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      04-18-2016, 02:12 PM   #45
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Quote:
Originally Posted by guarnibl View Post
Thank you for the comparison OP. How do you like the handling and power of the Macan S?
I don't know since I have the Macan GTS with the revised nurburgring tuned suspension.

It's a SUV that drives like an Audi S4. Strange and great DD.
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      04-18-2016, 02:20 PM   #46
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Originally Posted by Nine Lives View Post
I'm not sure about the F80/82 being "more planted".It's well documented that the M2 won't turn round and bite you in the ass like it's bigger brothers.
Perhaps more stable within their own respective limits.
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Originally Posted by Robin_NL View Post
When parked it's more planted like trees and stuff

Cheers
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At higher speeds, yes I would expect the M3/4 (longer wheelbase) to be more planted. I would also expect the M2 (shorter wheelbase) to be more playful at lower speeds...

But it is a fun discussion regardless.
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      04-18-2016, 02:50 PM   #47
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Quote:
Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster View Post
Awesome points. I m totally agree with all and especially about the on center feel as being too heavy on the electric steering models.

Wow better than the GT4 eh? Wow.

Thanks for validating what I've been convinced of all along that the M2 will really compete hard with Cayman GTS and 718 Cayman S.

An M2 CS (L) is needed to compete with the Cayman GT4. I'm totally ready
Original post...interesting perspective.

Don't think he was saying the cars are comparable. Judging by reviews and lap deltas they aren't. But the Cayman GT4 has much higher limits and is a precision machine to set fast lap times and be surgical whereas the M2 isn't competing at anywhere in that level but is fun to be a hooligan in. Then again it seems the GT4 can be a playful thing given its extreme poise and balance.
I think the 718 S models are going to be great and much faster all over given the broad power band, strong top end and mid engine balance.
The M2 seems like a fun car to drive but the lack of quality and the crooked seat would annoy me to no end.

Gtr how are you liking the macan GTS? Car looks quite good and like a great car to drive as well.
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      04-18-2016, 03:03 PM   #48
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Interesting review of M2 came from the GT4 owner, thank you ! I definitely need a DD car like M2.
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      04-18-2016, 03:03 PM   #49
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I love these threads. Nothing like a good M2/M3/M4 comparo to bring out the best in all of us. So much butt-hurt all around.

Congrats to anyone who is lucky enough to own any of these cars.
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      04-18-2016, 03:30 PM   #50
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OP, out of curiosity have you tracked the GT4 yet? Do you plan to?

Although I haven't driven an M2 yet, having come from an E92 M3 to a GT4, I can imagine what you mean about the M2 being more fun than a GT4 on the road because of its lower limits and "imperfection", and if I weren't going to the track at all, I never would have bought a GT4. Maybe an M2 or a Spyder, though even those would have been tough for me to justify to myself with no track time at all, but even though the GT4 feels very special even on the road, as you say it's also way overkill and you'd never escape the feeling that you weren't getting anywhere near what it could really offer in that setting, and trying to do so would land you in jail or in a coffin. I guess that's the reason that 80% of Porsche GT car owners take them to the track, and a fair chunk of the remaining 20% is probably collectors who bubble wrap the cars.

Anyhow, I'm glad to see all of these great impressions of the M2. If I hadn't been able to get a GT4 and somehow also didn't have/want my E9x M3 anymore either, the M2 is increasingly looking like the BMW I would buy. I have my quibbles with it (exterior styling especially in the rear, basketball leather, disabling auto-blip requiring disabling DSC, turbo engine, maybe the seats depending on how they feel), but the F8x M4 didn't wow me at all, so I'm glad to know BMW still seems to have a modern car that I'd be interested in should the need ever arise. Yeah the interior isn't great compared to the F8x (never mind the GT4), but for the price point it seems reasonable enough, and like you I don't really pay much attention to the interior once I'm driving.

Thanks for the write-up!

Last edited by jphughan; 04-18-2016 at 03:37 PM..
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      04-18-2016, 04:02 PM   #51
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Adem1534
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buschy View Post
The M2 is fantastic, but after driving them on several tracks, I still do not see any reason to buy the m2 over the m4 besides price.
Here are 3 right off the top of my head:

1. Size

2. Fun

3. Exhaust note

Can't see any, really? I think it's pretty obvious at this point that there are plenty of reasons.

