So E, what do you think about my comparison with the 3 or 4 other cars i posted?
while im not sure that i would say they are direct competitors (other than the M3) i would definitely agree that they are better choices within that price range
the IS-F and the M5 are both sedans which automatically removes them as direct competitors but i think i see where you are coming from with the "in that price range" angle
i never liked the IS-F much... it also suffers from that bloated water retaining look... and Lexus offers some of the blandest most uninspiring styling available (thanks Toyota)... but the car does offer a very decent street-able performance, excellent comfort, and is without question going to offer reliability and low maintenance over the others
the M5 offers excellent performance and incredible comfort, it doesnt handle like a 3 series, and that's really the only thing i can say bad about it (other than i hate the fucking look of that generation), but its not supposed to handle and ride like a 3, it is supposed to be more comfortable and more refined, but still capable... and it is... luckily BMW fixed the look of the 5 series for this gen and the M5 will finally look proper again and less like a mouthy whore with too much jewelry and bad eye makeup
the M3 offers an amazing mix of comfort, luxury, and performance, all with a level of practicality... it also (as always) has a classic styling that blends flash and refinement without any of the gaudiness that plagues a lot of cars that try to pull off the luxury sport look... it offers very good performance while holding on to and accentuating the connection to the driving experience... BMW knows how to make drivers cars
which car to chose depends on who you are...
lets take an imaginary trip... you will be driving to a location about 5-600 miles away... your choice of roads is up to you...
if you will be taking the interstate, go for the IS-F... you will be able to appreciate its comfort, performance and reliability... and it wont be so eye catching as to attract unwanted attention when you do get the opportunity to stretch its legs occasionally
feel free to get it in the "shiftable manu-matic"... a part time transmission for part time drivers
if you prefer the older curvier 2 lane highways to the interstate, then choose the M5... you will be able to enjoy slicing your line through those looping turns, putting the throttle down and climbing off into the hills, and the comfort will absorb away the imperfections in the road... when the sun is low to the horizon, slide the sunroof open and let some cool evening air mix around the car with the aroma of the freshly conditioned leather, it will remind you why you drive
you will be better served by the manual here, but the comfort and luxury will tell you that you want the manu-matic... just be sure to remember that mimosas do still count as drinking and driving... and for fuck sake put your pinky back in
if you would rather take the state routes, and avoid the highway all together, then you would be hard pressed to beat the M3... twisty, turney, hilly roads with decent surfaces, little to no traffic, and very few cops to be seen... throttle down and carve deeply into corners, laughing at the 25mph recommended speed markings, making use of the extra side bolstering the seats offer... windows down, music up, air buffeting against the side of your face... grinning as you approach on another car in your lane, preparing to make your pass regardless of the fact that you are in a non-passing zone... letting the exhaust note howl as you overtake them and speed off into the next set of turns... never really caring if you make it to your destination at all
definitely get the manual, no questions asked here... and remember to always look well ahead and off to the sides... because nothing will ruin a beautifully linked corner set quite like a deer
the GT-R... well, if you like throttling off and "PwNiNg n00bs" at every stoplight, or any time there happens to be a car next to you on the highway... or sitting around yapping about your cars achievements on
this track (that you've never been to), or in
this magazine (that your only affiliation with is the free subscription you scored online)... or if you dont really care about learning the finer intricacies of driving... and have no interest in trying to finely hone your driving skills knowing that you can and will never achieve perfection... if you think that energy drinks actually taste good... if you have had heated debates over which driving simulator has more realism, and which gaming system is better... well then the GT-R is probably for you
it doesn't really matter which transmission you get with it because you're not really driving it any way... even though you will get the manual because it will make you feel cooler... and look how dope it is when the car rev matches downshifts for you... truly a car for flat brimmers