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      05-06-2019, 07:11 PM   #1
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M2 DCT vs Cayman 981 S PDK

Having a hard time deciding on what to buy for this summer.
Coming from 2 m3 e46s and latley a 2018 M2 manual.

Why I'm debating a used DCT M2 is because I never fell in love with the manual gearbox in my 18' M2, also I bought it brand new and was only thinking about the depreciation and was way to precious with it. So kinda want to rebuy a M2 but doing it properly.
Used DCTs M2s start at 43k in Sweden, LCIs with a couple of more miles start at 46k.

Lately a DCT M2 was the only car on my list unless a almost perfect 981S Cayman came up for sale which is almost impossible.
But now it has! It's guards red with PASM sportchassi, sport chrono, PDK, carbon bucket seats, alcantara steering wheel and other bits.
This Cayman costs 55k and have done 31k miles(m2s im looking at have done 6-18k miles)

Don't need the practicallity of the M2 at all so the Cayman makes more sense as a fun car.

Anyone here that have owned both of them or have experience with both?
981S seems pretty bulletproof and aren't much more to maintain than the M2.

HELP. ME.
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      05-06-2019, 10:37 PM   #2
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I have owned both and would say that if you don't need the practicality of the the M2, you should definitely go with the Cayman. The balance from the mid-engine setup and the reduced weight makes it a much better driver's car. The NA motor is direct and produces an awesome note at you rev towards the 8K redline. The Cayman is a no-brainer if you don't need the extra seats.
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      05-07-2019, 12:39 PM   #3
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Originally Posted by joseyu View Post
I have owned both and would say that if you don't need the practicality of the the M2, you should definitely go with the Cayman. The balance from the mid-engine setup and the reduced weight makes it a much better driver's car. The NA motor is direct and produce an awesome note at you rev toward the 8K redline. The Cayman is a no-brainer if you don't need the extra seats.
I owned a 981CS for two years, and we own an OG LCI M2 now.

The P car was the best car I've ever had, and by a respectable margin. It's not the fastest car, but quick for sure. It sounds amazing, especially with the PSE, which I retrofitted to the car. It's not super comfortable on longer trips, but doable as a daily. The PDK is smoother than the DCT, in my opinion at least. The paint is pretty soft (lots of rock chips) and the windshield seemed to chip much easier than any of my BMWs. Not sure if that was because it sits low, the angle of the windshield, etc...and not much was covered by maintenance when I got mine new. So a "pricey" dealer experience.

The M2 feels faster (and probably is) because of the torque. It's also more comfortable and easier to maneuver. I think the steering continues to improve, and would say that the M2 might have a slight edge here. The DCT shifts harder (a positive in my book), and I like the steering wheel better. Always thought the Porsche's, even the Sports version, was too thin. The tech is considerably better (if you care) and the stereo is nicer as well.

I think both look incredible, so that's a wash.

You really can't go wrong with either...the 981 was more expensive obviously, but also a much more "pure" sports car experience. The M2 has more usability and "range" because you can move 4 humans around vs. 2 in the Cayman. My true dream garage would be to DD an M2/3 and have the 981 as a just for fun type of vehicle.

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      05-08-2019, 01:21 PM   #4
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Used to own a 981 Cayman GTS PDK, I had the car together with a E82 1M.

1The Porsche has the better looks
2The Porsche has a smoother more compliant road behavior
3The Porsche PCCB`s were outstanding/superb
4The Porsche PDK IMHO better than M-DCT

But;
The BWM`s (both 1M and M2) for me had the better steering input, the 981 series have a rather peculiar way of steering, not my cup a thee. That totally ruined it for me, on a further brilliant car.
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      05-08-2019, 01:47 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Romo View Post
Used to own a 981 Cayman GTS PDK, I had the car together with a E82 1M.

1The Porsche has the better looks
2The Porsche has a smoother more compliant road behavior
3The Porsche PCCB`s were outstanding/superb
4The Porsche PDK IMHO better than M-DCT

But;
The BWM`s (both 1M and M2) for me had the better steering input, the 981 series have a rather peculiar way of steering, not my cup a thee. That totally ruined it for me, on a further brilliant car.
You hated the steering on the 981. I totally remember...

