Battle of the super-saloons - Vauxhall VXR8 takes on the BMW M5

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BMW's new M5 Competition Pack ramps up the potential of its high-performance saloon, but can it beat the muscular Vauxhall VXR8 at going sideways? Steve Sutcliffe takes both to the track to find out.
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[@tomorowsbum3239]

You've gotta love how he says everything about the Holden feels cheaper and not as good as the bmw but doesn't say that the Holden is $160,000 less

[@em_d]

Plus loads more fun to drive and who buys a car to drift on the road.I bet it would be the VXR that would be admired at the lights,not the common everyday bmw.

[@robertbb1683]

where is it 160k less?

[@brendanbarnes3076]

Robert b b it was $160k less when new here in Australia

[@Antifaith29]

The fact that it's even being compared at all to the M5 speaks volumes about how well this plucky little Aussie company has done. Well done Holden, it's a crying shame and almost criminal that thanks to Yank CEO's at GM this part of Aussie history ( along with its Ford counterpart in Australia) is just...going away. Makes me incredibly sad.

[@nathanielfuge5098]

Thanks mate, well said Holden has done very well for themselves.

[@vannjunkin8041]

On behalf of America I must apologize for the foolishness of GM. This is a superb make and I only wish they'd tried to promote it more than they did. Beautiful car, superb handling vehicle. Excellent horsepower.. even the V6 models. This should still be available for us.

[@FiendishlyDelightedSefto]

@@vannjunkin8041 fun fact the V6 is the same in camaro however the Aussie varient built here has more power then the camaro v6

[@pnb3876]

The only Ozzie thing about the Holden is the badge it’s all parts taken from a shelf lol 😂

[@FiendishlyDelightedSefto]

@@pnb3876 bs Holden has Holden products end of story It ain't just a car company selling GM cars

[@kane0387]

needs to be put in perspective. this car is around $90k in Australia, the M5 is around 230+k.

[@TimWepunkt]

How on Gods earth can you complain about any manual gearbox in a rear wheel driven salooncar with that much power?

[@rousseau327]

By driving it first.

[@TimWepunkt]

nowdays you should be happy about any car with power and a manual transmission...

[@Soulvex]

It's OUR Earth, not Gods.

[@twobighams]

Soulware3D It's an expression...

[@TheStigHCE09]

Tim Wepunkt Nah. Too antiquated, and plus the Tremec TR6060 isn't the best feeling gearbox either. Really too notchy and agricultural. Unfortunately the alternative is a similarly outdated 6-speed torque-converter 6L90E automatic.

[@RobsCars]

Spend the difference doing the VXR8 up.... And next time use the factory tuned version of the HSV VXR8, seems a bit unfair pitting it against the most powerful M5 available with all all the toys...

[@darrensimons1529]

Since when did anybody say "Give me a decent flappy-paddle box over a manual any day"!?!?!

[@MikeBobpokie]

+Darren Simons YES!!!! I laughed out loud at that, next he'll want a self driving car

[@rhiansingh8800]

This guy can't appreciate a real gearbox

[@leloodallasmultipass]

+Darren Simons I laughed too, but Sutcliffe is a racer, through and through. That is why he is always testing cars on tracks while others might head for a nice Welsh backroad.

[@kennyd7667]

I know right! if there was a manual version of the m5 I would have it, but since it isnt I would have the 2016 Cadillac CTS-V or the Vauxhall vxr8

[@Sheeshening]

+Darren Simons 9/10 cars with the option to go with the dual clutch. Thats why

[@Name-kd5jj]

Such a biased review. The first thing he says is the BMW is better before he even drives the VXR8. Hmmm.......

[@jonathanbesterwitch5403]

G9 Music ever stop to think that he's probably driven both cars before this was even filmed? He's obviously a professional given, a)the way he drives, b) the way he speaks about the cars and c) the fact that I don't think he could've just 'acquired' these two cars for a bit of fun. In saying that, I live in Australia, and the vx, or as its known over here, the Holden VF GTS, is an amazingly set up car, and while the BMW is also just as good, everyone has different tastes. For me personally, I'd knock them both off and go for a 1976 HQ Kingswood or a 1975 XB Falcon simply because i love old aussie muscle :p On a side note, gotta love that supercharged LS3 rumble

[@teflondon4963]

+G9 Music well the BMW is better

[@arivat7699]

+Tyler Durdon Rubbish, Bmw have not sounded good since they stopped production of the F10 E60 n/a.

[@teflondon4963]

Rubbish, Australians can't build cars.

[@teflondon4963]

Ok I really don't remember making that comment. I don't really hold that opinion. But I agree they are not a good pair of cars to review, especially considering the price difference.

[@_dan_here_]

"Yeah the manual is a bit annoying - give me an automatic any day" So sad. Just like an American review.

[@Gonzarelli]

You do know that there is such thing as a bad manual gearbox. He is talking specifically about this car, he would have not said that statement if it was a decent manual gearbox.

[@_dan_here_]

But he didn't say - it's a bad manual - give me a good manual any day. He went strait for the auto request. Audi R8 is said to have the best manual shift of any manual car at the moment. He didn't ask for that one did he... No.

[@Gonzarelli]

Bug Video View He didnt ask for Audi R8 manual shift because it isnt offered in the Vauxhall VXR8.

[@_dan_here_]

But you can get the BMW auto in the VXR8?

[@Gonzarelli]

Bug Video View VXR8 has its own auto option

[@alexanderlavoie5461]

I can't believe he said the gear change is a pain. And to give him a flappy paddle any day. He is missing the point completely.

[@HoubiDV]

Wich point? There is nowadays no reason for manual transmission. The DCT from BMW is perfect! Much quicker than MT!!

[@alexanderlavoie5461]

HoubiDV Faster doesn't mean better. There is no challenge in driving a paddle shift car. It rev matches down and up shifts for you, and it applies the clutch for you. Driving a really good 3 pedal is like nothing else.... fast shifts or not.

[@HoubiDV]

Alexander Lavoie Ok, point taken. MT is for you and many others more fun. But anyway, faster does mean better...laptimes for example. The M5 is in the US also available with MT, not sure wich magazine it was but they said "forget the MT, get the DCT". I would never even consider MT nowadays, especially in traffic you will love automatik :D cheers

[@alexanderlavoie5461]

I drive a 6 speed MT every single day and I literally would never have it any other way. And lap times just aren't relevant in the real world. I drive on the street.... not the track. I want something engaging and fun to drive. Even a Toyota Camry from 1998 with a MT is fun. Smiles per mile is BETTER then track times.

