Is the P85 too fast/powerful?

[mnx]

I'm still surprised that the main difference is all below 30mph. I would have thought lack of traction would keep the #'s closer at lower speeds but maybe that's because I have the crappy OEM goodyear RS-A2's.

I use the P85 fun factor a lot, I frequently punch it around corners to get the back end to kick out. Of course TC keeps it in line 95% of the time.

Once at speed the difference is less noticable. 10-15% faster instead of the 30% faster at lower speeds.

I spent a lot of time considering this table when deciding between the S and P:

Speed NP P diff.
 0-30 2.3 vs 1.7 (+0.6)
30-40 0.8 vs 0.7 (+0.1)
40-50 0.9 vs 0.7 (+0.2)
50-60 1.0 vs 0.9 (+0.1)
60-70 1.1 vs 1.0 (+0.1)
70-80 1.3 vs 1.3 (+0.0)
80-90 1.5 vs 1.4 (+0.1)
90-100 1.9 vs 1.8 (+0.1) 
45-65 1.9 vs 1.7 (+0.2)

 

[MattMDK]

I have the P85+ and LOVE it. It has the power when you need it and drives like a normal car when you don't need extreme power.

 

[brianman]

I think the + is subtle enough when not on full throttle, but when that power is needed, it is much appreciated.

I'm confused by the underlined relationship.

 

[ACDriveMotor]

I interpreted as under full throttle the + handles better. I am not the + offers more straight line stability but cornering seemed noticeably better.

 

[CDT]

My S is plenty fast. On a daily basis I am much more likely to enjoy the ability to pass and accelerate out of trouble than I am the 0-60 time. You will have a lot of fun which ever model you go with.

 

[contaygious]

After having a p85 and hearing how fast the 85 was already I finally drove one as a loaner today and wow, big difference on the low end! I really feel the weight and lost the sense that I can get out if any situation quickly. i did not feel confident changing lanes anymore with a car close behind coming up. Now i realize how special the p is. The 85 is a fine family car, but for such a marginal increase in price it's a whole nother beast.

 

[LuckyLuke]

Have a 85 loaner at the moment, never driven a "normal" 85 before.
Really glad I opted for the P85

 

[bigdomer]

After having a p85 and hearing how fast the 85 was already I finally drove one as a loaner today and wow, big difference on the low end! I really feel the weight and lost the sense that I can get out if any situation quickly. i did not feel confident changing lanes anymore with a car close behind coming up. Now i realize how special the p is. The 85 is a fine family car, but for such a marginal increase in price it's a whole nother beast.

You hit the nail right on the head. I ordered P85 specifically because the S85 "feels heavier", even though it is not, when driven back to back. I missed the power of my old '06 M5 and knew I would regret not getting the P.

 

[GlennAlanBerry]

I had a 60 loaner last week, and I could really tell the difference between that and my P85, especially from 0-30.

 

[brianman]

Having driven my P85, loaner P85+, loaner S85, and loaner 60, I can definitely feel the difference between all of them and any other vehilce brand. That's the most important point for me.

I reserve judgement on Roadster as I've only had a chance to drive one once, so I need more data points for it to be statistically significant.

 

[green1]

I reserve judgement on Roadster as I've only had a chance to drive one once, so I need more data points for it to be statistically significant.

You just want an excuse to drive one again! (of course I'm jealous of anyone who has driven one even once...)

 

[ACDriveMotor]

It was quite fun to drive. Too long ago now for me to compare to my TMS.