[Drisser]

Other half working today so I am popping In to see the first customer M2 delivered at Bury St Edmunds bmw today. They said my build slot is now available November but it's too soon for me so am likely to take the next one in 2017 if I still want it. Am still really undecided about this car and it looks unlikely I will get a chance to drive one before having to make up my mind. Will snap a couple of pics anyway.

Have also lined up a drive of a base model 6 cyl cayman by way of a comparison with the new 4 cyl boxster I drove a couple weeks ago. They have the boxster also so am hoping to drive both back to back. The new 718 cayman isn't arriving until September earliest but I noted autocar reckoned the base boxster was better as an all rounder than then S. At 39k for a base cayman with a couple of options it could be a bit of a bargain. At the moment it's the caymans looks and overall package that are ruling over the M2 outright power and drive.

Was interesting in autocar they commented how less is often more with Porsches which is my view, so a manual base cayman with a couple of options comes in under the price of an M2. Will be interesting to drive the outgoing 6 cyl cayman to see how it sounds v the better performance of the 4 cyl, maybe an approved used cayman might be a smart idea.

Nearly got rumbled last night though when I said I am going to Cambridge for the day.. Not to drive Porsches she said ?!

[Tengocity]

Have fun!

At the track day last night there were a lot of Porsches, and along with the Lotuses, seemed the most able to run for long periods on track. And they looked fast too!

[JustChris]

Great stuff, enjoy the day, looking forward to your thoughts. Your Mrs is sharp, be careful!

[BnB]

My 987 gen 1 Cayman S with 290 bhp (same as the base 4 cyl 718) never felt underpowered. But it did make the most sublime sound, right behind my ears. My all time favourite car, even better than my 997 GTS.

Have a great test drive and let us know how it goes. 987.2 is generally thought to be the sweet spot although steering feel gets better the older you go.

[Chris330]

I'm in a similar place on the M2 as well. I was offered the demo one by Cooper Croydon at List. Unfortunately it's 12 months too soon for a weekend car as I've just bought a 340i tourer.

But being honest, looking at the numbers on the M240i I'm not sure I can justify the M2 now. I'm not a rally driver, but I can't see enough raw performance difference in it for me...

[G82Dude]

Or... a Focus RS - better than an M2, if you believe the reviews...!

[ak335dxdrive]

Originally Posted by F82Dude

Or... a Focus RS - better than an M2, if you believe the reviews...!

Often if u want max performance for your £. Then hot hatches and scoobys or mit evos is the way to go.
But for a good mix of performance practicality prestige and quality feel then M3 or M2 can't be beat.
Thought unless you love the steroid looks of the M2 the premium over the M240i is hard to swallow.

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by ak335dxdrive

Thought unless you love the steroid looks of the M2 the premium over the M240i is hard to swallow.

I'd be surprised if the M2 doesn't offer more than just steroid looks compared to an M240i! However, you're right, the price difference between the two is very significant and you could probably have a high-spec M240i fettled by ACS or Birds plus a five-figure sum in the bank for the price of an M2....

[Tengocity]

If all you want to do is have decent poke for motorways, the traffic light Grand Prix and the odd back road blast then a M140 or 240i will be fine.

But it will not be a patch on a proper M car should you up the ante on challenging roads, or track, no matter what the on paper stats about 0-60 tell you.

It's about being realistic about what you want from your car. I think Drisser is looking for a weekend only car with the potential for a real emotional connection that makes it feel 'special'... Not sure an M240 will quite tick that box.

And the problem with buying cars and then chucking a load of mods at it is that it's money lost come resale time, whereas just buying the right car in the first place will somewhat avoid that. Says me with the most modified diesel hearse you've ever seen!

[JustChris]

Drisser, considered an Elise Cup 250? looks like a lightweight monster, not cheap though, pushing upper M2 prices.....however a much better 2nd car I would say. Both these options are still very very civilised DD type cars but appreciate that might be part of the attraction.

I like these threads, it's great seeing you guys branch out. I think financially, kids wise and convincing the wife wise I might be on the cusp of these choices in a few years.

[JNW1]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

If all you want to do is have decent poke for motorways, the traffic light Grand Prix and the odd back road blast then a M140 or 240i will be fine.

But it will not be a patch on a proper M car should you up the ante on challenging roads, or track, no matter what the on paper stats about 0-60 tell you.

It's about being realistic about what you want from your car. I think Drisser is looking for a weekend only car with the potential for a real emotional connection that makes it feel 'special'... Not sure an M240 will quite tick that box.

And the problem with buying cars and then chucking a load of mods at it is that it's money lost come resale time, whereas just buying the right car in the first place will somewhat avoid that. Says me with the most modified diesel hearse you've ever seen!