Also, the 'extra' engineering you're referring to, I'm not really sure what you mean. Do you mean carbon fiber? The carbon fiber doesn't do anything magical when you drive, to get the M4 because of Carbon Fiber would make literally no sense, unless you just want to be able to say 'my car has carbon fiber', since the car is still 25 lbs heavier. Which someone could say and I wouldn't judge them for it, but the Carbon Fiber prestige means literally nothing to me.

Otherwise perhaps you're referring to the engine? I guess you could have a point there, but again, that's not a reason to upgrade for a lot of people including myself. The upgraded N55 is proving to be a fantastic engine with it's own character.

Again, just a little bewildered how you can't even see at least *one* reason to go M2 over M4. There are plenty of reasons to go either way, but it's shocking when someone can't see both sides.

Do you understand what I'm saying?
Have you driven a M3 or 4 compared to the M2 especially spiritedly or on a track? The only thing the M2 has over its bigger brother as you say is size and fun, though fun is debatable because with a decent driver the M3 is fun. Of course then there is the price. I've driven the M2 and M3 multiple times (I own one) and in fact I just came back from my second BMW track day.

The M3/M4 is much more car in every way. The motor is a master piece compared to the N55, the car feels more planted, and then there are all the bespoke items (but that's not important here)

I also wouldn't say the exhaust is a factor because after experiencing mine starting to break in and come alive and hearing them at the track, it sounds awesome. The LCI exhaust note is a bigger improvement then you have the comp packs now which are even better.

Now having said all this, I am actually selling my F80 after short ownership and he reasons are:
1. Too big (even though it's practical and I have a child and possibly more in the future) I want drivers car and want to be selfish
2. I can't get over the numb throttle and artificial sound even though I don't mind it. When I jump back in my E46 it just confirms for me that NA is where I need to stay. And character is important
3. The % of time on the street that you can utilise the power is very minimal for me, having track days like I came back from though is where is shines. But I need to stay realistic
4. The F80 is 3 times the price of my E46 here but it is not 3 times the fun or exciting. I haven't had the urge to wake up early on a weekend and take it for a spirited drive like I still like to do. I think in the M2 would get me to do this.

I'm still hoping for a M2 CS or whatever that can include what was missing for me as the desire for a new M car is in me. But for now E46 FTW for me.
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      04-18-2016, 04:04 PM   #52
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ///MIKE M
Exactly what I love to hear since I am sadly letting my E46 go for an M2.

Hope it lives up to the hype and reviews!!
Don't let the E46 go before getting the M2. I bought the F80 to replace it and I'm now selling it because of the comments mentioned, Numb steering and throttle response. Also it's too big
So glad I've got my E46 still and I will keep that till I can get a Cayman GTS/GT4 or 911 of some sort or M2 CS
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      04-18-2016, 04:06 PM   #53
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robin_NL View Post
1:12.2 Bingo



Cheers
Robin
And, at Streets of Willow, 1:22.73 vs the M4's 1:22.94
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      04-18-2016, 04:10 PM   #54
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hazey82 View Post
Don't let the E46 go before getting the M2. I bought the F80 to replace it and I'm now selling it because of the comments mentioned, Numb steering and throttle response. Also it's too big
So glad I've got my E46 still and I will keep that till I can get a Cayman GTS/GT4 or 911 of some sort or M2 CS
Wow! Already the adios to the F80 ???

I thought you'd have the best of both worlds with your E46 still in hand.
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      04-18-2016, 04:15 PM   #55
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The GT4 uses Cup Tires, you're not going to break traction on the street. Put cheap tires on your GT4 for daily driving, that should change your mind.


I hated the look of the M2 in photos. I saw one in Minneapolis last week, it looks so much better on the highway. The hip is wide. I wouldn't mind getting an M2 in the future for track days.
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      04-18-2016, 04:17 PM   #56
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmboone25
Quote:
Originally Posted by Hazey82 View Post
Don't let the E46 go before getting the M2. I bought the F80 to replace it and I'm now selling it because of the comments mentioned, Numb steering and throttle response. Also it's too big
So glad I've got my E46 still and I will keep that till I can get a Cayman GTS/GT4 or 911 of some sort or M2 CS
Wow! Already the adios to the F80 ???

