BMW M5, Camaro ZL1, NSX

[Jo_Sta7]

Had some requests for this thread so figured oblige. My current fleet, not including a couple boring SUVs, consists of a BMW M5C, a 2017 Camaro ZL1 and a 2017 Acura NSX. Pics are attached. Here’s a quick synopsis of each, and I’ll be happy to answer more if anyone is curious.

BMW M5C: I daily this. It’s absurdly quick. Dragy verified 2.9 seconds to 60 mph. When the car hits 120 mph it somehow starts to accelerate quicker. I’ve gone 165 (in Mexico). The interior is modern BMW. Great technology that works pretty much all the time except for Apple CarPlay sometimes randomly disappearing. The 360 camera is amazing. Downsides are minor. My least favorite part is the brake noise (I have steels) which is AWFUL in cold weather. Also, I find launch control very hard to engage. That’s it.

Camaro ZL1: I bought this impulsively. I’ve never been a big muscle car guy but this was $65k and 650 hp so I figured $100 per hp was too big of a deal to pass up. It’s a very fun car. Not as quick as the BMW mostly because it spins its tires constantly. Even with new MSP4S it will spin to 100 mph. Just so much torque. Sounds great. Really loud on a cold start. Great balance and feel on turn in. The car is heavy though, it doesn’t dance. The main downside is the visibility which is terrible.

Acura NSX: I again bought this because I thought it was reasonably priced. MSRP $180 I paid $128 brand new. I had just sold my 458 and wanted something easier to service. It’s quick, Dragy verified 2.9 seconds to 60 mph. Launch control very easy to engage and addicting. Gets a lot of attention. I love the casino white paint, looks rich and deep. Sound is ok, but better than some would have you believe. Steering and brake feel are very good. Transmission is an excellent dual clutch. Interior storage is a jookkeee. Worst part of the car for sure. Also, for a hybrid I get about 15 mph which is terrible.

anyhow, that’s it, happy to answer any questions.

 

[Mark]

Thank you for the review @Jo_Sta7

 

[Jo_Sta7]

I’ll add my newly purchased 458 to the review this week.

 

[M.N.D]

Thank you for sharing @Jo_Sta7 Nice and diverse collection you have!

A couple of questions:

What made you choose the Competition pack over the regular M5? I'm asking out of curiosity as I assume that a regular M5 is more than enough to be used as a daily driver, at the drag strip or even for some track days, but then I don't own such a car so I can't speak for the mind of an owner or even a customer.

Between the NSX and the ZL1, which one is the more preferred choice for a weekend drive? What are your priorities when owning a high performance sportscar?

Thanks, and looking forward to read your thoughts of the 458 as a Ferrari owner

 

[Jo_Sta7]

Sure thing. I found no discernible difference in comfort between M5 and M5C but the C felt tighter and I preferred the ride height. They’re similar cars though.

I bought another 458. I just really missed mine. It’s an addition, I didn’t sell anything. I ordered a new C8 convertible and may get rid of the Camaro as a trade, we’ll see. I posted a review of the 458 on F chat, I’ll post it here this week. Attached are some pics of the car.

 

[Jo_Sta7]

Here’s the comparison between the 458 and NSX I posted on F chat 3 weeks ago.

Today was a nice day and I was able to spend time driving both cars in a variety of scenarios. I’ll post some pics tomorrow. Anyway, here’s the review:

Acceleration/Performance: This is a tough one, they’re damn close. Above 4500 RPM the 458 has instant power and pulls hard. So chaotic is the experience that it’s hard to get to redline in gears 2-4. Above 130 mph (done on closed course the 458 continues to pull but feels light like its dancing. The NSX is super quick too, also needs to be in the right rev range. It pulls possibly harder than the 458 but then loses steam towards the top of the rev range and the range is lower. It has a smaller range of fun. Launch control in the NSX is VERY easy to engage and VERY fun. 458 is faster above 130 mph than the NSX.

Steering: 458 wins, but it’s close. I love the feel ofboth steering wheels. The 458 has more feel but neither has a tremendous amount. Both are good in this regard. 458
Dances way more and makes you feel one with the car.

Brakes: NSX wins. CCBs give a lot of feedback (amazingly) and don’t require any warming up to get them to work. The Ferrari brakes needs to be warm to work well. They require a lot of pressure when cold.

Sound: 458 is on a different planet. Far better andlouder.

Transmission: NSX wins, but pulling Ferrari paddles are more satisfying and the Ferrari downshifts way harder in RACE. The NSX is way smoother though and definitely seems like a 2nd generation of DCT at low speeds especially.

Interior/comfort: 458 is way roomier inside and with bumpy road mode is just as comfortable of a ride. Seats are comfortable in both but 458 seats hug me better. Both could be driven daily. 458 is also way easier to get in and out. The NSX doors are so freaking long they’re ridiculous. I’ve looked like anidiot getting out sometimes.

Tech: NSX is way better. The tech of the 458 is definitely last generation and the phone integration is very poor. The lack of the ability to have Apple Car Play or play Spotify on the 458 stinks but I didn’t buy the car to play music. NSX phone integration is some of the best in the business.

Styling: 458 wins for me, not a bad angle, seriously. I like the NSX a lot too however (obviously since I bought it) but 458 is more timeless and beautiful. It will turn heads in 10 years.

Feeling: NSX feels, well, like an Acura some what. Reliable, kind of plasticky, solid even though it’s fastas hell. 458 feels special. Far less sound deadening means you hear all the stones that hit the undersideso you tend to drive more carefully, instinctively trying to protect the car. It shakes more. Dances with you.Makes me smile and happy and nervous at the same time. It’s just an amazing machine.