[FogCityM3]

Pretty impressive performance for the M2 from a dig and surprisingly kept pace for a while from a roll. Having said that, given some of these track tests, shows that the camaro for all its size and heft is out handling the M2. What is amazing is that we're even having this conversation as a serious comparison! Camaro SS is 7 secs faster on VIR and 3 faster at LS vs the M2.

[Robin_NL]

Track/laptimes: The Camaro weighs 1705kg(3760lbs) so physically I don't see the Camaro 'outhandling' the M2 in the curves/bends or?

It's way more powerful than M2 so this can be used in faster laptimes...

Or am I missing something?

Cheers
Robin

[BimmerMat135]

Originally Posted by amw896

cheaper to own? Dude, Chevy small block LS v8s are the all known bullet proof motors pretty much. The abuse I've seen these cars take is incredible and the maintenance is a joke (aside from gas and tires, Ill give you that). But overall, cost of ownership will be significantly less with American. Don't get me wrong I love my little 2 series for what is but I get wrecked on tracks by the new American v8s. If I had the space for one, I would probably own one!

Then add depreciation cost and everything is changing. Like 95% of american car the resale value of the camaro will drop 50% or more in the 5 first year meanwhile the M2 might lose 10-20% or might even maintain it's value.

[termigni]

Originally Posted by BimmerMat135

That made me laugh, what about the cost of ownership? Resale value, fuel economy, maintenance and tires change every 10000 miles etc. The M2 could be easily faster with pilot sport cup tires but BMW don't want us to change tires every year. If you factor all I'm pretty sure that the M2 is cheaper to own.

who really buys cars for resale value? it's a BMW. not a limited special Ferrari. tire wear; I agree.

[termigni]

Originally Posted by BimmerMat135

Then add depreciation cost and everything is changing. Like 95% of american car the resale value of the camaro will drop 50% or more in the 5 first year meanwhile the M2 might lose 10-20% or might even maintain it's value.

"m2 might lose 10-20% in first 5 years"? no way in hell. this car ain't that limited sir.

[MSCD]

As a car fan these are interesting to see. Not sure they're for the same buyer though. The GM and Ford muscle cars are definitely a viable option these days and the Corvette is best bang for buck when you look strictly at performance.... if that's what you want then I say go for it... I'm not ready to go there yet... as I get older I think I prefer luxury over pure speed. but that is a personal preference.

[zenmaster]

Originally Posted by Robin_NL

Track/laptimes: The Camaro weighs 1705kg(3760lbs) so physically I don't see the Camaro 'outhandling' the M2 in the curves/bends or?

It simply does anyway. Look at the short-track times, skidpad, MT figure 8, braking. All around it is the better performing car.

[Robin_NL]

Originally Posted by zenmaster

It simply does anyway. Look at the short-track times, skidpad, MT figure 8, braking. All around it is the better performing car.

Better/ wider (rear)tyres I guess?

Cheers
Robin

[bjcarls]

Originally Posted by Robin_NL

Track/laptimes: The Camaro weighs 1705kg(3760lbs) so physically I don't see the Camaro 'outhandling' the M2 in the curves/bends or?

It's way more powerful than M2 so this can be used in faster laptimes...

Or am I missing something?

Cheers
Robin

One car breaks all the rules, the portly Nissan GT-R. 3,933lbs
Weight doesn't matter, or it matters less than it use to. Look at the X5M, BMW is getting good at hiding the weight and others are to.

I can tell the age of people on the forum. You need to remember that the mustang and Camaro changed to a multi link rear suspension from a live axle in 2010, it takes a little time to dial a car in.

And yes, I want a new ZL1 Camaro, 4 seats, 640hp, with an MSRP $7k more than an M2, but I can get one for $5k more, that's the real comparison imo.

[Towerworld]

Originally Posted by Robin_NL

Track/laptimes: The Camaro weighs 1705kg(3760lbs) so physically I don't see the Camaro 'outhandling' the M2 in the curves/bends or?

It's way more powerful than M2 so this can be used in faster laptimes...

Or am I missing something?

Cheers
Robin

Originally Posted by Robin_NL

Better/ wider (rear)tyres I guess?

Cheers
Robin

Weight isn't the be all and end all of handling, a smart car weighs 1800 pounds but I think all of us would agree that a lotus is a better handling car.
The Camaro has fantastic mag ride suspension and a masterfully tuned, balanced chassis. On run-flats the regular SS Camaro still outgrips and matches the m4/m2's handling.

[Robin_NL]

I need to drive such a Camaro on a track to be really convinced.

Superb tyres defy the laws of physics sometimes, but weight?

Cheers
Robin

[CosmosMpower]

Originally Posted by bjcarls

One car breaks all the rules, the portly Nissan GT-R. 3,933lbs
Weight doesn't matter, or it matters less than it use to. Look at the X5M, BMW is getting good at hiding the weight and others are to.