[@SmileyLegoGuy]

Alexander Lavoie Tell that to the McLaren P1, or Porsche 918... Lol no but I daily drive a 5-speed MT M3, so I getcha.

[@rafaelcalha]

A flappy paddle any day? Seriously?

[@yitboy11]

Says the guy with a 458 as his profile pic. You do know that the only gearbox offered there is a flappy paddle right?

[@CaldeAilis]

Probably it shows more about how awful VXR's manual is.

[@Salatiso]

I know right, Whatever happened to the love of driving rather than being driven.

[@24thMandark]

Calde Ailis That transmission is amazing. I have it in my camaro 1le. It's not instantaneous but the shifts are crisp and accurate. Sutcliffe is just a hefty old man who has gotten to used to be pampered by German luxury sedans.

[@24thMandark]

Gabe Phelan Someone is clearly a euro car snob. My camaro is quicker than a base 911 or an M3 and I only spent half that.

[@areytang5178]

Old fashion manual V8 muscle cars still have a strong distinct characters than other modern rivals. I love the new M5 so much but between these two I will pick the Vauxhall.

[@razvanciurez]

Well put, sir/ma'am!

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

7:39 ...it also has a really warm and approachable kind of personality I've heard.

[@GoshuaJane]

Not a Vauxhall

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

The BMW does nothing for me, It just looks like a sedan that some asshole lawyer would drive. The HSV is a mans car, it doesn't lie about what it is. It looks much more aggressive & is a head turner.

[@tomforrest7814]

MrHeyfuckoff Wow i couldnt agree more mate just what i was gonna say!!!

[@WhatsaMOUN]

MrHeyfuckoff are you kidding it looks so fucking shit, does not look classy at all. It is just basic dead weight

[@tomforrest7814]

Despite the BMW weighing quite a fair bit more?

[@WhatsaMOUN]

yer because it has a fucking massive twin turbo on it? do you know how much weight they could save on the r8?

[@IFightForOne]

The vxr looks rubbish, the car shouldn't exist

[@oranwald9395]

Such a shame production is ending soon for this wonderful car. Big V8, supercharger and a MANUAL gearbox. I don't think we'll see another car like this again.

[@gregskel48]

bit sad how right you were at the time of writing this

[@15sixmedia]

"Yeah, the gear change is a bit of a pain to be honest". Mate, you're comparing a 6 speed manual to a 7 speed dual clutch auto, they're not even remotely in the same boat.

[@warrengibson3317]

OMG!!!!! Thank uuu. You were right on point, I hate when they lie to try to make it seem like 5he BMW is better. BRITISH MAN WALKING = BMW 30,000 more for 5he BMW for what!!! To drift!! U were spot on!!!

[@JohnnyWrong]

Dude in my street has a VXR8. Sweet ride. Proper muscle.

[@Riiiisc]

Very nice car indeed but sadly not available with the steering on the other side :/

[@carnut9193]

***** The E-Series was, Holden sold them to the middle east as left hand drive, it's called the Lumina CR8 I think...

[@MrGovenator1]

***** Its offered else where as a different car. In the states its basically the Chevy SS. All its missing is the super charger.

[@Riiiisc]

Maad Dan MrGovenator1 I don't think their is a Vauxhall VXR type of car here in Europe :/ the AMG models are just way too expensive. This car is just perfect, nice looks it is rare and you got a lot of power!

[@Riiiisc]

Maad Dan MrGovenator1 oh and it's cheap!

[@_chipchip]

To be honest the fact a Holden Commodore is even in the same review as the M5 is pretty amazing. Shows how far the cars have come, even if Holden are still playing catch up to some extent. But then they are different animals, at very different price tags.

[@LegacyOfFear]

It's not a commodore. It may share a base, but this is the HSV version I believe.

[@_chipchip]

LegacyOfFear A bmw m5 is still a 5 series isn't' it? This is still a commodore.

[@SmileyLegoGuy]

bummaggots What? A BMW M5 is not a 5 series. 1. BMW puts it in the "M" series. 2. The M5 has different brakes, engine, drive train, interior, aerodynamics, suspension, yadda yadda the list goes on. Sure, it may LOOK like a 5 series, but it is far from.

[@_chipchip]

SmileyLegoGuy Yeah I suppose the same it true of the commodore. Engine, diff, suspension, etc are all different. But it shares the same chassis.

[@derbigpr500]

I don't think it can even be said that Holden is playing catch up to M5. It's just way too far off. I mean, the quality of the interior alone in the VXR8 is not even on the level of a BMW 1 series, let alone an M5. M5 is proper luxury, executive sedan, with all the qualities that go with that, PLUS it has amazing performance. VXR8 just has performance, everything else suffers because of it.

[@TheMick200]

This guy sounds baised towards to the M5....

[@hamishlarsson2028]

Ikr

[@pnb3876]

Lol 😂 ozzies just can’t not take criticism get over it

[@racecrashrepeat]

Well yes, I'm not a bmw owner due to basic reliability crap. But the engine and chassis setup on an M5 absolutely rapes a hsv. It's called the M5 class for a reason. It's been the best drivers sports sedan for like what...2 decades? There's a reason it's 120k more than a hsv in Australia. And....they still make it so I guess BMW is doing something right. And Germany isn't exactly a cheap labour country so before anyone says Australian labour was too expensive. But for reliability btw ain't exactly a prize winner.

[@edwardreuben6650]

Rear wheel 6 speed supercharged V8. Wow, what a car. Sound awesome too.

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

Its not "based on a Holden" it is a rebadged HSV.

[@rowdy8598]

notbased onaholdenwhatthe fuckare yousmokin

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

*ROWDY85* Because its not based on a Holden, it just fuckin is a Holden.

[@Lol777gvf]

what is the hsv based on dumb dumb?

[@BadDriversOfTheIllawarra]

STEVEN SEGAL A Holden, but the Vauxhall is based on the HSV. yes technically they're both based on Holden but when they say the "Vauxhall" is based on Holden, it makes it seem like Vauxhall put all the mods into it not HSV.

