NEW BMW M2 vs Porsche 718 Cayman GTS | Sports car twin-test

#Porsche718Cayman #BMWM2 #PorscheVsBMW
BMW’s 2023 M2 has all the ingredients to be an incredible performance car. Like a (slightly) shrunken down M4, it’s arguably the sweet-spot of the BMW M range, yet how does it compare with one of the best sports cars on the market today? CAR magazine’s James Dennison finds out.

Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
0:04 – BMW M2 review
7:06 – Porsche 718 Cayman GTS review
12:24 – Verdict

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@JDennisonCars

CAR is the online edition of CAR magazine, Britain's oldest monthly motoring mag. It's the UK's best and fastest online motoring news service, providing a constant stream of scoops, first drives and official pictures of new cars.

[YachtReport]

I own a 718 Spyder, and I like the fact the (same interior) is not full of screen and has buttons.

[TopherHax]

In the US the Cayman GTS starts at $96, 850, while the M2 starts at $62, 200. That's a HUGE difference, for the money I'd take the M2.

[sammydelta]

I’ll choose the Cayman as a 2-seat sports car but I chose the OG M2C for its versatility to go on track days, surfing, camping, and ti the mall with my fam on the weekends. These two don’t compete in my mind and are in diff buckets

[davidtennien]

In the US, those cars are different by over $30K in price...not the same price. The GTS bases at $92, 400, an M2 bases for $63k. If its a base Cayman S, those start at $80K.

[michaelsalter]

I went from the earlier M2 to a Cayman GTS in 2020. I’m at 16, 000 miles and just did the NC500 in the GTS and it’s a wonderful thing, excellent in every way. I stopped off at Knockhill for a track day and it is so balanced and easy to drive, certainly to my skill level. Yes. A GT4 is quicker but I reckon my GTS is a better all rounder. And the M2, more playful and there was always that feeling it wants to throw you in the scenery. Was a great car and always fun, but the Cayman is just that much better. I can’t see myself going back. As an aside I loved the look of my M2 but this new model looks ugly to my eyes.

[VKAB-]

Great review, the Cayman GTS 4L is the unsung hero of the Porsche line up and yet its one of the best genuine sports cars ever made - amazing rigid chassis mated with a glorious flat six NA engine and one of the best gear boxes in the its mid-engined, light and as a consequence turns on a dime. You should try the 981 Cayman GTS 3.4L with only 340HP and PTV. Sounds even better and is perfect on UK B and C roads.

[rayestefania]

I don’t know about this new M2 but I had an M2 CS and sold it for a Cayman GTS 4.0. The Porsche was the better car, in my opinion. The M2 was great but the Porsche was just more of a precision instrument and has that great sounding flat 6 and the manual in the Cayman was better than the BMW’s. The M2 did not sound great and while it may have been faster, by a little, the Porsche was more fun to drive, especially at the top of the rev range. Overall, I enjoyed the Porsche more and to me the M2 CS is one of the best M cars ever and probably better than this new, heavier M2.

[FreshlySnipes]

People hate on the M2’s looks but I really think it looks great. It’s often compared to the previous gen M2 but the designs aren’t compatible. Yes, the previous gen is sexy in a classical way but the new M2 is sexy in a modern way.

[johseb]

I actually picked the M2, because the price gap with a similar equipped Cayman is around 20-25k€ (Italy). And investing half of that “saving” in mods on the M2, you’ll make a weapon. Gear ratio is also a plus for the BMW: in ordinary road use the ratio is just too long on the GTS, and on the highway you’ll pull away easily as well. So, for my use, the M2 is the better all rounder. For the track I have a Lotus Elise 240 FE 😉

[mistreku]

the previous M2 is the one to have, imo. the weight is the deal breaker for me. not a major issue tho, since i can't afford it anyway.

[n.r.c.w]

In The Netherlands its 145k (GTS) vs 115k (M2). Quite a lot of money. I’d go for a used GTS instead of the M2. Same money, more capable. And being older it’s less digital, which is also definitely a plus!

[LateNightDateNight]

As a Cayman GTS owner, I haven’t the faintest interest in the new M2. I bought my car for its light weight action packed toss-ability, a mid engine feel and it’s go kart size. The M2 is a nice car but doesn’t do the same things or fit the same purposes, would of been strange to consider.

[mkkravist]

One is good, one is utterly sensational. The Porsche is an engineering masterpiece and if you’re lucky enough to be able to afford either, there’s only one choice.

[colinhardy]

Just done a quick check on the configurations with both cars similarly specced. The Cayman is over £20k more expensive and that’s before any discount on the BMW.

[jonfrench]

i’m totally in love with my GTS in a way i never bonded with my M4s or original M2. It’s a wonderful piece of engineering that knows it’s purpose, it’s NOT multipurpose, it knows what it is and it’s the best there is ❤

[trigganometry]

Funny I was cross shopping the two. I ended up with a Cayman GTS as I don’t want a dual purpose car that does nothing well. I have a dedicated car for passengers or cargo.

[ASpectreOfSorts]

When posing the question of a competitor, at least in the U.S.: the Mustang Dark Horse matches up pretty well. Granted it is a bit bigger, but with the M2's weight gain, the real-world difference should be within about 100 pounds. Philosophically they're a match and the on-paper performance should also be pretty close.

[RunnerArch]

718 Spyder owner here. I knew the winner before watching this great review. Porsche for the win! Always!

[Kevin......]

These cars are not competitors. In the US, an M2 starts at $62, 200, with a well spec'd variant costing $73, 000 (pre tax). The Cayman GTS starts at $95, 200, with a well spec'd variant costing about $110, 000 (pre tax). I owned a 718 GT4 and, between the M2 and the GTS, I would say the M2 is a much more fun and interesting option for the money unless you plan to splurge for the GT4.

[nathanb]

For me, I'd go for the Porsche and it's epic 6 cylinder sound 😄. The BMW is a good car, but I'm still quite surprised it's relatively heavy for a performance model 😅. Another great video :)