Probably coming back...

[James Rothwell]

What is the better motorway car?

E39 M5 (facelift) or W210 E55 AMG (facelift)?

I'm guessing that the M5 is the better drivers car but I rarely even try to drive fast on country roads, most of my driving is around the M25 in the small hours or going through Europe at a certain pace.

 

[MercFanUk]

I can't compare driving, but I would say they E39 is more comfortable thats for sure (To me anyway). I've only been in non AMG/M5's though, so may be entirely different when suspension etc is taken into account lol.

 

[Will]

Rust aside, considering your criteria I'd take the E55. To start with it's a Mercedes D), loads cheaper, auto gearbox and you'd have plenty of cash leftover to spend on petrol

The E39 M5 is no doubt a fantastic machine, but for what you'll be using it for perhaps a little wasted?

Will

 

[James Rothwell]

That's kind of what I thought.

I prefer autos, it's just that if the M5 is a fair bit faster than the AMG in acceleration at higher speeds. I'd prefer the car that is more refined at high speeds. I suspect the M5 will be revving less than the AMG but I'm guessing that the AMG will be slightly softer in the ride and possibly more soundproofed?

I did think about a E430 as I probably wouldn't notice the lack of power on my cruises over to West Germany as I just sit at 120mph most of the way which a 430 will do fine plus less costly to fix when it breaks or when more of it rusts away!

 

[buccal]

I prefer autos, it's just that if the M5 is a fair bit faster than the AMG in acceleration at higher speeds. I'd prefer the car that is more refined at high speeds. I suspect the M5 will be revving less than the AMG but I'm guessing that the AMG will be slightly softer in the ride and possibly more soundproofed?
QUOTE]

E55 then IMHO.

I'm sure the AMG produces more torque at less revs than a M5 too

 

[crockers]

That's kind of what I thought.

I prefer autos, it's just that if the M5 is a fair bit faster than the AMG in acceleration at higher speeds. I'd prefer the car that is more refined at high speeds. I suspect the M5 will be revving less than the AMG but I'm guessing that the AMG will be slightly softer in the ride and possibly more soundproofed?

I did think about a E430 as I probably wouldn't notice the lack of power on my cruises over to West Germany as I just sit at 120mph most of the way which a 430 will do fine plus less costly to fix when it breaks or when more of it rusts away!

Why not try a large diesel......cruises all day at those speeds and saves you all the wasted time at fuel stops.. Get it remapped and it will surprise you...535d or E320 cdi ..both excellent cars...OK no V8 noise..