[@MrGolferjoseph]

Bad Drivers Of The Illawarra who cares what it is most holden are rebadged Daewoos

[@Dave.S.TT600]

He can hear the (VRX) supercharger-whine...over his own whining. Amazing!

[@rickybartels3941]

Typical pom

[@carlaustin1093]

Why are your reviews such horrible comparisons? 54,000 vs 80,000 is a big price difference. What is even the point? Why waist peoples time?

[@Azz1883]

Not everything is about price, and I think many would disagree with you about it being a waste of time. Yes, there's a significant difference in price, but that doesn't mean they aren't competing for the same market. In Australia the price difference is even greater $90k vs $250k+. If we just compared cars based on price we'd never get a Nissan GT-R vs a Porsche 911 Turbo or Ferrari 458.

[@carlaustin1093]

good point.

[@ProWilson999]

VXR8 may be slower but with the money you save you can make it faster and better handling than the M5 and then go on a holiday somewhere lol

[@ProWilson999]

And it would stand out more in the UK i would imagine also

[@leloodallasmultipass]

+xXDahChubChubXx That's what I'm doing. I think the V is a better sleeper, which is my preference.

[@ProWilson999]

For anyone wondering, here in Australia the VXR8 or GTS is under $100,000 and the M5 is $230.000+

[@johnk409]

Mine has 753hp it will eat the M5

[@MrRohanThomas]

VXR8 also looks unique, BMW well it just looks any BMW

[@siberiusllovota6158]

At the end of the day the Vauxhall (Holden) will turn far more heads in Europe and the UK than the BMW ever will. You would be truly unique owning one of these over there. No one would give two shits about a BMW, considering every man and his dog has one in Europe. Also considering the price difference you could easily sink the spare money into the Holden and make it outperform the BMW easily.

[@ReaLzEdits]

Drop it by C&A Performance and they will have this thing running 500 rwkw pretty inexpensively with no nasty taste in your mouth that you get after modifying a car :S

[@leokal457]

sorry but everyone buys a M5 and not a Vauxhall! just because the m5 is a bmw

[@ReaLzEdits]

Leon Kalogeropoulos lol thats the reason why no one buys it over here in Australia. because everyone is sick of the whole "i've got a bmw" cliche

[@leokal457]

ReaLzEdits ok maybe in australia but i live in europe and erveryone would buy the BMW and Not the vauxhal:D

[@siberiusllovota6158]

Leon Kalogeropoulos You obviously completely missed the point of my comment. Which is yes, everyone would buy a BMW, which is why you would look unique driving a car that barely anyone else has in Europe. How many heads turn when a BMW goes by? None. Because they aren't interesting because everyone has one. Drive past in a HSV, heads will turn.

[@hunghuge7717]

Great. Now if I'm ever stuck for choice between a 50k and an 80+k luxury saloon I know which one drifts better. That's really useful considering how many owners will be doing just that all the time on every road. I can't think of many things much less relevant. Even how they drift on grass would be more useful incase I take my 80k car to a car boot in a field...

[@MichaelSmith-fg8xh]

I’m assuming you’ve not tried to keep traction in a Commodore/VXR… I got ticketed for “aggregated and sustained loss of traction” trying to corner in the wet (it started slipping but was coming around nicely so I drifted the corner)

[@adzmorris]

Considering the fact Holden/HSV built and developed this car on a very limited budget, they've done a great job. Obviously the M5 was going to win, as it should for the extra money and r'n'd but Holden should hold their heads high. Finally a Holden us Aussies can actually be proud of. Shame it's the last one.

[@brandonandjen9812]

The VXR8 is atleast 30k cheaper rides nicer and looks better. Yes it has a truck engine and yes the interior isnt as nice. I think owners will do burnouts before the drift down some random road. The BMW cant do one, and the VXR8 will light them up for blocks. The winner in my book is the VXR8.

[@Salatiso]

Couldn't have said it better....

[@24thMandark]

That engine started life as a corvette engine and then received a super charger in the cts-v. It's the same architecture as the lt88 in the Silverado but the ignition timing, valves and fuel injectors are worlds apart.

[@fundiver198]

Its a typical case of, you get, what you pay for. There is a big problem about image here as well. If you buy a really fast german or italian car, you send out the signal, you are rich and successfull. If you buy a really fast and relatively cheap car made somewhere else, you send out the signal, that you mistankenly think you are a racing driver. A car like the VXR8 is simple as uncool, as a car can possibly be.

[@fundiver198]

And in reality both these cars are completely pointless. A standard BMW 5-series is already so good, that even Top Gear admitted, its hard to see, why anyone except idiots would put up a lot of extra cash for the needlessly overpowered M5. So the car to actually go out and buy with you own money is a standard BMW 5-series for the same money as the VXR8. No it won´t have 550 hp, but so what? Is a dinner at a restaurant better, because you get 4 times more meat on your plate, than you can actually eat? I think not.

[@ucanseemyweiner]

Yeah and people still buy the M5/RS7/E63/Panny even though it's much more expensive. People who buy these kind of cars can often afford them and don't even think about the VXR8. It's a great car but at the same time, a BMW/Audi/Merc/Porsche is still something above the VXR8. I do like the VXR8 but if I were about to buy a new fast saloon I would go with the M5 to get a car I actually want even though it cost a shit load more.

[@speakerphone07]

I have soo many problems with this video or mainly the reviewer 1. a car enthusiast has basically said he prefers an automatic to a manual 2. he prefers light adjustable steering 3.prefers a sharp harsh ride to one that is softer and relaxed 4. a turbocharged engine to a supercharged 5. he said that the bmw went into drifts easier normal car enthusiasts prefer cars that are stable and stick to the road, a manual, a car that has a nice exhaust or in this case a sound that hasn't been piped in. an the cars are family saloons, not sports cars the ride is supposed to be soft

[@decipherer2782]

Precisely correct. the dumb BMW M5 - still does not have GM's great magnetic ride suspension....but Ferrari uses it in their great 599, and Benz uses it on top of the line model under licence to GM. Holden GTS and Vauxhall VXR8 use it. And it is not just in the suspension system where BMW is inferior. It can't win races like Daytona or the Bathurst Enduro's. As a result of reader disenchantment with Steve Sutcliffe, how about the editor sacking this useless commentator who can't drive and replace him with a true person of Knowledge. Meanwhile, real car enthusiasts enjoy your VXR8's and invest the savings around 43,000 pounds (86,000 dollars)... and buy some shares, a new boat, or a world tour. Anything is better than being ripped off by the Krauts.