Maybe because it was your first electronically assisted steering experience? And you still had the hydraulic system in the 1M?

I came from the 235, so the 981 steering was brilliant by comparison.
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      05-08-2019, 06:04 PM   #6
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owned 2 981cs
test drove a few m2s before settling on a m240i for practical reasons

in terms of smiles per mile...no contest 981s all the way

na sound...throttle response...handling..precision
the m2 is faster but that's about the only thing it has over a 981S
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      05-09-2019, 12:12 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by dmboone25 View Post
You hated the steering on the 981. I totally remember...

Maybe because it was your first electronically assisted steering experience? And you still had the hydraulic system in the 1M?

I came from the 235, so the 981 steering was brilliant by comparison.

No it was not HPS vs EPS, but the way the steering responded to my input.

1Cayman 981 GTS; very slow initial steering input response, when further turning the weel it becomes more reactive at less steering input.
I like it the other way around; fast initial steering input, it makes any car more go-kart feeling, on high speed it can feel a little nervous but both the 1M and M2 don`t behave nervous IMHO, I prefer the Bimmer kind of steering, verry fast initial steering input and response, just magnificent.

2The GTS had a really strange feel of steering resistance to it, I always had the feeling I had to fight it, using to much force (Whitch will give you less steering feel) to steer the car, especially on high speed turns, the steering always wanted to go back to the middle stand, far too much self centering force. (some people later on explained to me that the higher caster could be responsible to that steering feeling.)

Anyway; I could not become friends on how the CGTS steered, not a go-kart feeling, to much force needed, It really ruined the overall joy and driving pleasure of this car for me. A sports car is about steering, yes the CGTS has the looks, the brilliant free revving 3.4L F6, the outstanding PDK and PCCB`s, I had them all and I loved them every inch, but the painful way of steering could not save me from selling the car, and that's what I did.

IMHO the steering is by far the weekst point of the 981 series, the GT4 excluded, that car has way better steering.
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      05-10-2019, 06:24 AM   #8
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My decisions have gotten even harder now since a as-I-would-spec-it-new 2016 GT4 now is available for a price I MIGHT be able to stretch to(82k).

The total cost for the loan I would take would only cost 2k more than the Cayman S loan, the GT4 should hold it's value alot better then the Cayman S that I should make up for it X times over. Comes with 1 year warranty and freshly serviced.

My deposit for the GT4 would be the same as the CS and monthly payment would be 310USD (half amortization and half interest).
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      05-10-2019, 01:19 PM   #9
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gt4 over m2 is with all due respect a no brainer
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      05-10-2019, 07:00 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by baege View Post
gt4 over m2 is with all due respect a no brainer
Yep, just a question of how much I wanna get into debt :|
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      05-10-2019, 08:20 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Isty View Post
Yep, just a question of how much I wanna get into debt :|
I'm usually the first person to preach the advice of being financially conservative but in this situation I'd actually encourage you to consider the GT4 or GTS if it's not going to cause hardship...Here's why:

1// I'd wait and see when the 718 GT4 is unveiled. As long as it's still NA, it should send the 981 prices down and get it closer to your budget

2// The price difference isn't astronomical. Over the amortized amount of the loan, the monthly payments shouldn't be radically different. But if that difference is going to cause hardship then move on.

3// Think about how much more you'd enjoy the GT4...or do you think you'd be perfectly content with the M2? If you're going to spend the money on the M2 and then start regretting the choice right away then you'll likely end up spending money on an upgrade sooner rather than later anyways. Especially if you know you'll get the itch to upgrade and then lose on M2 depreciation, taxes, etc. when you could have just been in the other car to begin with (I'm making some assumptions here, which brings me to my next point)...

4// Not that this should be the biggest factor but think about the depreciation...a GT4 or 718 GTS will likely lose less absolute overall value (buying preowned, and likely deprecating slower as they're NA cars) vs. M car values seem to sink faster than a concrete block these days.

