[Canyon Carver]

Hey Folks - I'm looking for some real world experience and thoughts on both cars. I'm very torn between these two cars. I have some time before I have to decide on my next purchase, so I'm in discovery mode and gathering research and opinions.

I've always been a BMW loyalist, but I leased a Camaro SS in 2017 to experience a big V-8 for a little while. I'm glad I did, I actually love the car, but I will turn it in once the lease is up and go back to a German car - I miss the refinement and precision. I'm going to purchase my next car and keep it for a long time. It will not be a daily driver.

I track my cars a few times a year and plan on increasing the frequency of track days...I've heard the M2 isn't as great on the track as it should be? Brake pad wear issues and vibrations on the track? Needs a harder pad, maybe? I'm pretty sure the Porsche will be a track monster - what will the BMW need to be as good? Or is it already? Anyone have real world experience with both?

Thanks in advance for your input.

[c1pher]

If you don’t need the backseat, Porsche for sure. But I’d try to find a GTS.

[chris719]

I just did the M Track Days event. It's pretty watered down, but lets you compare an M5 and M4 driven on the same track. I liked the M4 a lot better, which I thought was surprising. You really feel the mass of the M5, even if it is faster and more stable. This has me thinking that if you are really going to get a car for the weekends and track only, I would go for the most focused and lightest car you can find. That would be the Cayman here.

[skillz1318]

I love my M2 but I would be in the Cayman S/GTS if I didn’t need a backseat. It’s my only car and need to be able to drive with wife and dog...

[Slowphiveo]

I would echo the above sentiments...the M2 wears several hats really well. It can be a track car, fun weekend car or a daily driver with some back seat practically. It doesnt master any of those categories. Its really good at all of them though. If you are specifically looking at a track car and practicality is not really necessary, then by all means the Porsche will fit the bill better.

[O Haiii]

Brake is non issue. New pads and fluids you'll be good to go unless you're a pro driver. Thing with the M2 is it's very sensitive to heat. Difference between a cold day and a hot day is more drastic than other cars i've owned. It also has a very stiff ride, but that shouldn't be relevant since you don't plan on daily driving it.

[TemjinX2]

mid engine will always be superior to front engine on the track..its one of the reasons gm had the corvette go mid engine.

have you thought of just renting both on turo and taking them on the canyons? you can get a better idea in terms of performance, obviously you won't be going track speeds but it'll be a nice intro.

[Yvette]

CS obviously! But you cant go wrong with m2. The back seat, groceries, weekend car to toy around etc........ m2 is capable of all of them

[JTO24]

Originally Posted by skillz1318

I love my M2 but I would be in the Cayman S/GTS if I didn’t need a backseat. It’s my only car and need to be able to drive with wife and dog...

You mean like this? It's doable... but I did get rid of my Cayman after 2 daily-driven years for the M2 to better transport the 3 of us without having to always take the fiance's car

[JTO24]

OP, I went from dailying an F80 to 981 Cayman to M2... the Cayman was a blast although way down on power compared to both Bimmers. The M2 is definitely more practical but I managed for 2 years with the Cayman as my only car/dd. I don't have kids (just my fiance and the dog) so I didn't need a ton of space.

Like others have said, tracking the M2 is fun and you really only need new pads and fluid to enjoy it thoroughly. My Cayman on X73 sports suspension was more compliant than both the F80 adaptive suspension and the M2s; despite being very low.

The Cayman is more of an event every time you drive it. You'll get beat off the line by everything (mostly Honda Odysseys) but if you have fun back roads it shines.

You honestly can't go wrong with either car. The M2 is more livable everyday and still puts a smile on my face but I do miss the Porsche experience. I will be back in one soon (911).

[termigni]

Originally Posted by chris719

I just did the M Track Days event. It's pretty watered down, but lets you compare an M5 and M4 driven on the same track. I liked the M4 a lot better, which I thought was surprising. You really feel the mass of the M5, even if it is faster and more stable. This has me thinking that if you are really going to get a car for the weekends and track only, I would go for the most focused and lightest car you can find. That would be the Cayman here.

I went to one and I felt the M3/4 was watered down. M2 was the most fun M car they have. M5 is just a rocket with 4 couches.

I agree, I'd buy Cayman If I didn't need the back seats.

[GoneIn4Secs]

With 4 pot you're always gonna feel... inadequate

[akkando]

Originally Posted by GoneIn4Secs

With 4 pot you're always gonna feel... inadequate

981 is 6 NA I believe.

[akkando]

For the M2 track pads and brake fluid you'll be okay. I would invest in an intercooler upgrade though, or just go m2c.

[c1pher]

Originally Posted by GoneIn4Secs

With 4 pot you're always gonna feel... inadequate

I guess if you worry about cylinders like inches under a belt. However, the four pot has more motion in the ocean that the old flat six did.

[Canyon Carver]

Originally Posted by c1pher

If you don’t need the backseat, Porsche for sure. But I’d try to find a GTS.

I hear ya', I'd love a GTS, but it's a bit out of budget...got two girls heading to college soon. ;-)

[Canyon Carver]

Originally Posted by TemjinX2

mid engine will always be superior to front engine on the track..its one of the reasons gm had the corvette go mid engine.

have you thought of just renting both on turo and taking them on the canyons? you can get a better idea in terms of performance, obviously you won't be going track speeds but it'll be a nice intro.

Great suggestion and I have thought about it...I think a day in each might be the deciding factor. Thanks!

[Canyon Carver]

Originally Posted by akkando

981 is 6 NA I believe.

Correct...I wouldn't do the 4. I know it's quicker, but the 981 is in budget and I like the idea of a normally aspirated (big) flat six.

[Canyon Carver]

Originally Posted by JTO24

OP, I went from dailying an F80 to 981 Cayman to M2... the Cayman was a blast although way down on power compared to both Bimmers. The M2 is definitely more practical but I managed for 2 years with the Cayman as my only car/dd. I don't have kids (just my fiance and the dog) so I didn't need a ton of space.

Like others have said, tracking the M2 is fun and you really only need new pads and fluid to enjoy it thoroughly. My Cayman on X73 sports suspension was more compliant than both the F80 adaptive suspension and the M2s; despite being very low.

The Cayman is more of an event every time you drive it. You'll get beat off the line by everything (mostly Honda Odysseys) but if you have fun back roads it shines.

You honestly can't go wrong with either car. The M2 is more livable everyday and still puts a smile on my face but I do miss the Porsche experience. I will be back in one soon (911).

Thank you! Awesome insight...really appreciate it.

[Canyon Carver]

Originally Posted by JTO24

You mean like this? It's doable... but I did get rid of my Cayman after 2 daily-driven years for the M2 to better transport the 3 of us without having to always take the fiance's car

Ha! Right on...and awesome Pittie btw.

[Canyon Carver]

Thanks for the great feedback, everyone. Much appreciated!

[Artemis]

Originally Posted by JTO24

You mean like this? It's doable... but I did get rid of my Cayman after 2 daily-driven years for the M2 to better transport the 3 of us without having to always take the fiance's car

I recall a work colleague many years ago who had left her semi-psychotic golden retriever inside her Renault car for an hour or two. Upon return, she found out that most of the gear stick had been chewed away (a stubby remained). Instant karma, LOL.