[@warrengibson3317]

And to start the cars off at 30mph advantage to the turbo in which u are going into the power band of the BMW where the manual with supercharger ur choking it down in the power band.

[@samzilla1050]

Someone shopping for a vxr8 gts is not going to consider the m5, it's too expensive. The normal everyday guy does not want to work 3 jobs to pay for a m5.

[@MaTtRoSiTy]

I would take the Vauxhall hands down. Much more raw and simple, a refined muscle car. Not that the BMW isn't an amazing machine...

[@MaTtRoSiTy]

***** its also simple economics. The BMW doesn't offer enough to justify the price premium

[@MaTtRoSiTy]

***** The Vauxhall (Holden) is cheaper than the BMW that is for sure but that is not the only incentive. I have owned an LS powered Holden before and I can tell you I love those engines and the whole Holden experience. The LSX engine is a powerhouse with buckets of low down torque and although it may not have the higher rev limits of the Euro V8's, when you experience the thrill of driving them, they really are amazing value. Plus, the Holdens are relatively simple cars as are the engines. So you can get a hell of a lot of power out of them with relatively modest amounts of money spent. There is no denying that the BMW is by far a more superior product. However I remember my experience owning an E Class Mercedes. Technically it was a great car with all kinds of accessories...when it was going well. Once everything started going wrong, it became a nightmare that eventually I couldn't wait to be rid of. If you ever get the chance to test drive an LSX powered car, I strongly recommend it. They are a great experience.

[@michaelrawson6261]

@@MaTtRoSiTy:... I've no wish to seem super critical, but, apart from you, and this comment from me, there's no-one else on your thread. So who the hell are you talking to!!!????

[@tomforrest7814]

Haha, I laughed when I saw the BMW price tag £80,000 for a car that wont get any looks or head turns. The £25,706 price difference is all because of the badge I mean the BMW has less horsepower and I really couldnt give a shit about what kind of crap they put in BMW's nowadays its a BMW wow... you could go around anywhere in britain and not get any looks but if you drove a VXR8 through britain you would get so many looks its unreal

[@WhatsaMOUN]

Tom Forrest are you aussie? because i promise it does not at all every bogan from westy has one. They are pretty much dead weight with a big 6.2 litre engine to back up with the lack of technolgy and engineering

[@tomforrest7814]

the BMW looks so boring

[@lewisspencer6006]

Tom Forrest I agree looks like a milk carton on wheels

[@tomforrest7814]

Its true though i have seen so many BMW 3 series, 5 series that when i see this rocking its 'M' badges i just think its another one of those 5 series or 3 series (because they look the fricking same), To further my point about how shit the BMW is compared to the VXR8 is that it has a girly 4l TT when the VXR8 has a manly 6.2l V8 Supercharged N/A which means the VXR8 sounds a heck of a lot better and BMW's lets just say dont have the best reputation on the road.

[@tomforrest7814]

Sorry i got a bit confused because of the older gen VXR8 that did have a N/A but no clearly a 6.2 is going to sound a heck of a lot better than a 4l TT and i am not uneducated in engines

[@FRC0711]

The thing to remember about the VXR is that it's essentially an HSV, built for Australian conditions and for a completely different target customer to the BMW. In Australia, it costs less than AUD 100K, where the M5 costs AUD 270K. Here, the HSV is bought by cashed-up electricians, where the M5 is bought by rich people. In its home market, the HSV just represents way better value for money, but they're not competitors.

[@TheKanetube]

thay used a sports pack bmw ????? to out shine the stock vxr8 ???? humm...

[@pgn-godsquad3990]

TheKanetube please take the gtsr w1 against that bmw and it will eat rubber for days, the bmw will never stand a chance

[@JMacca-rm8wo]

PGN-GODSQUAD agreed

[@vannjunkin8041]

Exactly give me the G8 GXP.. I'll dog that M5 rather superbly

[@ntsmith715]

ill take the holden ,a pain changing gears go and buy an automatic camry

[@larjkok1184]

I’ll take the BMW.

[@OziBeerMan]

Well, here's my 2 bobs worth. Both cars are awesome, accomplished, desirable. What it comes down to is what type of person you are and your personal preference. I'm a man. I drink beer. I watch sport. I go to the pub with my mates, and for holidays take the kids camping or go and rent something near the beach. I like nice clothes, but prefer to wear my jeans and a polo because they're so comfy. I'd buy the Vauxhaul any day of the week. It does what I want, looks tough, sounds good, and isn't overly 'flashy' or a status symbol. Now, if I was a fella into a bit of manscaping, drank wine with my associates at a wine bar, and only watched sport if invited to a corporate box, holidayed only in hotels and always had to wear designer jeans and shirts, the BMW would probably appeal to me. It's more about the statement, the badge, the status symbol. I honestly think the BMW is a bit ugly, bland. You could put a Hyundai badge on it and no one would question it. Yes, the BMW may be technically more proficient, faster, quicker etc.....but that doesn't bother me. If it did, I'd spend another $10K on the Vauxhaul, and blow it into the dust.

[@MRFUCKOFF202]

+OziBeerMan The nail has been hit on the head!

[@MrGolferjoseph]

OziBeerMan I agree with what you said but the vxr8 is more of an enthusiasts car. It's one of those cars where you either love it or you hate it

[@tin701]

Quite a bias review

[@DreamCarGarage1]

Come om people let's get real for just a second here; who on earth intends to buy an £80,000 BMW executive saloon, albeit an extremely high performance one, to then use it as a drift car?!!! And where on earth would they do this drifting; on the road? Not very likely! Ok then on the track? Well then that's even more ridiculous! There are much cheaper ways to shred tyres going sideways than either of the cars here! Why do we now have this obsession with going sideways? Just when did that become the barometer for how well a car can handle? Ive been a car enthusiast since I was a kid and the only people I here talking the merits of going sideways are auto journalists!

[@ethownzbh]

No one is saying that how well a car goes sideways is how well it handles, its just more fun to do and often to watch as well.

[@kr0pp]

True, as much as I love watching this pretty M5 go sideways, there's probably a lot more to these cars than drifting and doing straight line runs. I expected at least a small handling test on the circuit.

