Re: Anyone ever get sick of their E39? (archive)

I had the chance to drive a 1999 Camaro SS convertible as well as a 1999 Corvette convertible this weekend (for an extended period of time). The Camaro is crap. Despite 320HP, a 6-speed manual, big 4-wheel disc brakes and P275/40ZR17's all around, it is junk. I sat in the car expecting a rocket ride (more torque/HP and lighter weight), decent roadholding capability (those monster tires) and brakes that could save me. Boy, was I ever wrong. The throttle response is the only aspect that I liked better than my 540i/6. Acceleration was just good, handling was abhorrent and braking was augemented by sphincter muscles puckering and creating a partial vaccuum. Enough about that POS.

The Corvette - an all around higher performance car than the 540i - better acceleration, better ultimate handling and braking - but all of these characteristics didn't feel nearly as good as the 540i. Acceleration (with the GM 4-speed auto) felt "rougher", handling was quite good as well as initial turn-in, but feedback through the stering wheel was diminished in feel in comparison. Braking was also better, but required more pedal pressure and didn't feel as if they had adequate power to stop the car well.

After blasting the backroads and tooling around town in the Chevys, I was glad to get back into my 540i/6 - so refined and brutally fast.

My weekend experience reaffirmed my love affair with the 540i.

Follow Ups:

'98+ Camaro trivia AK 11:52 10/02/2000 (1)
- Oh yeah - I know... (more) M5 LITE 13:59 10/02/2000 (0)
Camaro versus 540 BB 11:26 10/02/2000 (2)
- Yeah I know... M5 LITE 11:37 10/02/2000 (1)
  - Re: Yeah I know... BB 11:58 10/02/2000 (0)
Interesting. Thanks for the report! (nt) JFrench 10:45 10/02/2000 (0)

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