I thought you'd have the best of both worlds with your E46 still in hand.
I think the problem for me was still having the E46. Having them both in the garage for easy comparison. I cannot afford to keep both and my fear was getting bored of the F80 down the track not because of its potential and capability because it is awesome at that, but more the lack of character, engine note ,throttle response and lack of intimate feeling.
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      04-18-2016, 04:28 PM   #57
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Buschy View Post
The M2 is fantastic, but after driving them on several tracks, I still do not see any reason to buy the m2 over the m4 besides price.
I have yet to see the m2 do something the m4 cannot do, plus you get all the extra engineering the M4 has over the M2.
Both badges off, M2 is a better car overall.
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      04-18-2016, 04:33 PM   #58
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hazey82 View Post
I think the problem for me was still having the E46. Having them both in the garage for easy comparison. I cannot afford to keep both and my fear was getting bored of the F80 down the track not because of its potential and capability because it is awesome at that, but more the lack of character, engine note ,throttle response and lack of intimate feeling.
I hear you there - those "visceral" experiences are the most fun to me, as I know that I am not a race car driver and have only been to auto cross events here and there.

That type of drive makes a trip to Kroger worth it. You almost forget shit on your girl's list...just so you can go back and drive some more.
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      04-18-2016, 05:00 PM   #59
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hazey82 View Post
Now having said all this, I am actually selling my F80 after short ownership and he reasons are:
1. Too big (even though it's practical and I have a child and possibly more in the future) I want drivers car and want to be selfish
2. I can't get over the numb throttle and artificial sound even though I don't mind it. When I jump back in my E46 it just confirms for me that NA is where I need to stay. And character is important
3. The % of time on the street that you can utilise the power is very minimal for me, having track days like I came back from though is where is shines. But I need to stay realistic
4. The F80 is 3 times the price of my E46 here but it is not 3 times the fun or exciting. I haven't had the urge to wake up early on a weekend and take it for a spirited drive like I still do.
Any idea what you'll get getting next? The NA requirement definitely narrows down your options assuming you're looking at new or very recent cars.

(EDIT: Never mind. Saw the 981 GTS/GT4 post above.)
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      04-18-2016, 05:19 PM   #60
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Fortyb View Post
I'm saying that you are seriously reading too deep into these post..Take a chill pill.
I will say it again an M2 is nice but I will not run to the dealer ship to give up my M3 because the car is more fun.. An M is an M enough said on this.
I feel you man, I was just saying that every review so far has said the M2 is more fun, but I could definitely see someone thinking the M3 is more fun. Was just saying what the reviews said.
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      04-18-2016, 05:22 PM   #61
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BigMacMeal
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buschy View Post
The M2 is fantastic, but after driving them on several tracks, I still do not see any reason to buy the m2 over the m4 besides price.
I have yet to see the m2 do something the m4 cannot do, plus you get all the extra engineering the M4 has over the M2.
Both badges off, M2 is a better car overall.
Not even close to true... I love it how most here haven't even driven an m4... Exhaust note issues?? The car sounds great at high rpm even better with an exhaust.. Numb throttle? If anything it's too sensitive.... I hope everyone loves their m2 but is faster and has higher potential too... Imagine what an m4 can do with some proper tires!!!
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      04-18-2016, 05:43 PM   #62
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I would be very interested to hear how it compares to a 981 Cayman S or GTS. I wonder...
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      04-18-2016, 05:58 PM   #63
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I need this. Lol that's all I keep saying. Until then my car will slowly convert to racecar and by then racecar > streetcar.
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      04-18-2016, 05:59 PM   #64
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jawwadh View Post
Not even close to true... I love it how most here haven't even driven an m4... Exhaust note issues?? The car sounds great at high rpm even better with an exhaust.. Numb throttle? If anything it's too sensitive.... I hope everyone loves their m2 but is faster and has higher potential too... Imagine what an m4 can do with some proper tires!!!
Thats a good point, but can you name a single review that stated the M3/4 was the better handling car or that that they were more fun to drive?