[@ItsumiSensei]

I agree mostly. Although I do believe that on the limit, while drifting, you can tell a lot about the car's balance and mainly how well the weight is distributed. However!!! Reviews shouldn't be 8 MINUTE long drift sessions! I mean yeah talk about it, do it to check the balance and feel on the limit but there is so much more to a car than that.

[@JonasRosenven]

All these "tests" are kinda silly. None of my friends or me for that matter that have the money to buy cars like this EVER go to a track. We use the cars for their comfort now that we can afford them. We use the power for shits and giggles in a straight line. I'm of course talking about any person I've EVER met. I'm sure some people would take their daily driver to a track but I just don't..never seen anyone do it either :) They don't drift them either. "Yeah sure mate - I'll drift my Jaguar S type R!". What the fuck!!?? seriously?? I see why a test like that would make bad television though.. gotta entertain people I guess.

[@yinimin]

He also said that the vauxhall is more comfy , i vote for the combination between comfort and performance

[@matthewcoleman8267]

News just in.... £80k car beats £54k car shocker.... Wonder what each would be worth in 2 years time, I bet the Vauxhall will be even more of a bargain then!

[@GusSabatino]

This bacon roly poly got paid by BMW...

[@bighands69]

+Gus Sabatino The BMW is a better car no doubt about that when considered from just pure engineering. But when considering the price the Vauxhall is a the better choice. In terms of performance there is going to be little difference between these cars. I would say the BMW shaves it.

[@pswmetalmonkey]

+Gus Sabatino They said he was paid by Honda when the CTR beat the BMW M4 around the track.. hmmm

[@robertbb1683]

@@bighands69 in terms of performance? they holden breaks will die within 5mins.

[@chrisbest1000]

9/10 people are not going to run their M5s and other prestigious cars on a track, let alone most won't go as fast as the cars can go. I'd personally take the holden if I was to buy a new car as its on its last legs in manufacturing and it has some form of exoticness after its gone..plus it's cheap as chips in comparison as a new m5 in Australia costs about the $230k mark.

[@vongdong10]

The VXR8 wins because it's being compared to a car that's much more expensive.

[@snowey9507]

holden wins by far the m5 needs a sports pack just to be in the same league as it.

[@kierenalvarez5114]

+Dylan Mylius What you expected autocar to give a non biased review? ha! Kidding yourselves! Car enthusiasts get the BMW driving enthusiasts get the VXR! This hamfisted fool makes it look so shit. The only reason he didn't crash the BMW is 30k in computers simulating Micheal Schumacher! Haha!

[@Sionnach1601]

I'd be inclined to agree with you, though my level of knowledge means that I don't know for sure. But on the face of it, much of what he said seemed quite contrary to what a LOT of other reviewers have said in favour of the big lovely special Vaux. Even Clarkson, and we all know him to possess a dirty big mouth that's capable of saying nearly anything nasty and ugly. But even Clarkson loved it, he absolutely loved it, and how well it drifted and handled, and thought it was all round fantastic value at the money. So, yeah, it does irk me also having people dissing something as nice and organic as a manual box and clutch. In the right hands, they can work art. And yes, I also agree thoroughly with you in regard to the £30k of driving aids. Shur THAT'S not feckin driving!!! That's just simulation, which just HAPPENS to result, in this case, in the car "interpreting" what you are like "emailing" it via the controls which are becoming more and more like, well, joy pads, and then further "instructing" the mechanical components as to what to do. The whole thing is just like one step away from outright simulation. Driving the VXR with everything off, is DRIVING. Just like the F40 - it's just down to between you, the driver, telling the car EXACTLY what you want it to do, and exactly WHEN you want it to do it.

[@TheWretchedWorld]

in australia the m5 pure (poverty pack cheapest m5 is 70,000 AUD more expensive than the GTS

[@Meatlooaf]

Steve Sutcliffe is lightyears better than you at driving.

[@ToxopIasmosis]

a 6.2L v8 for $54k lol doesnt get much better than that.

[@izuaff04]

Steve Sutcliffe and Chris Hariis...my two fav drifters....

[@mrolskul]

My sentinents exactly. And that tandem drift was oh, so sweet.

[@OneManArmy4Life]

I'd take the Holden for the price. BMW's aren't as reliable as they once were. Also, getting more power out of an LS engine is no problem at all. Finally, that bmw looks like shit, especially with that Hitler mustache for a front grill...

[@methaman1]

Charlie Chaplin used that mustache first and he's a pretty cool dude, so you're just fucked in the head if you see Hitler when you look at the m5. LS engines are fucking archaic. BMW stoped using 2 valves per cylinder almost 30 years ago...

[@djburrondarize]

Both cars have kidney grills... I guess just because the M5 is German it automatically makes it a "Hitler Mustache"... damn people love to hate!

[@ldnwholesale8552]

Archaic and very powerfull. Europeans have lost the Kiss rule,,Keep it simple stupid. Hi tech engines that need very specialised servicing and maintenance are only for the rich. And look at the V8 Supercars, the least powerfull most thirsty and most expensive engines were the quad cam 4 valve engines in Bettys Benz's and the Nissans.

[@timlangheim972]

methaman1 the bmw won’t smell 300 000 miles, the vauxhall will, 30k cheaper too I won’t fork over that cash for something that looks like a soccer mom will drive

[@tomforrest7814]

What a lie the VXR8 was shown on another video to do 0-60 in 4.2 Seconds like the BMW not 4.9!

[@teflondon4963]

+Alexander Binovski lol they are shit cars, poorly designed and built

[@tomforrest7814]

Tyler Durdon sorry have you read the review? Hardly shit and actually very well built

[@teflondon4963]

In comparison to a bmw it can only be shit. I think the reason you Aussies love the vxr is because you cant afford foreign cars. And the only reason someone would buy a vxr over an m5 is the price difference. The two cars literally cannot be compared

[@tomforrest7814]

Tyler Durdon no its because it looks better sounds better is cheaper and has a manual gearbox none of this paddle shift crap

[@teflondon4963]

Its your opinion that it looks better. And you can get m5s with manuals which is what i would buy. The vauxhall is cheaper because it cant match the quality,performance, or brand of the bmw.

