hyboost

iTrader: (4)

Pure speed, I think the M5 was "faster" but it depends on the gear/rpm and speed you're at. The IS-F "feels" like it has a lot more grunt lower in the RPM range, while the M5 had to be wound up higher in the range. But once you were moving, the V10 screamed and it would be very tough for the IS-F to keep up above 60-80mph. The shifts on the M5 were violent and it felt like it was losing a lot more speed between gears than the IS-F though.

As far as handling, the IS-F is definitely a smaller car and feels "tossable" and agile. The M5 had a nice controllable oversteer characteristic, so it made it a lot of fun going sideways through corners. Not sure on the IS-F, haven't had a chance to take it to those limits yet. From what I've read on the forums, the IS-F may need a rear sway to help balance it out. We'll see.

All this is based on just a few days of driving, so take it for what it is. But I am very happy with the car so far...I have had a smile on my face each morning going to work and coming home. Its not just about raw HP...where the M5 was clearly a winner...the IS-F is really an enjoyable car.

lobuxracer

iTrader: (2)

So very true. There are quite a few of us who have been patiently waiting for something like the F from Toyota.

Hardtop TT is always a better starting point. More of the stuff you want is already there. But the wife just about panicked when I talked about selling mine - she threatened to learn to drive a manual after 12 years! Probably better to keep it...

pbateson

Grats on ISF. Your old M5 has manual stick?

makena88

iTrader: (1)

Agree with you 100%! Sometimes I miss my M5 but have no regrets selling it

TripleBlkF

Question, i know there is no M5 like the E39 M5. In my opinion, it was the best. But what do you think about the new one with the Twin Turbo V8? It seems a little too "soft" for me, especially since they had to engineer some engine noise through the speaker system! (i lost a lot of respect for that)

What are your impressions? (not that I'm selling my F though, lol)

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

The M5 is beautiful man...Great collection of cars... Welcome and Congrats!!!!

mercurymet

That M5 looks really sweet.

I've run with some M5s on the freeway and have been neck to neck to low triples and then let up. From a light, neck and neck and then minimally ahead by 90.

I've got PPE headers and KN intake. Don't know how things are at much higher speeds though.

MRxSLAYx

The IS-F has great gearing, but it will come flying by you after 120

Hoovey689

iTrader: (16)

very nice taste in vehicles!!

RFFG

Congrats on the F!

CometVR4

Nice looking IS-F

So many formal M5 owners here.

I've been on this wild debate for the past few months about trading my '98 VR-4 for a M5 but other days I think about the IS-F. They are both great cars and hard to decide.

hyboost

iTrader: (4)

COMPLETELY different cars, so go drive each and you will quickly see which is better for you.

I have to be honest...I had a slight concern about having to maintain an out-of-warranty M5, so even though you can get your hands on one for a decent price, consider parts/labor costs "if" anything goes wrong. Toyota reliability and a warranty let me sleep better at night...

CometVR4

That's a big concern for me. I've heard of nightmares about buying a used M car and CPO seems to be the only way to go but I'm looking at a 20K increase, with that being said I can spend a lil more and get a new F.

JLMTX83

Great choice. I am actually in the flip flop of you now. Debating selling the ISF for the new TTV8 M5 after i see one in the flesh. The Dinan aftermarket/"other" companies should really wake the twins up!