[CharsadehBEAST]

Looking for some input and first hand experience on how the M2 stacks up vs a C6GS but there's a catch...M2 has to be DCT and Vette has to be automatic, yes I know . I can drive manual but just don't find it as appealing anymore especially since either vehicle will be used as a daily. Previously owned an E60 M5 with SMG and loved it. Single, no kids, don't play golf lol...storage, # of seats, etc are not a factor neither is mpg, insurance, 1/4 times, or what it laps Nurburgring

I have a cheap crossover I daily now and will keep as a secondary car to haul people/stuff when needed, I want my daily and weekend toy to be all about fun. I know it's contradicting to exclude manuals when fun is the main factor but thems the rules so what do you say?

Clean low mileage C6GS's are in the mid $30k's vs ~$40k for a 2017 M2 around these parts, difference is irrelevant. I've test driven 2x M2's, not to it's limits but have a decent idea of what it would be like to live with. I like it but don't love it, it's missing that highly visceral feeling but at the same time I am *thee* target audience for DCT/SMG/DSG/PDK's. <$40k I have been having a hard time finding DCT + fun. No seat time in a C6 but I rented a C7 Z06 for a day just to experience and absolutely loved it except for the 8 speed auto, the LS7 and 8AT just didn't jive with each other vs say the slushboxes in Hellcat's which are well matched

I've test driven a ton of different cars but were either too small for my frame, boring, or too heavy so let's focus the comparison to M2 DCT vs C6GS slushbox

https://fastestlaps.com/comparisons/70ivgra26669

[richard in NC]

I can't tell you what Corvette models these were or mods they had (although one looks like an older Z06), but I had fun chasing 2 Vettes at Carolina Motorsports Park last fall and stayed pretty even with them through 3 laps. I've got a stock '20 M2C with DCT.

See here: https://vimeo.com/476870974

[5.M0NSTER]

Both good choices, though I think the AT neuters the Vette more so than the DCT does the BMW.

I think it might come down to this:
If you care about the sound of a V8 than Vette. Otherwise M2.

Have you considered a C63 AMG?

[CharsadehBEAST]

Originally Posted by 5.M0NSTER

Have you considered a C63 AMG?

I just got out of a MBZ AMG and I'm shooting for something very close to 3000 pounds but very limited options around $40k with DCT and enough room inside for my height. Believe me, I have test driven just about everything within my budget except the C6GS.

[BimmerMan33]

I'd say Corvette's V8 & low slung seating position would feel clearly more sporty & fun than the M2's.
Also note that Corvette is designed as a sports car right from the start whereas M2 & all Other M cars are designed as street commuter cars which are then modified by M division to make it sporty.
Unlike in the past where an M motor used to be special/bespoke, these days BMW designs a few robust motors for series models & modified them for M versions, so current M motors are not going to feel special as say, e60 M5 or e9x M3.
On the other hand, Corvette has a NA V8 that should sound better that M2...

[21_M2 Competition]

I had a C6 ZO6 and an OG M2. As a daily and fun weekend car, I preferred the M2. The Corvette was nice for longer drives on the highway but sucked in city traffic and daily errands. Honestly, it was kind of like driving a boat sometimes. Don’t get me wrong - it was fun. Just think you’ll enjoy the M2 more for what you intend to use it for.

[Bumpinjeep]

Originally Posted by 21_M2 Competition

I had a C6 ZO6 and an OG M2. As a daily and fun weekend car, I preferred the M2. The Corvette was nice for longer drives on the highway but sucked in city traffic and daily errands. Honestly, it was kind of like driving a boat sometimes. Don’t get me wrong - it was fun. Just think you’ll enjoy the M2 more for what you intend to use it for.

+1 on the boat comment. To me, the Z06 felt like a boat because of the visibility. It is a wide car, because I only drove it for maybe 20 minutes, I had a hard time placing where each corner was.

To the OP, I think you're really neutering your driving experience by sticking to cars with an auto transmission. To me, the manual changes the car's characteristic so much that it feels like a completely different car altogether.
For $40K, I would look for a newer Mustang GT or wait until the Nissan Z comes out. You could also look at a Supra (4 cylinder), if you can stand the way it looks.

[TripleU]

Since you're restricting yourself to automatic, I wouldn't get the Corvette just because I'm not a fan of GM automatics. I had a Chevrolet Malibu as a rental where the automatic failed on me and got stuck at park, and I got an automatic Camaro SS for compensation for the Malibu. While I thought the Camaro was awesome, I didn't like the Camaro's automatic either.

If you insist automatic, I would try to get something with a DCT. Of course I would suggest the M2 then because of the DCT, but if you want a 2 seat sports car, what about a Porsche Cayman with the PDK? You can get a 987.2 Cayman with PDK, which was made from 2009-2012.