[@1700iDiGuy]

BMW = Electronic overload controlled everything.. Vs. Holden - Aussie muscle car... how do you compare? You don't get the scream of a v8 in th M5 like you do in the Holden. You dont get the razor edge technology in the Holden.. You win some loose some. Outside looks, 'oh its another BMW' they're everywhere. A VXR8 rolls past 'WTF is that? dont see many of those'

[@jonnyedge7094]

Let's review a car entirely on how it drifts... What did we actually learn about the cars apart from "this one drifts better, and it's faster in a straight line?"

[@DerangedSloth555]

Flappy paddle? No thanks, I'll take the HSV GTS anyday...or an RS6 Avant.

[@alex369]

My first upgrade on my GTO was a cam swap. $711 for cam with hardened pushrods and titanium retainers and the .650 lift double springs. $267 for cold air intake and $187 for UD pulley. The exhaust I also have a video welding it my self and bending the pipes that cost me $140. I put it all on the car my self. I got a vid on my channel turning on the car at 4 am in my driveway. I borrowed my friend's Dyno at his speedshop and tuned the car. $80 lol. The next day no M5 could catch me.

[@SimsMovieCreater]

You could get the overpriced BMW and have a bit more power and performance upgrades or you could get the trust VXR8 (HSV Clubsport

[@v_alexiadis]

What were we supposed to hear? The rest of the cylinders engaging? By the way, although the M6 is a better car I'd go for the Holden. It's so special!

[@kineticdeath]

would have done better to compare the holden in british clothing to a bmw in the same price range. basically its like comparing an audi r8 to a veyron then just having them do straight line max speed runs all day to pick the "winner" the 2 cars arent even in the same class, 55k compared to 80k? lol

[@cassandrafoxx4171]

I've got one thing to add: Compare maintenance and repair costs... You'll find the Holden (A.K.A. Vauxhaul) will probably be a fair bit cheaper to repair than the Beemer.

[@idriwzrd]

I'd have the Commodore, merely for the manual (although, all the track days you could afford over the price of the M5 would be a nice bonus). I must say, they are getting less good looking, though.

[@matisonlee9494]

Okay so let's clear a few things up.. First is my opinions with looks of the cars. Easily the Holden/Vauxhall is way more better looking. Don't see how people find these Beamers eye-pleasing lol. People are arguing about the power differences. The BMW costs so much more it's ridiculous.. When if you were so obsessed with using all this power that you can only use on the race-track you could spend a fraction of the price on the VXR8 and outperform the BMW. This video is completely biased. The driver had no enthusiasm with the Vauxhall and did nothing but wank himself over the BMW. And using the compitition series BMW just made me cringe. Why not use the plain old M5.. Honestly this video is equivilent to putting the latest Gen-F V8 supercar up against a Stock M5 around a track. Rest in peace in peace Beamer. Haters gonna hate.

[@micko11154]

+Matison Lee Yes m8! i could not agree more. I cant believe this tosser has the gall to say this stuff to the world and think people are gonna accept it. Even beamer fans will recognise the bias displayed here. Boo to Autocar! lolol Competition pack my arse!

[@teflondon4963]

+Matison Lee You say you don't see how people find the beamer eye pleasing, I would ask the same question about the vauxhall.

[@teflondon4963]

+Tyler Durdon Its a vauxhall lol for fucks sake, i got a vauxhall atm and i cant wait to get rid of it.

[@micko11154]

+Tyler Durdon knob, its a rebadged HSV. A Holden. ....... clown

[@micko11154]

Tyler Durdon What a rude, little elitist bell-end you are! You can compare it to an M5 without the competition pack. M5s get eaten regularly by HSVs in competition here in australia all the time. As a matter of fact i cant think of a race here where an M5 has ever beaten an HSV. what was yr name again ? o yeh.... Tyler TURDon!!!!!

[@tosgem]

Well the HSV/Vxr at some stage was compared to the M5 around Nurberg ring and the HSV beat it by 15 seconds. Touring car drivers drove both vehicles.

[@v4rmru171]

Interestingly enough, in New Zealand, the R8 costs just as much as the M5 except when brand new. After the first 5,000km both cars cost the exact same amount, and over time the R8 costs more than the m5 by up to 20%.

[@calaiscruiser]

Bang for buck the Vauxhall (Holden) is the clear winner and myself living in Australia I inherently have a fondness for the Holden product and a simple re-map of the ECU corrects the patchy power & torque delivery.. but.. the BMW is in a class of its own when it comes to just about everything else! Having driven both of these cars though the M5 wasn't the comp pack it still clearly is the better car in terms of drive, comfort, quality and sophistication.

[@warrengibson3317]

comfort!!!!!! when have u ever drove any BMW and got comfort lolol wowwww that was way far fetch but i get it. but listen to the driver even his said that the Holden was more comfortable. and if you took that package off he would not have said the same things because the BMW would have been all over the place that is why they took that package so that they would not have gotten the ass handed to therm on that test run lololol but i get it. they always try to make the German car soooo much better untill they have to go into a shop for repairs then you are taking out a loan or waiting to save or tax time to get the car out.

[@hsvsv8]

Decent driving footage but it was obvious he had a preconceived notion about the Beamer being better than the GTS.We all know M5's are considered the Ultimate Driving Machine for a reason, but when it comes to being a hoons car, the M5 is out of its depth. All the driver aides make it more of a car that drives you, not a car that you drive. It's a 7 course meal, whereas the GTS is a steak, egg & chips. It's a hoons car. A modern muscle car. If I want a 4 door, RWD saloon that is a rolling lounge room & goes like the clappers I'd take the M5 all day, every day. But if I want a 4 door, RWD saloon that makes a statement & does the fun stuff better & costs 50 grand less, I'm taking the GTS. The M5 doesn't even come close to it in that department. Plus the GTS looks a shitload better.

[@lenniegodber7805]

The M5 is a magnificently engineered and constructed vehicle and you'd have to be mental to buy the VXR8, but still, an old fashioned manual gearbox and simple loud V8 is far more fun to drive.

[@nong333]

Even if money was no obstacle, I'd still take the VXR8 over the M5. It just has a more appealing look to me.

[@teflondon4963]

+nong333 mental statement

[@teflondon4963]

Your right, I apologise.

[@BestCarSound]

VXR8 is my winner and those 25k between M5, I'd spent on fuel'n'staff :)

[@lilelf1075]

Why not get a Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat, since thats also 20k cheaper and its more powerful.

