Don't make a statement without backing it up with a link to article. I have driven both and 4.8i is not even close in handling, and yes I have driven a E70 4.8i sport package on highway and on rough roads. The gas pedal in E53 4.8is is very responsive and the handling is much sporty for E53 4.8is as compared to E70 4.8i. Also, E70 4.8is is longer and heavier than E53 4.8is. Beside E70 has 5 HP less than E53. On rough roads E70 4.8i has a smoother ride. I also tried the manumatic shifter on E70 which works as designed. Slalom on E70 is better than E53 4.4i.

I'm confused, in your second sentence you say the 4.8 is not even close in handling, but in your last sentence you say the E70 (4.8i) is better at slalom. Wouldn't that indicate better handling???

Preach on Brother.

Different beasts for comparison. Better in slalom as compared to 4.4i. Bottom line, we are comparing apples to oranges. Read these posts by scott27

http://www.xoutpost.com/202049-post52.html
http://www.xoutpost.com/202090-post56.html
http://www.xoutpost.com/202096-post58.html

So,no M-package for USA.Porsche - take my money please.

Sorry, I'm a ;ph: tonight, but the company here is always great. Based on a friend's comments who has owned both (X5 4.4 and Pepper S) for several years (one before the other), the X is more fun to drive below 100, the S above. The brakes have better feel on the X, but look better on the S. I just hate him for being liquid enough to own both. (Not considering his 996 turbo in his garage which just pisses me off..)

Personally, considering both looks and driveability, I would go with the X.

I think you missed the word "please" from the start of your rant.

HERE IS THE ARTICLE. LET THE DEBATING BEGIN!!! PLEASE ''IS'' OWNERS NO CRYING:nanana:
http://paultan.org/archives/2006/11/...ive-in-athens/

This is exactly why I think the '10 sec faster around the Nurburgring' is not a fallacy:

Yes, the 4.8is might a little faster going in a straight-line, but the E70's new suspension even without Adaptive Drive is vastly superior due to the Double Wishbone setup; throw in the Sport Package (which includes Adaptive Drive), and the E70 is going spank the E53 (any model). Going around a track, .5 sec difference in 0-60 is not even worth discussing.

The E53 does not have bad handling by any means. It's the same relationship as how the E70 has a more rigid chassis/frame the E30 M3 race car. Technological advancements bring for evolution.

This notion of straight-line speed is an american concept that is starting to die down.

Why is it that a new model come out and everyone thinks the old one is sh*t almost immediately? There will ALWAYS be a newer/better/faster model coming. Drive what you have and enjoy. I don't think most of us will push any of these vehicles even close to the driving dynamics that are needed for the Ring.