I knew the G8 is about the same size as the 5 series, but for kicks I looked at the G8 specs and the 5 Series specs:

G8
Width 74.8
length 196.1
Wheel Base 114.8
GT curb weight 3995 lbs

5 Series
Width 72.7
Length 191.1
wheel base 113.7
550i curb weight is 3946 lbs (M) 3968 lbs(A)

All dims in inches.

Both around 360 HP.

The BMW start at 58K where the G8 is below 35K. (Not a completely fair comparison- as options weren't looked at, but you get the idea).

Production can't come soon enough for me:burnout:

It's amazing what people will pay for a name, eh?

I can't wait for my G8 either!

I did a similar comparison a while back:

The 550i C+D test last Fall shows 13.7 at 104 – with a 6 speed automatic. On a day when they recorded an M45 Sport at 14.5 @ 100. And that is the slowest ( least quick ) time I ever recall seeing for the M45 - certainly since the initial flurry of tests at the Infiniti’s introduction time . . .

And R&T tested the 545i at 13.7 \ 104 & 0 – 60 in 5.2 in June 2005.

Looking at the weights, the final drive ratios & the gearing in the six speed automatics of the 545i\550i & G8 ( I will not be buying an M6 ) I will fearlessly predict [ ?? ] that the G8 V8 w/automatic will be just under 14 seconds in the quarter – and 0 to 60 in the mid-5s.

If the G8 GT actually breaks 14 when independent tests are published.
And if the dynamics are as predicted by various tests of the Holden versions.
And if the 6L80 receives the same upgrades that the 2008 Corvette & Caddy STS have reportedly undergone. ( I drive a 2007 Vette with this trans. )
And if the ‘real world’ fuel mileage is reasonable.
And if the fit & finish of production examples is excellent.
Etc.

Then the G8 GT will be on my short list – next year.

- Ray
Always planning ahead . . .

Ray you're forgetting one thing the G8 might have similar HP numbers as the 5 series but has an extra 31 lb-ft torque. The G8 should be faser.

Ray...
You're also forgetting how easy it is to modify GM V8's. The aftermarket is HUGE!!! A new airbox, long tube headers and a tune should help you smoke a 550i BMW while having 20+ thousand dollars more in the bank!

Dude, seeing the amoung of these tuned will be like seeing the amount of F-bodies there are tuned

Ray you're forgetting one thing the G8 might have similar HP numbers as the 5 series but has an extra 31 lb-ft torque. The G8 should be faser.

Actually, I did not ‘forget’ anything here.

In comparing ‘stock’ A6 vs A6, the BMW has both a more aggressive final drive ( by almost 16% - providing more ‘dig’ \ mechanical advantage for the BMW ) and slightly smaller diameter tires ( both std & ‘Sport’ ) providing yet more acceleration benefit.

And BMW is noted for ( somewhat ) under-rating the HP of many models.

I stand by my ‘guess’ – that the G8 GT will achieve just under 14.0 sec. And be not quite as quick as a 550i – same track & same driver.

I could be wrong.
( Ask my ex-wife. )

Looking at the gearing and tires of each, I will also estimate that the G8 will run at somewhat lower RPM when cruising in sixth gear. Something like 1,600 RPM at 60 MPH.

- Ray
Ready for my test drive . . .

It's amazing what people will pay for a name, eh?

I can't wait for my G8 either!

Haha, my thoughts exactly.

But when arguing with these people (BMW and other import fanatics), that extra $20k will get you better leather, more gizmos to go wrong, and better "feeling" switchgear.

Somehow, I'll suffer without that. :D

The thing is.. the interior quality (including the leather) looks superb so I'm excited! I was considering an A4 for about a year but decided to hold off until the G8 GT arrives to give a personal one over.

Also :patriot:

Haha, my thoughts exactly.

But when arguing with these people (BMW and other import fanatics), that extra $20k will get you better leather, more gizmos to go wrong, and better "feeling" switchgear.

Somehow, I'll suffer without that. :D

My problem, if you could call it that, is going to be deciding between a G8, new GTO if released and the Camaro. That's going to be a tougher decision. I'll leave the BMWs to my richer friends who don't mind being spanked out in the road.

Buy the G8 and have tons of money left over for a forced induction kit, suspension mods and maybe better brakes and tires.

Goto a circuit race course and make alot of more expensive car owners wonder WTF just happened as you go around them.

A local person here has headers/Exhaust/intake, a tune and 150 wet shot of Nitrous. He spanked a current gen M5, but I don't know if he was spraying or not.

A local person here has headers/Exhaust/intake, a tune and 150 wet shot of Nitrous. He spanked a current gen M5, but I don't know if he was spraying or not.


SWEET! I'm going to love this car...... :D

A local person here has headers/Exhaust/intake, a tune and 150 wet shot of Nitrous. He spanked a current gen M5, but I don't know if he was spraying or not.
He was definitely spraying as an M5 will trap in the mid to high teens.