[@connorhay1655]

@@lilelf1075 dodge

[@D800Lover]

It seems that some don't understand that sinking a bit more money into the 'Holden' and with that engine get a whole lot of power that would leave the M5 in the dust. Perhaps not around corners though. But what is said is the economic 'drys' have decided there should be no more cars made in Australia and that the VF (which it is) is the best car made in Australia and for Australian conditions is just great. It's such a shame as it has a charm all its own, comfortable, generous and yet able to give you a level of excitement when asked. What I am saying. it is a unique Australian car and nobody makes anything like it. It will be replaced by a four cylinder front wheel drive family car and no high performance versions - so sad really.

[@rickybartels3941]

Who ever said it was the best car? It may have made the most kw ON PAPER but check out the wheels dyno testing

[@gilbert9394]

the vxr8 is not up there with the M5? of course not thats because its price isnt up there with the m5 so why are they being compared.

[@vasilisconstantinides7950]

The manual gearbox let the Holden down in the drag race, had it had a dual clutch flappy paddle it would have been much closer or even quicker

[@kTSWaynos]

Something is weird with the times they giving here for the GTS considering many other journos have recorded 0-100km/h (0-62mph) times half a second quicker then what these guys are quoting. Starting to think that they can't drive a manual car properly as there stacks of videos on youtube showing how good the GTS can drift on dry track so on wet one sohuld be a lot easier.

[@lonersanonymous]

Because that's how people are going to drive these 99% of the time.....

[@methaman1]

His point was, which to buy if you intend on driving like this, wiseass. Obviously for everyday driving the m5 would hardly lose to the holden, opel thingy.

[@lonersanonymous]

methaman1 But it's so irrelevant because no one buys these solely to do that. Here's how I see it. Autocar are trying to react to the Chris Harris phenomenon. Hmmm....Chris Harris sure does drift alot in his videos and people seem to like that....I know! Let's do a video about drifting powerful saloons that will fix everything! Overlooking the fact that Chris Harris offers far more than that in his reviews and they are generally quite thorough and balanced. Drifting is just a by-product of him having fun with the cars. Also, he's an incredibly engaging personality. Of course I may be reading into it too much and Steve just wanted to muck around haha (I'm a fan of his by the way)

[@pascalmpower7944]

The M5 have a modern stability setting. Suspension, damping etc. Compare to the VXR, the M5 have better power band dynamic. Same amount of torque from 1500-5700rpm. With the same amount of throttle, the M5 have better power band dynamics. Also the linear torque will keep the rear tyre spinning all the way without any traction kick in or the rear kicks out at the time you won't expect.

[@themoviehobbit355]

6 litre whatever is under the bonnet. We’ll you just lost me 😂

[@gureno19]

no offense but the HSV Gen F GTS is a $80kaud car here....the M5 is a $300kaud car, they sit at a completely different table.

[@jasonrankin7298]

How about comparing it against its true rival the VXR8 Bathurst? Then again you want a flappy paddle, you absolute badge snob!!!

[@Chipsandmayo-OG]

The fact the GTS OR VXR8 is being compared to the m5 is really good, as it costs less than 120k when buying both brand new back in the day, but also the lsa in the GTS OR VXR8 will last for a long time and save you money aswell Which can be spent on mods 🤷🏻‍♂️🎉

[@cabbage4372]

Punt them around a racetrack for an hour and see which one comes out tops. I know which one has better reliability, too, and it isn’t Bavarian. The tester made his mind up before he even drove the VXR8.

[@mftran]

Kinda upsetted me when Steve said he prefers flappy paddle over manual. But then again, I haven't lived with paddles. So I wouldn't know.

[@OneOfOne]

then shut up

[@MrTugrulBerk]

OneOfOne Ahahahahahaha dude 😂😂😂

[@Salatiso]

I'd take the VXR any day, Driving should be involving.... It's a physical testosterone driven activity...

[@shanepax2311]

Great video! Best I've seen in a while and man you can drive. Great job!

[@BushcraftBoy]

It was the wrong car to go up against. The VXR8/Holden is priced more in line to undercut the M3. At £25,000 more expensive, you'd have expected an M5 with the competition pack to be far better if it's going to justify the extra money. You could buy the VXR8 and have enough money left to either modify the car into something that would eat an M5 for breakfast.... or you could use the price difference to buy a second car!

[@WhatsaMOUN]

I'm from Australia, and i see the VXR8 way to often, they don't pull heaps of peoples 'heads' because it's not a high quality european brand like the Mercs, Bmw, audi etc They just look cheap and bulky as fuck and legit every bogan can aford one, and they are just to common. also you always see dickheads rev the shit out of it down the street and it gets so annyoing.

[@SimsMovieCreater]

Henry Drummond That my friend is what an Aussie does :)

[@silverssonyoutube8438]

+Henry Drummond so your saying that high quality european in their own country pull peoples heads ? back in their own country they are just another mass produced common piece of shit bmw where people there are used to seeing that garbage day in day out . the hsv is our own home brand . take the hsv over to germany and i guarantee it would pull more heads over there as its different to the common garbage they drive .

[@MikeBobpokie]

+Henry Drummond wish I was a bogan cos I cant afford one, in Aus ,around 95k for gen f gts , not sure what an m5s worth but an m3 is around 160k so m5 will be a deal dearer than that .around 200k I guess .cant tell me it's twice the car the gts is

[@teflondon4963]

+silverss onyoutube lol Germans dont drive common garbage. They drive high quality machines like BMW, Mercedes, Audi

[@BudleyBailey]

lol in australia the holden costs about 90k and guess what the m5 costs 250grand

[@mosakoe_0693]

Pfff fuck australia they should not drive such a car when they are so expensive im sorry for that Here in germany the problem of holding a car like this is gas ....

[@pen15eagg72]

Mosakoe_069 what do you mean fuck australia ? fuck your ignorant i bet you own a peace of shit as well even though you have such cheap luxury cars!

[@grahamsmith2022]

pen15eagg Fuck Australia?,I see the Third Reich attitude is still prevalent amongst BMW driver's,we see it every day on the roads of Britain,the Jack booted superior arayan behind the wheel of their X5 Super Panzer,carrying out their four wheeled blitzkrieg on the other road users in their genetically inferior cars,barging their way to their destination without even the faintest whiff of consideration for other road users.Deutschland uber alles!

[@johanlittorin2765]

bud ley I guess you guys have a lot higher taxes on imports than native stuff?