Don't disagree with anything you've said there! I suppose the only thing I'd question is whether an M2 fits the bill as a weekend toy; for me one of the big attractions of an M-car is they can (and should!) be used as daily drivers so personally if I was wanting a weekend car for fun I'd probably look at something like a Caterham or an Elise. However, I'm sure you're right about an M2 feeling more special and connected when you're in the mood and I agree completely that on-paper stats often fail to tell the full story; my 335d is probably as quick in a straight line as my old M3 CS but it's nowhere near as engaging to drive!

[ak335dxdrive]

Originally Posted by Tengocity

If all you want to do is have decent poke for motorways, the traffic light Grand Prix and the odd back road blast then a M140 or 240i will be fine.

But it will not be a patch on a proper M car should you up the ante on challenging roads, or track, no matter what the on paper stats about 0-60 tell you.

It's about being realistic about what you want from your car. I think Drisser is looking for a weekend only car with the potential for a real emotional connection that makes it feel 'special'... Not sure an M240 will quite tick that box.

And the problem with buying cars and then chucking a load of mods at it is that it's money lost come resale time, whereas just buying the right car in the first place will somewhat avoid that. Says me with the most modified diesel hearse you've ever seen!

Maybe that's just you passing on the wisdom you ve accumulated by modding your oil burner.

[Drisser]

back from my little outing today feeling more than a little confused now !!

First stop was a look at the M2 in mineral grey. Have to say I cant help feeling a little underwhelmed, I guess because the interior is so similar to the 330d I drive every day, but a bit more boring because its all black v the tan leather I have.

No denying it looks subtle and aggressive, those in the know will like it those who don't will think its a tarted up 218d which probably isn't a bad thing. Inside it feels nicely compact and I don't doubt it would be a great drive. Still struggling with the price tag a bit and the issue is I am not sure I will get to drive one before deciding. ON start up though it sounded fantastic, really deep and filthy ! Sure it would be a riot but still some pondering to do because getting in it at the weekend wont feel " special" really.

Next stop Porsche Cambridge.. hoping for better customer service but will come to that after. Drove a 16 plate 2.7 Cayman with std suspension, 20 inch wheels and pdk as they don't have any manual demo's. Drive was accompanied which annoyed me and I will come back to that. Had about a 25 min drive on some decent back roads, have to say the pdk box is good, very good but I would still go manual. First time in the 6 cyl Cayman and even in base spec it feels plenty quick, engine sound fantastic above 5000 rpm as the power builds, a very linear and sublime power plant. 100 BHP per litre so quite highly charged. Not huge torque but I knew that, overall though I think a base 2.7 Cayman in Manual, with 19 inch wheels would be a fantastic drive and very very satisfying. In the autocar test of this model they said it is for people who car about how they go fast, more than how fast they go. All the Golf R and Focus RS comparisons in the world around 0-60 times are frankly irrelevant, this car is all about feel, balance and handling and its a fantastically balanced package. I like this base engine because you can wring its neck without losing your licence.

I had a drive again of the 718 boxster after it just to remind myself. Not as nice sounding but actually not that bad. More low down torque for sure but less enjoyable to listen too for sure. Interior really isn't that much different and exterior of the 718 although much changed really looks v similar. I still think the 718 Cayman in base format would be a very compelling package at 39k, I specced one with all I need for under £44k so less than an M2. I really wish I was in the position a couple of years back to buy a new 6 cyl Cayman but hey ho. I can only imagine how good a Cayman GTS with manual box is, or a GT4, must be sublime.

ON the dealership, they are annoying and now way I would buy from them despite being most local. Why did I have an accompanied drive ? A couple went out in the cayman after me and obviously were not accompanied.. Did I look like a test pilot ? I really hate accompanied drives when looking at cars like this. Porsche Solihull chucked me the keys and said take it for a couple of hours. The guy who was with me was not in sales seemingly a motorsport specialist and experienced driver. All he did after knowing I wanted manual was bang on endlessly about how good the pdk is and that manual is dead.. really annoyed me. So we got back and I asked him what sort of power does this put out (knowing its 275 of course) and he didn't know.. finally he guess around 270. yes I said the base model puts out just over 100 bhp per litre whereas the S is a bit less than that !!. Why do they insist on wheeling out so called experts who don't know their products ??!

They just didn't seem interested in me as a customer. Another couple arrived in showroom and immediately offered a drink. Me ? nope. Don't these guys understand that part of the enjoyment is the experience of the showroom and treatment.. I guess some people spend £100k so me looking at a lowly Cayman or used car are not important. I will steer well clear of these guys for sure, Solihull will get my business if I go down this route..

