heezy545i

Depends on your needs, but I'd go with the smaller, better handling and ultimately more fun to drive 997.

soc_fans

Just wondering... does HP matter much to you guys? 507hp vs 355hp..

Centurion

I'm usually careful not to get caught up in the horsepower war, but I know what you mean. If you want to focus on numbers, perhaps lb/HP is more important or the inevitable number...price.

However, between these two cars, they each serve a different purpose. If I didn't need the extra cargo space and seating I would put myself in a 911 everyday of the week.

heezy545i

Not really fair to compare performance between a sedan and a sports car, but if you're going to compare hp, you should also compare weight. The M5 should have a good 700-800 pounds on the 997. While the M5 should have the edge on high speed runs, the low 4 sec 0-60s and 12sec 1/4 miles of the 997s are plenty quick. Really, it should be a driver's race in the 1/4 mile with the M5 having the edge from then on.

BetterMakeWay

I think the m5 ultimatley, although the porsche is such a nice car. If i would invest in it i would have gone for the ceramic brakes.

allenman

Apples and oranges.
Just sold my 997, miss it on the weekends, but not during the week. Kept my 545, which is one of the best combos of sporty and practical ever. I'm sure the M5 is even better.
But if you want attention, street cred, the 997 will get it. I know, but the 5 is still a box. Great box, but still a box.

xexyus

M5 all the way

I love porsche 997 S cab but for 100k for a convertable that looks VERY similar to a 55k boxster S doesnt seem normal to me.....

Now compare a Maserati Coupe to an M5 and I'll take the Maserati. It costs as much as the 911

stream

As I said above, it depends on what one wants in a car. And even though the M5 has a significant HP advantage, HP isn't everything. Power to weight ratio and gearing are more important. In a straight line race, the 2 cars would be very close, probably up to 100 MPH, where the M5 would move ahead. If you plan to race above 100 MPH (in a straight line), and that's what's important to a person, get the M5. But if you want a superb pure sports car that drives like it's one rails, and can be a daily driver, get the Carrera S cab. Then there's the question of 6 speed manual trans vs. SMG!

w8pmc

Different cars for different styles.

The 997 is a stunning car & defo more attractive to look at & cross country the 997 would win head to head (even more so with ceramic brakes), the M5 just does not have the driving & handling capabilities of the Porker, although in straight line runs or traffic light GP's the M5 would win.

Personally i'm keeping my fingers crossed that i can afford a 997 Turbo in a couple of years, as those cars are just astounding with a 0-60 in 3.8secs for the Tiptronic model & 3.9secs for the manual.

LowOrbit

As has been mentioned, these are very different cars.

I looked at the 911S coupe when buying my 545. I would have chosen the 911 but for 3 mitigating factors:
1) I am starting to have back problems even though I am in my 30s and the comfort seats were important to me as I drive long distances often.
2) I preferred an auto and felt it would be a sin to order a 911S with the tiptronic.
3) Financially, the 545 was a much better deal given I decided to lease it when the money factor was extremely low.

If these are not issues for you, I would definitely go for the 911S Cab. You only live once and the 911S is truly an icon that will bring you happiness every time you drive it.