I will go against the grain and say save your time and money, you will try to like the 911, but the bmw will always be calling to you, so just buy a open top bmw and you will be much happier.

 

I want her back so bad.

 

My personal goal is to own, experience, and modify as many our cars as possible.

Like most enthusiasts, it started with BMW and I have the most experience with them.

My favorite M5 is the E39 chassis and I’ve owned 2.

I think that the 997.2 C2S cab would be a good transition as it will be a completely different driving and ownership experience. While the M5 has more power, it’s always heavier. As you mentioned, the power / weight distribution translates to a well balanced and fun car to drive (not fast but also not slow).

I’m currently on my 6th 911 and 4th 997. Personally, I couldn’t see myself in any other platform for the money.

My E39 M5’s below:

 

I have an E39 M5 and now a 997.2. The P car feels significantly faster to me. The BMW has a far nicer interior and somehow feels more modern despite being seven years older. It’s the perfect kid car (I have three). The Porsche’s interior feels cheap next to my M5’s beautiful full leather interior (in Caramel!). But as good as my M5 is, the Porsche is better in the ways I care about: motor, transmission, and handling. I’m fortunate to keep both.

 

Thanks for all the feedback folks! It's a lot to think about and I miss every car I've ever owned, even the random ones like my $2k outback. Also, I do have a sense of the difference in power and torque since, as I noted in the OP, I've got a CGTS that is not particularly torquey but still feels fast once you've got it going:


Here's a pic of her absolutely murdering some cones!

 

Does your 997.2 have the full leather option?