540i vs 740i. Manual vs Automatic..?

Been looking about for one or the other, I can't decide which to go for. Looking for about 1996-98 sort of age. I am just wondering how different they actually are, I've read that they're both the same weight and same power, so surely they should be the same as far as speed goes? Is the 5 more sporty feeling than the 7? I am trying to arrange test drives but just wondered what peoples thoughts are.
Cheers

7 series has more options (more luxury)....hence the larger cost and the different series number.

The 7 series is longer, wider and taller than the 5. And you can do a lot of things to shake more horsepower out of the same engine.

1998 5 Series: Inline 6 or V8
1998 7 Series: 4.4L V8, 5.4L V12

My question is how can you have a badged 740 I with a 4.4L V8????

Don't blame me, blame the link.

http://www.internetautoguide.com/car-specifications/09-int/1998/bmw/7-series/index.html

If they are the same price, no brainer for the 7. Also for manual or auto...are you lazy? If so go with the auto.

Seriously though clutching for an hour or more in gridlock sucks assballs. That's right I said it....assballs.

I am lazy yeah. Plus the auto is much more available and generally cheaper etc than the manual so I think I'm going that way.
540i it is as perfomance matters more than toys!
cheers for the link

Yeah I love the 5 series so have fun with it....but not too much fun. :D

Just understand that with great performance, comes great fuel consumption. HA!

I've just bought a low mileage 540i with sports suspension, seats etc and FBMWSH. Problem solved, now i just have to try to keep my licence as 120mph comes too easily!