horsie

Hi all:

I’ve long been a German car enthusiast: VWs (GTIs, Sciroccos, Golf Rs), BMWs (3-series sedans and a wagon, a 5-series wagon, a 135i (my favourite) and an E90 M3) and Porsche (944, 997 C2S, 991.1 C2S, and 991.2 C2.

Currently drive a Mk VII Golf R and a 991.2 coupe, which I just got in February, both manual transmissions. Love them both, the R is a keeper for these reasons:
1) all-round all-weather versatility and practicality;
2) need 4 doors for my family and daily city driving duties;
3) AWD for the harsh snowy winters.

Yet, it is still fun to drive, very refined and comfortable.

The Porsche is stellar to drive, no need to expound on that. It’s a classic iconic car, with a beautiful timeless shape.

So why am I so obsessed and infatuated with the BMW M2?

I like its wide aggressive stance, nimbleness and the idea of a small powerful fun-to-drive car that seats 4. My favourite BMW was the 135i, manual of course, for all these reasons. Plus, the reviews have been so favourable. It won motoring.com.au’s Australia’s Best Drivers Car 2016, one point ahead of the 991.2 C2S!

Reasons to flip the 911 for an M2:
- Not as expensive as the Porsche (strangely, I feel that the Porsche is quite extravagant), better bang for your buck, good performance value;
- My kids fit in the back of the Porsche, for now, but they will outgrow it, so the M2 should be better at carrying 4 people, when needed.
- Not as flashy or extravagant as a 911.
- Still a fine handling, fun-to-drive and performing car.
- Want to do European Delivery and the Nurburgring (a bucket list item)

Reasons not to flip the 911 for an M2:
- The M2’s ride might be too harsh for my liking (can always get aftermarket coilovers)
- The M2’s dim daytime instrument dials will drive me crazy (just live with it)
- Wait for the M2 Gran Coupe (4 doors!), if it comes out
- Sell both the R and the 911 and get an Audi RS3 (400 hp, 5-cylinder turbo, AWD, 4-doors!)
- I just got a new 911, it’s been my long-time dream car.

Guess I just love cars so much, and even though my current stable is awesome, there is always something else that catches my eye. Shouldn't I just be happy with the R and the 911? Is the M2 that good?

Having all 3 (R, 911, M2) is not an option. R and M2 makes the most sense. RS3 as my only car is also enticing, but would likely miss driving a manual (RS3 is dual-clutch automatic only).

Could wait a few years and enjoy the 911 more, and then order an M2 for European Delivery, if it’s still available - that’s probably the most prudent approach.

I’m not interested in the rumoured M2 CS or GTS. Too hardcore. Not interested in the M3 either. Nor Mercedes or any other Audi product.
Will also post this in the Bimmerpost M2 forum.

Thanks in advance for your thoughts, especially those who’ve driven both the base 991.2 and the M2.

Diablo Dude

I don't want to hijack the thread, but I own a 2004 Mk-IV R32 and I will never sell that car.
It's just too much fun carving up a Canyon with that car!
6-speed manual too!

NF4710

M2 is a sweet ride but it's heavy and I would imagine it does not handle nearly as well as the 911. Subjectively I find the exterior of the M2 rather ho-hum and the interior quite bland. You've probably already taken a substantial depreciation hit on the 911...may as well enjoy it. When your kids are too big for the rear seat there will probably be a new or upgraded M2.

Cheers,
NF

JawJuh

Get the M2 then.

rk-d

If you are already looking at changing out the 911, then it is done. In my experience, the second that thought enters my brain - Game Over.

Personally, I'd never dream of changing out a 911 for an M2. It's a lower tier car in every meaningful way (as it should be given the significant differential in price and heritage). I doubt anyone from the bimmer boards would refute that.

Arguments for practicality in a small car like the M2 is a little silly. They sound more like facile justifications to yourself to make the move, no offense.

No one can tell you if the M2 is subjectively more fun to drive, because that's....subjective.

If the 911 bores you and doesn't excite you anymore, then move on. Life is short. But keep in mind that the grass is always greener...

sticky

You missed April Fool's by a few weeks.

Dewinator

Hmm you present compelling arguments for both the M2 and the 991.2, but have you considered instead buying a locomotive, which you could also afford?

P-car fan

NOSUB2T

Sorry no contest! 911 vs. M2???? You are going backwards on the wow scale

Rapture1

I answered this question on the other forum but thought I would here also. I understand the OP's thought process after selling my C4S last year. I've been a part of this forum and have really enjoyed the Porsche experience. It isn't cost though or pedigree that makes you enjoy a particular car. I also owned the first generation R32 and loved that car for its character. Just ordered a TT RS and hoping I love that one also. While I enjoyed my C4S on the street I'm not really a track person and don't think I ever could fully appreciate its performance potential.

The M2 had received phenomenal reviews and has reinvigorated BMW from the perspective of getting back to its performance and dynamic roots. That's a pretty big deal and worthy of some respect in the car biz. It's a great little car.

KM1959

I think that you're just beating yourself up for getting your dream car when, especially because of the kids, there is something that is more important than your 911. As a father I've always felt this way but then I've also felt that I still need to work and satisfy myself as well. The M2 is not your answer.

Needsdecaf

Meh.

My neighbor has an M235i. Finally got to drive an M2. He was unimpressed. Came over asking me about what to look for in buying a used 911..

Bemo

OP - each car has it's pros and cons. I like your option of waiting couple of more years and then ordering an M2 for a European Delivery.
I love both brands and have the cars to prove it. The 911 is a whole different ball game, leaps and bounds above and beyond the sporty ///M models but it's not without its "short-comings" (cost and practicality).

I salute you for being a car enthusiast no matter which car you decide to live with, long-term!

bmedude

we are comparing a pair of Santoni shoes to a pair of nikes here.. The 911 is on a whole different level. I think you need some track time with the car to appreciate it.

I am the Walrus

The 911 is the cats pajamas, period.
I was quite happy with my 997.1 c4s but went to buy a 2014 Gt3 and was put off by the politics ie heavy markups to buy pre owned models, which as I am in Canada, there were few and far between and the sellers dealer and private were dbags.
Also, with our cad dollar, importing from the USA as I had previously done with a Porsche, really made the price to buy a pre owned 991 Gt3 well into the 200s with the 6.1% duty, 15% registration tax, shipping, etc.
I had always liked the amg sls, was thinking of buying one, and then the amg GT s was released.
Had it for 15 months, so much fun, I don't track so just street driving as a daily.
165 cad nicely optioned, brand new. So around 195 registered.
It's a really fun car.
Also, up here in Canada the resale value is strong, many are listed around 145-149k, unlike down in the USA where they have dropped quite a bit more.
The spread between msrp on the USA GT s and the Canada gt s was only 20k. 130k & 150k, that didn't translate into the currency spread, taking the exchange into account it should have been 130 us, 170 cad