[@em_d]

bud ley You got to pay for that bmw logo on the bonnet that's why.BMW = Ripped off.

[@masmouta1994]

I used to ignore the M5, in favor of the M6 grancoupé, but after this, I just fell in love with it

[@damefaso]

At least the VXR doesn't have fake engine noises,but at the end i would pick the M5

[@B9MYO]

Give me the £23k less expensive vxr. Who wants a car that does everything for you to make it "easier"

[@teflondon4963]

+Ben Mayo not about making it easier, how about faster

[@B9MYO]

I'd rather have a car I enjoy driving and is a challenge than a faster car that doesn't really feel like I'm controlling it. Plus I could buy another car with 23k

[@teflondon4963]

The first part of your argument I understand, but the part about cost is ridiculous. If you take that attitude with cars, you might aswell buy a ford fiesta.

[@arivat7699]

+Ben Mayo With the left over 23k, you could re-tune, upgrade the supercharger and still have a holiday with the family.

[@raivons]

M5 looks so sharp

[@MattVLRocks]

What a stupid comparrison! I come from Australia where you can buy a HSV GTS (VXR8) for $95k AUD with just under 1000km on the clock... To buy the M5 F10 LCI (competition package) on the other hand costs over $220k AUD with over 7000km on it (carsales.com.au references). Its like walking into a million dollar mansion in Germany, taking a look at what is has to offer, and then going to a little two bedroom house in the middle of a county suburb here in Australia and telling everyone how much worse it is... Ridiculous

[@chrisbest1000]

The suspension is soft because it's made in Australia for Australian road, which are very harsh and put backroads are worse!

[@captainkaos1770]

I work on bmws every day they are an over rated over priced piece of crap. Way to expensive for parts and when they fuk up they are usually discarded immediately by they're owners when the see the bill.

[@Sionnach1601]

Cripes!! Really?!!

[@ROCkicksAss]

over-engineered as well, like digital speedo, seriously?!

[@Spooms1961]

Hmm. I learnt nothing from this 'review' other than this guy thinks that drifting is the thing drivers will always be doing! Umm. No. Vauxhall don't claim that their vehicle is a competitor for the M5. And at £35000 cheaper, it clearly is not meant to be in any way whatsoever. So I'm puzzled as to why this review puts them up against each other. This 'review' has told me nothing of owning either of these vehicles. The servicing, depreciation, fuel use, spare parts, ergonomics, spare tyre, to name just a few, never even get a mention. Puzzling. I do know from other reviews in America, Europe and Australia that setting up the BMW for use is accompanied by a bewildering array of parameters and functions. Hmm. Not discussed here at all. This is a very disappointing video.

[@jordanmacdonald6145]

Let a Aussie drive it around that track then you’ll see the power and how aggressive it really is

[@armancz]

Not really a battle but what a great test track for these tests! Reminds me the track from those old japanese tests 10 years ago or so

[@lxcivic2k1]

What a terrible and biased review. I'd take the magnetic ride 6.2L Supercharged LS any day over some stiff, flappy paddle BS.

[@marknziff]

When Autocar mag (the same people who did this video) compared the E63 A M G vs M5 vs VXR8 GTS the results were 1st VXR8 2nd AMG 3rd M5 But this says otherwise. Very poor journalism.

[@warrengibson3317]

yesssss you are soo right, here goes another one who know his stuff. there is a old saying. you can fool some of the people some of the time but u cant fool all the people all of the time.

[@JSoulstorm]

Both are fantastic vehicles. Realistically though, if I was looking for a super-saloon, I wouldn't spend my money on either of these. I'd opt for a slightly smaller '13 E90 M3 Competition Package or '14 C63 AMG 507.

[@peternt2008]

You arent comparing like for like, you are comparing a BMW race pack, why not compare it to the VXR8 Bathurst race pack ?

[@youngprankster94]

The M5 comes with a BMW badge. Enough said.

[@warrengibson3317]

lololol enough said hun. lls watch it over and take that special package they put on this M5 and then compare or put the Magnetic package on the VXR8 which is the best in the world and then go racing and the M5 would get smoke and will go trade it in and save 30,000

[@rustlervxlbrx5984]

@@warrengibson3317 do a simple remap on the m5 boom 700 hp see ya

[@Qezelbas]

BMW all the way, mice and simple badge unlike the vauxhaull, opel, holden

[@Soulvex]

They've used a Griffin for years, besides, what does a badge do?

[@Qezelbas]

How can you say what a badge does? a badge determines the luxury of the vehicle, the expense of the vehicle. e.g. Buying trainers such as Nike

[@Soulvex]

wipe your mouth when you speak, shit comes out of it. you said (sort of) "nice and simple badge unlike the vaux/opel/holden", you are talking about badge design there. JUST caus the respective company has reputation, it doesnt mean they are better.

[@Qezelbas]

Fuck u you misinterpreted what I said, I meant the simplicity of the brand unlike the other whom has over three different names

[@Soulvex]

Sorry, it sounded funny so i wrote it :) if you go deeper, they are more than just 3 brands/names.

[@DiscoR53]

We all know that BMW understates the power output.

[@reganmickle9821]

The 0-100 for the holden is actually around 4.3 seconds, not 4.9.

[@FIFAracer]

The M5 is so much better!

[@TheCls63]

The M5 is quicker, sounds better, looks better (interior/exterior) DONE.

[@gibbonenhancements]

except the sounds are generated by the speakers, which will always be pathetic. It might sound trivial, but that kind of sound trickery was enough to write the M135i off my list.

[@LeeeroyJenkems]

and costs 30 grand more? I would sure hope so...considering you can buy a nice ass car for 30 grand and still have the VXR8.

[@TheCls63]

gibbonenhancements That is only because the engine is so quiet that they need to generate the sound by the speaker for the driver. It has nothing to do with ''Trickery'' or sum shit.

[@TheCls63]

Euph Compare both interior and luxury, you'll see that its worth 30 grand more

[@Jury1111111111]

for me it definitely doesn't sound better, but that's subjective...

[@renorti1]

10 years on, vxr8 gts are fetching £30-£45k m5,s are £15k/£18k and many m5,s have engine and gearbox failures {at huge cost to fix} the vxr8,s still pricey for parts now and availability is difficult at times.

[@straightsix306]

There's a reason the BMW feels faster - that car would have closer to 630hp than 550hp.