I can tell the age of people on the forum. You need to remember that the mustang and Camaro changed to a multi link rear suspension from a live axle in 2010, it takes a little time to dial a car in.

And yes, I want a new ZL1 Camaro, 4 seats, 640hp, with an MSRP $7k more than an M2, but I can get one for $5k more, that's the real comparison imo.

But you'd still be paying 60K for a Camaro, which is nuts. I don't care if it flies I wouldn't pay 60K for a Camaro.

[Crashnbrn5]

It's videos like these that pushes Bmw to put stronger engine in the M2 because at the end of the day the power to weight ratio in the Camaro is just better which in turn will give it better performance with the nice suspension set up they already have.

For those of you who say they'll be buying a Camaro instead of an M2 any day of the week, we won't miss you, trust us.

[evanescent03]

lol lots of hate for the M2 on a BMW forum. the Camaro doesn't feel as nimble but is a lot of fun on track. it makes a great rumble and the stuff clutch and shifter complement the accurate steering well. I have only driven 228i and m235i, never an M2, but I can imagine it feels similar/better in the nimbleness category and definitely more nimble than the camaro. I know this thread is about drag racing but I'd say the M2 did great. small enough gap that it doesn't matter to me! if I were in the market for these I'd lean towards the M2. as an add-on car, the 1LE is a great value (mine was just the 1SS) so I could look past the bad interior quality, but I'd miss my German cars for the daily grind.

[BimmerMat135]

Originally Posted by termigni

"m2 might lose 10-20% in first 5 years"? no way in hell. this car ain't that limited sir.

Well i don't know in USA, but in Canada they sell for MSRP and over on the use market.

[BimmerMat135]

Originally Posted by termigni

who really buys cars for resale value? it's a BMW. not a limited special Ferrari. tire wear; I agree.

Well depreciation is the most expensive cost of a new car so if you can reduce it why not? Also if a car cost 50000$ new and you get 25000$ 5 years down the road compared to one that is 60000$ but sell for 50000$ after 5 years which one is really cheaper? That is what you are looking at with the camaro vs M2( I'm not sure about the exact numbers but the trend will look like it). Because of that the low msrp of the Camaro means nothing as the car will be more expensive to own.

[zinner]

I went from two cts-vs to a 335i so I like them all. just don't claim GM's don't handle cause they are world class they just pick different compromises than BMW.

[Thescout13]

Originally Posted by CommitConfirm

First sign of a bend and I'd want the M2!

Lmao. Classic fan boy who hasn't driven the new Camaro. Let's not forget the new Camaro has blown away everyone's expectations on the track and is within 2 seconds of every M4, M2 lap time for 15-30k cheaper. Having personally driven the new SS it's a blast around "a bend".

[Thescout13]

Originally Posted by BimmerMat135

That made me laugh, what about the cost of ownership? Resale value, fuel economy, maintenance and tires change every 10000 miles etc. The M2 could be easily faster with pilot sport cup tires but BMW don't want us to change tires every year. If you factor all I'm pretty sure that the M2 is cheaper to own.

Lmao, who the hell buys this car thinking of fuel economy? Plus cheaper to own? Blow the M2 motor it's like $25k to replace. Blow an LT1 it's like what $6k? And let's not forget modern BMWs are plagued with maintenance problems once they pass the warranty period, especially the turbos.

[Thescout13]

Originally Posted by jaykoolzboy

Camaro SS 1LE is amazing, but lets put it this way again, if you are BMW m series shopper , you will NEVER consider a Camaro.

Incorrect. Have owned 3 M3/M4s in the past 6 years, almost exclusively owned BMWs. Just traded in my M4 for the Camaro. I'm not the only one, I know of 4 others that have done the same in my neighborhood of LA alone, and believe me, we can all afford the $80k M sticker. But to actual car enthusiasts that shit doesn't matter.

[Thescout13]

Originally Posted by CosmosMpower

But you'd still be paying 60K for a Camaro, which is nuts. I don't care if it flies I wouldn't pay 60K for a Camaro.

And therefore you are not an actual enthusiast, just an emblem chaser.

[FogCityM3]

The SS's MagneRide dampers (used by Ferarri, GT350, Cadillac ATS, Vette) are far more technologically advanced compared to the M2's 10+ year old suspension design, including the very outdated macpherson strut. With the coilover kit probably better, but not truly double-adjustable so won't hold a candle next to the latest gen MagneRide.

The SS is almost on par around a relatively short track like Laguna Seca vs the M4 GTS, despite being heavier and being down on power.

Also look at the GT350R on the same track which has a lot more power but is heavy. The "secret": MagneRide. So yes, the SS is a better handling car and from the video itself that light "walking" of the SS vs the M2 is a negligible advantage on the straits on a track like Laguna Seca. Handling is the differentiator.

BMW needs to get with the program!

Originally Posted by Robin_NL

Better/ wider (rear)tyres I guess?

Cheers
Robin