I've been told I enable people to make bad decisions. Keep my track record going and jump into the GT4/GTS.
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      05-15-2019, 11:25 AM   #12
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Quote:
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Yep, just a question of how much I wanna get into debt :|
If there was ever a car that was "worth" a reasonable financial stretch, the GT4 would certainly qualify.
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      05-25-2019, 03:07 PM   #13
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News update: buying a house that we've rented for a year, budget getting reduced to M2 being top of the pick at the moment.

Also went to test M2C in both manual and DCT form and was pretty amazed by the S55 in that car, also kinda enjoyed the more muted, no pops and bangs, soundtrack from that car. Will definitely own a M2C at some point aswell, buying one now would mean high depreciation and high road taxes(new rules in Sweden since july 2018).

M2 DCT highest on the list now by far since I didn't really think M2C was that more special than a "OG" M2.

Budget alternatives until I saved up for a GT4 are Fiesta ST, GT86/brz and Megane RS.
Any opinions on them?
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      05-25-2019, 06:48 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Isty View Post
News update: buying a house that we've rented for a year, budget getting reduced to M2 being top of the pick at the moment.

Also went to test M2C in both manual and DCT form and was pretty amazed by the S55 in that car, also kinda enjoyed the more muted, no pops and bangs, soundtrack from that car. Will definitely own a M2C at some point aswell, buying one now would mean high depreciation and high road taxes(new rules in Sweden since july 2018).

M2 DCT highest on the list now by far since I didn't really think M2C was that more special than a "OG" M2.

Budget alternatives until I saved up for a GT4 are Fiesta ST, GT86/brz and Megane RS.
Any opinions on them?
Out of those I'd lean towards the GT86 primarily because it's the only rear-wheel drive one. Driving dynamics are great, power is very low until you get above 4k RPM though. Interior is probably the worst of the 3. I'd recommend test driving the three though. I loved my BRZ but it desperately needed a tune and headers for daily driving to get the power up.
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      06-14-2019, 12:20 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Isty View Post
News update: buying a house that we've rented for a year, budget getting reduced to M2 being top of the pick at the moment.

Also went to test M2C in both manual and DCT form and was pretty amazed by the S55 in that car, also kinda enjoyed the more muted, no pops and bangs, soundtrack from that car. Will definitely own a M2C at some point aswell, buying one now would mean high depreciation and high road taxes(new rules in Sweden since july 2018).

M2 DCT highest on the list now by far since I didn't really think M2C was that more special than a "OG" M2.

Budget alternatives until I saved up for a GT4 are Fiesta ST, GT86/brz and Megane RS.
Any opinions on them?
The Megane 3 RS is a good option. Don't knock the front wheel drive layout it hooks you into corners like it's on rails and the tail loves wagging when you ease off the safety net.

I've owned one for nearly 7 years and it still puts a smile on my face. Even when I bought an E90 M3 there was no question of replacing it. On roads with tighter corners it beats the E90 hands down.

I'm saving up for a M2C but I don't think it'll be a replacement for the Megane.
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      06-28-2019, 05:42 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ///Mowgli View Post
The Megane 3 RS is a good option. Don't knock the front wheel drive layout it hooks you into corners like it's on rails and the tail loves wagging when you ease off the safety net.

I've owned one for nearly 7 years and it still puts a smile on my face. Even when I bought an E90 M3 there was no question of replacing it. On roads with tighter corners it beats the E90 hands down.

I'm saving up for a M2C but I don't think it'll be a replacement for the Megane.
Megane RS is a sublime car! My brother bought a 275 trophy just after I sold my manual M2 and after driving his Megane I immediately thought it was better to drive than my M2 just because the manual in the M2 is flawed(IMO) and the manual in the megane was just fantastic.

Wanna update the thread with current options.

1. 981 Cayman S PDK 53k usd. Basically same spec as the last one but without bucket seats but the car is 4000usd less than the previous Cayman.
Guards red, PTV, PSE, sport suspension -20mm, 20inch Carrera S etc.

