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I am thinking used 991.1, year 2013 - 2014. It's market price is currently at $60 which is almost close to new BMW M2.
I can't afford new 991.2 now. In that case, which one would you go for?
I am driving 2006 997 C2S now, but thinking about upgrading it.
Have driven E92 M3 and F30 3 series in the past.
It will be my Daily Drive, since it will be my only car.
No kids, single, 30s.
I know I am in Porsche forum, but I will ask same questions to Bimmer forum to see how opinion diversify.
Thanks in advance!
Last edited by Gilbert Han; 03-03-2017 at 02:03 PM.
M2 is a nice car but over hyped. I think a used M3 for the same price is a better car. 911 is a different league or even a cayman S. Bottom line M cars are good cars if you need one car that does multiple things .But for sports cars , Porsche are better cars
Here's one data point in the image below. Be sure to note what is in the number 4 and 5 positions (although I think that is a 991.2). But I agree that comparing these cars are apples and oranges.
The Porsches are purpose-built for high performance. The BMWs have very nice high-performance models built on a common platform with much more mundane models... so it inherently limits them while also making them more affordable (due to mass production economies-of-scale of the common parts).
Along that line: To 98% of the public the M2 is just another mid-size BMW that gets lost in the crowd of the other similar looking BMWs. The Porsche is much more distinctive, if that is important to you. Many of us may not want to admit this, but at least for me, my ego is much happier in my 911 than it ever was in my M3 or 335i. There's no mistaking a 911 for anything other than a highly-refined performance car.
In Europe, the waiting list of an M2 is quite long (i.e. > 6 months), so also depends on when you want a car. The M2 is a nice enough car, but it is expensive model of a fairly cheap car and blends in as such so parking it would be attracting a lot less attention. The same can not be said of a 991.
Haven't driven an M2 but have owned E92 M3, E90 335i M Sport manual and multiple other BMWs as well as Porsche Boxster S, GT4, 991 GT3 and 996 Targa.... Have also driven 135i M Sport manual which is kind of close to M2...
- Small BMW M cars really are terrific among BMWs for agility, balance, and fun factor, while still being comfortable to DD.
- M2 should do well on depreciation vs other BMWs and vs regular (non-GT or non-special edition limited run) Porsche 911 models, if that's part of your calculus.
- Used Porsche 981 Boxster or Cayman S or GTS would drive and perform as well or better than M2 in seat of the pants comparison and look better and get more positive attention from onlookers doing so than M2. Will probably cost similar to buy and own with depreciation than M2 also. But, the M2 would be more practical than either as your only car to DD thanks to back seat.
- Used 991 would be much better performing and looking than M2 but more expensive and less practical than M2, but hey, back seat!
I drove the M2 at a BMW track day nice car but still bought my wife an M4. You should try to drive both I know this is a Porsche site but there's really no comparison.
I owned 5 BMW's before my 991 C2S, including an E93 335is which I thought was absolutely brilliant. That being said, I think even the BMW fanboys would tell you the 991 is in a different league.
Growing up and visiting different forums, I've noticed a trend..
Mazda/Nissan guys look up to BMW, BMW guys look up to Porsche, Porsche guys look up to Ferrari, Ferrari guys look up to Koenigsegg/Pagani/Bugatti, and the Koenigsegg/Pagani/Bugatti crowd look for their next jet or yacht. Of course there will be people that say Porsche/Ferrari is the final stop and favorite, but it's just an interesting trend I've noticed.
Another vote for 991 vs. the M2. I'd also choose the 981 or 718 over it as well.
I'm not really a big fan of the M2 although I'm glad it exists. If it had to be an M, I too would rather have the M3/M4. I prefer its looks, not really much heavier, and has the better motor.
Without question and/or caring about any specs or lap times. The 991 all day long. The M2 is another fad that will be gone as fast as a V3 M3. The 991 is a grown up, big boy sports car.
If you like the M2 get that... ut as many have stated on many threads... we're all biased here. You'll get a different answer on a BMW forum.
The M2 was created as a low cost, entry level M car, and was deliberately detuned so as not to interfere with M3/4 sales. Even so, BMW created a neat car in the M2. And it's going to get better in the future.
If it came as a drop top and if the dealers would stop with the "Market Adjustment" crap , I'd take it in a heartbeat.