one will agree
on which is more fun. But I prefer a car that feels confident when
driven hard; a quality missing from the WRX series for me. I find them
nervous, though they always seem to do the impossible when driven
hard. The BMW, even in a situation where there is only RWD, somehow
feels more secure and planted even when it's not.
Now when the M5 AWD V10 hits the market (That's what I heard from a
buddy at Manhattan BMW), that'll probably be the best sports sedan
ever. But for what it'll cost I think I can have more fun in my Speed6
and a new Elise for the same money!

Or a Porsche GT3. Almost.


Max