2. BMW M2 shadow edition dct 57k usd. A bit expensive but expecting to get it for less(52-53k).

3. Various M2's dct, from 42k usd and up.

I should just effing by a car at this moment, really need a toy and been seeing alot of M2s in real life recentley and they look soooooo good on the road, also sound amazing.
981s have always been a must-have aswell.
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      08-02-2019, 03:33 PM   #17
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Not sure this will help but here goes.

I'm coming from a 991.1 and 991.2 (both sold) and decided to try the 981S and then 718S (PDKs, both extensive test drives back to back (awesome dealer).

Both Caymans are sports cars from ground up, balance, weight and handling superior feel to M2. 981 needs to be wound out, not as fun in city driving. 718 more torque down low, feels as fast as M2 but sounds weak but not bad for a turbo 4.

Here is what I can't explain, got back into my wife's DCT '18 M2 LCI and drove home. By the time I arrived I wanted the M2C or another LCI. I was smiling all the way and it "seemed" more fun to drive. For track duty Cayman for sure. For fun city/country running about, M2 for me, financial difference aside.
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      08-02-2019, 07:32 PM   #18
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A month ago I sold my 18 M2 LCI Manual and bought a low km well optioned 16 Cayman GT4 981, as others have said the total balance of midship engine, driving dynamics, suspension setup, steering/gearbox/clutch feel is all on another level not comparable to the M2. This is my 10th manual performance car from different manufactures, so I know what I’m looking for

My opinion after owning the M2 is there’s alot of useable torque in the low rev range for street use, can take the car anywhere with good ride height. M2 steering feel is good but not great, rubbery poppy gearshift is not for everyone, my clutch pedal has this feint click sometimes since new. Suspension setup is crashy at times, unsettles the car when you hit a bump while mid corner. The crooked seat pointing outward means everytime I shift to 2nd gear I find my elbow hitting the side seat bolster. Wasn’t able to get a test drive at the time because I preordered the M2 LCI way before it was released and no dealer around me had a manual M2 also.

The depreciation on the M2 is really bad in Aus, a near new demo or used 18 M2c is the same price as a used 17/18 M2 LCI, which will soon be pushing their price even further down.

PS. I’ve also owned 15 Renault Megane RS265 Cup Premium which I tracked a lot before, other than build quality issues the F4RT engine and gearbox is bulletproof, steering/ gearbox/clutch feel is certainly better than M2.
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      08-02-2019, 07:43 PM   #19
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We have a 718 Boxster 6MT and love it. PDK is an improvement over BMWs DCT with fewer of the peculiarities. M2 is a nice car too but more refined in a sedan sense IMO, which is good if that’s what you’re looking for.
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      09-03-2019, 11:24 AM   #20
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I had the chance to test drive a 981 Cayman GTS and a M2C with DCT over the weekend, thought it would make my decision process easier... NOPE!

The M2C being a newer car naturally has its appeals. It pulls hard, shift hard, the low end torque is just amazing! Also, the practicality! I was able to sit in the back comfortably. However, i do feel the weight of the car during corners. The seating position is pretty high, at least to what i'm used to, and the interior is a little more to be desired. Additionally, the moment you drive one off the dealership, the value tanks by 15-20%...

The GTS on the other hand, slightly older (2016 MY), but its the last of the NA Flat 6 cayman. The GTS of course have less horsepower, but it still pulls pretty hard due to its light weight. The one thing i did notice the most is the swiftness of PDK vs the DCT. The DCT is quick, but PDK is on a whole another level! Its my first time driving a PDK, so i was really impressed and all the legends and tales are true! The car also felt more planted around corners and the NA flat 6 sounds so good! That being said, it doesn't have a back seat, and the trunk/fronk are pretty small in comparison to the M2. Its also a bit older, so I have to consider maintenance on a Porsche which could cost a kidney.

In the end, i walked out of the dealerships more conflicted than before... but i think the Porsche might have a slight edge at the moment.
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