Porsche 718 Cayman S vs. BMW M2 (Video)

Is BMW’s Critically-Acclaimed M2 More Powerful than the Mighty Cayman?

The BMW M2 has received nothing but love from the automotive press, and for good reason. It represents a return to the pure BMW-driving experience lost in past years. Meanwhile, the 718 Cayman S has lost two cylinders, picked up a turbo, and people are freaking out about it. This, despite Porsche’s rather admirable history with four cylinders. After all, Porsche brought back the 718 badge for a reason.

At first glance, the M2 and 718 might seem like completely different cars, but they share some interesting similarities. Both are turbocharged, rear-wheel drive, compact coupes. The BMW’s inline six produces 365 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque, while the Porsche’s flat four pumps out 350 hp and 309 lb-ft of torque.

Both are available with 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions. The M2 weighs in at 3,510 pounds, while the Cayman checks in at 3,169. So, despite being slightly down on horsepower and significantly down on torque, the Porsche runs to 60 in 3.6 seconds, while the BMW lags behind at 4.0 seconds. The Cayman will reach 177 miles per hour, while the M2 is limited to 163.

But how do they compare around a proper race track? And in the real world, where most of us live, which one is more fun to drive? The good guys at Piston Heads decided to answer those burning questions for us in the entertaining video below. And the answers are pretty straightforward.

The M2 is a great car and a ton of fun to drive. The noises coming from that flat six are fantastic. But the Porsche is at least equally fun to drive. Its handling is more precise, and it is flat out faster around the track than the beemer–by a large margin, even though the four-cylinder doesn’t produce the same sweet music.

The only caveat? Price. Thrills are cheaper to come by in the M2, with a base price of $55,595. The 718 Cayman S bases out at $66,300. But that extra money buys you a faster, better-handling and better-looking car with a more prestigious badge. And isn’t that what it’s all about?

Brett Foote

Brett Foote has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is a longtime contributor to Internet Brands’ Auto Group sites, including Chevrolet Forum, Rennlist, and Ford Truck Enthusiasts, among other popular sites.
He has been an automotive enthusiast since the day he came into this world and rode home from the hospital in a first-gen Mustang, and he's been wrenching on them nearly as long.

In addition to his expertise writing about cars, trucks, motorcycles, and every other type of automobile, Brett had spent several years running parts for local auto dealerships.

You can follow along with his builds and various automotive shenanigans on Instagram: @bfoote.