So overall thoughts ? M2 - looks butch, brutal, sounds awesome... doesn't look or feel special enough, probably a great drive, will hold its value. Not yet convinced its for me and I think if I bought one I would have to trade the 330d because to be honest the 330d with saddle leather is a nicer place to be and I couldn't spend that money on an M2 and keep the 330d because the interior is so similar.

Cayman 981 6 cyl. Loved it. Very well balanced package, just enough go, a lovely weekend car, base spec, 19inch wheels, manual box. At £30-£35k for a low mileage used one, would be a great buy. Feels like a proper sports car, feeling of the steering is just beautiful, interior is just nice enough, suitably refined for a long drive. Would make a great package alongside the 330d as a daily driver. Once they start to hit £30k or less as an AUC, would be very tempting.

Problem is the new Cayman is £2k cheaper than the boxster now so a new one at just over £40k v a 3 year old one for £33k ? hmm that makes the new model look quite good value and compelling. Could I forgive the 4 cyl engine - probably as its more torquey and I haven't lived with a 6 cyl boxster or cayman before but the ring of that 6 cylinder engine in my ear at 7000 rpm is still with me !

I think I am going to have to wait until September and drive a 718 Cayman in manual and see what that package is like. Then compare used prices of a 6 cyl. I have given up my November build slot for the M2 and have the first slot next year when they announce allocations. Dealer thought they would increase production next year but at the mo its all speculation.

Oh to afford a Cayman GTS. Buy one and put it away in the garage if you can.

[JustChris]

Interesting read. I had 2 different Macans of my engine choice each for a day to test (obviously unaccompanied).

Agree on the M2, a great car but more for a combination DD and thrills. I doubt it ticks the special weekend car box as per my first reply.

Cayman GTS it is then!

[deebee]

Good posts mate, its a nice problem you have there, my humble opinion is that as its a weekend car sense of occasion is pretty high up on the list and that 6 cylinder will always be more special than the 4 cylinder, its something facts and figures won't show but as you said that sound at 7k will stay with you. It could be with you every weekend......

[Drisser]

Originally Posted by MCarChris

Interesting read. I had 2 different Macans of my engine choice each for a day to test (obviously unaccompanied).

Agree on the M2, a great car but more for a combination DD and thrills. I doubt it ticks the special weekend car box as per my first reply.

Cayman GTS it is then!

If only - they are all 60k plus as AUC's but that looks good value v the Cayman GT4, the reckon the boxster GTS is one of the best all round sports cars..

Cayman is a lovely package though I have to say, in any spec or engine configuration. Unless you needed a bit more interior space I have no idea why someone would buy for example an Audi TTS at around £40k.

[Mark1966]

If you are concerned about long term residuals I would bet a pound to a penny a used Cay GTS will out perform the M2 considerably. My advice OP if you can stretch to the GTS it is superior in every way and you will never regret it.

[pdk42]

If I had £50k to spend on a weekend car, it wouldn't be the M2. Let's face it, the panache, exclusivity and that "special" feeling would be totally missing from a 2 series. The Porsche would deliver all that in spades.

[robwils]

Yes, if it were me I'd have to have a weekend car totally different to the daily driver to make it special. As much as the interior doesn't make any difference to performance it's what you see, feel and operate , M2 sounds too similar.
Porsche sounds ideal.

[Drisser]

Agree with that100%. Kind of decided if I go for the M2 next year the 330d would have to get traded in.. Which would mean a more basic daily driver to eat up some miles.. Cue lots of man maths over the next 6 months..

For anyone who hasn't driven a cayman or boxster is worth doing to appreciate how the whole package is so much more than 0-60 times, the handling, balance, feel etc is totally different.. And the low down driving position you can't get in a hot hatch

[robwils]

Originally Posted by Drisser

Agree with that100%. Kind of decided if I go for the M2 next year the 330d would have to get traded in.. Which would mean a more basic daily driver to eat up some miles.. Cue lots of man maths over the next 6 months..

For anyone who hasn't driven a cayman or boxster is worth doing to appreciate how the whole package is so much more than 0-60 times, the handling, balance, feel etc is totally different.. And the low down driving position you can't get in a hot hatch

What I should have done , kept my 330D and buy a weekend toy instead of going for the 335D.

[Postcab]

Originally Posted by Drisser

Agree with that100%. Kind of decided if I go for the M2 next year the 330d would have to get traded in.. Which would mean a more basic daily driver to eat up some miles.. Cue lots of man maths over the next 6 months..

For anyone who hasn't driven a cayman or boxster is worth doing to appreciate how the whole package is so much more than 0-60 times, the handling, balance, feel etc is totally different.. And the low down driving position you can't get in a hot hatch

I've been following your thought process with interest.

I went out for a blast in my 987.2 Cayman S today and it felt absolutely sublime. I can't believe the Boxster 718 will be better, but guess I should go and get a test drive... its a tough life.