I'm happy you like your exhaust! Do you happen to have a video of one at high rpms? I have yet to hear a good sounding S55 but I realize that is a subjective thing. Consequently, I have yet to hear a bad sounding M2 exhaust.
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      04-18-2016, 06:31 PM   #65
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jawwadh View Post
Not even close to true... I love it how most here haven't even driven an m4... Exhaust note issues?? The car sounds great at high rpm even better with an exhaust.. Numb throttle? If anything it's too sensitive.... I hope everyone loves their m2 but is faster and has higher potential too... Imagine what an m4 can do with some proper tires!!!
I'd say the vast majority of those in the market for a M2 have heard and test-driven a M4. But the really funny thing is that all of the m4 owners who claim the M4 exhaust is just as good or better sounding than the M2 have definitely not heard a M2, considering there are maybe 100 in the US right now.

Not only have I driven multiple M4s, but the M4 was $100 a month cheaper for me to lease.

Still got the M2. It's that good. And sure, you can say things like looks, driving dynamics, sound, and fun factor are subjective - you're right. I'm sure there's a guy out there somewhere who genuinely prefers Rosie O'Donnell to Kate Upton. But don't pretend that most guys do
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      04-18-2016, 07:07 PM   #66
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hazey82
Quote:
Originally Posted by Adem1534
Quote:
Originally Posted by Buschy View Post
The M2 is fantastic, but after driving them on several tracks, I still do not see any reason to buy the m2 over the m4 besides price.
Here are 3 right off the top of my head:

1. Size

2. Fun

3. Exhaust note

Can't see any, really? I think it's pretty obvious at this point that there are plenty of reasons.

Also, the 'extra' engineering you're referring to, I'm not really sure what you mean. Do you mean carbon fiber? The carbon fiber doesn't do anything magical when you drive, to get the M4 because of Carbon Fiber would make literally no sense, unless you just want to be able to say 'my car has carbon fiber', since the car is still 25 lbs heavier. Which someone could say and I wouldn't judge them for it, but the Carbon Fiber prestige means literally nothing to me.

Otherwise perhaps you're referring to the engine? I guess you could have a point there, but again, that's not a reason to upgrade for a lot of people including myself. The upgraded N55 is proving to be a fantastic engine with it's own character.

Again, just a little bewildered how you can't even see at least *one* reason to go M2 over M4. There are plenty of reasons to go either way, but it's shocking when someone can't see both sides.

Do you understand what I'm saying?
Have you driven a M3 or 4 compared to the M2 especially spiritedly or on a track? The only thing the M2 has over its bigger brother as you say is size and fun, though fun is debatable because with a decent driver the M3 is fun. Of course then there is the price. I've driven the M2 and M3 multiple times (I own one) and in fact I just came back from my second BMW track day.

The M3/M4 is much more car in every way. The motor is a master piece compared to the N55, it's more planted, and then there are all the bespoke items (but that's not important here)

I also wouldn't say the exhaust is a factor because after experiencing mine starting to break in and come alive and hearing them at the track, it sounds awesome. The LCI exhaust note is a bigger improvement then you have the comp packs now which are even better.

Now having said all this, I am actually selling my F80 after short ownership and he reasons are:
1. Too big (even though it's practical and I have a child and possibly more in the future) I want drivers car and want to be selfish
2. I can't get over the numb throttle and artificial sound even though I don't mind it. When I jump back in my E46 it just confirms for me that NA is where I need to stay. And character is important
3. The % of time on the street that you can utilise the power is very minimal for me, having track days like I came back from though is where is shines. But I need to stay realistic
4. The F80 is 3 times the price of my E46 here but it is not 3 times the fun or exciting. I haven't had the urge to wake up early on a weekend and take it for a spirited drive like I still like to do. I think in the M2 would get me to do this.

I'm still hoping for a M2 CS or whatever that can include what was missing for me as the desire for a new M car is in me. But for now E46 FTW for me.
I guess that's what happens when you shop for an M car " value "..


The M2 is a special value in its own way. Even in Oz.
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