So today i got to drive both cars down my “private race course”, twice!
I can tell you the F87 CS is a awesome car. Huge fun to drive, very precise, fast and handles like it’s on rails.
But….
The G87 is just a bit better in every way, that is if you can ignore the exterior looks. That’s the last I’ll say about that because I like the way it looks.
Start with the important stuff!
ENGINE
G87 is a beast! The low end torque is frightening! My 45 mph/4th gear pulls made me think it wanted to take off and fly. And it pulls all the way thru the tach. Sounds great too!
F87 is incredible and once wound up it flies but the pulls from down below just don’t have the punch of the G87. But man it will fly too.
SUSPENSION
Again, G87 by a hair. Maybe it’s because it weighs so much but it is glued to the road. I just keep pushing harder and harder and it sticks. The CS feels lighter and maybe a bit more “tossable” but on the road, G87 is the winner. We will do a track comparison soon at VIR club day.
TRANSMISSION
Hard to say here as F87 is manual and excellent and G87 is automatic. Both are incredible and super fast. I have zero issue with either and have driven mostly manuals but have also had DCT’s and autos. Personal preference wins the day here. You make the call as to which trans you prefer.
INTERIOR
Again G87 noses ahead in comfort and quality. The seats(non bucket) are comfortable and leather is better quality then F87. Idrive 8 is a bit much. Car may be a case of “lesser is better” without all the tech. BUT, the ability to tune and change so much of different drive modes is awesome fun.
GENERAL FEEL
F87 CS is the best of its era, no doubt. I’ve owned all variants of M2 and CS is clearly special. The G87 just doesn’t feel as special and maybe it’s because I’ve already planned to get the future releases(C, CS, CSL, etc). And maybe this is a good thing. I wanted a hot daily that I’m not scared to drive wherever and that’s how the G87 is spending it’s time.
BOTTOMLINE
Can’t lose no matter what you get. F87’s in general are incredible car’s and like I said the CS is the cream of the crop. And the G87 is indeed the cutting edge of BMW performance. It may not be the fastest around the ‘Ring or at the drag strip but it’s the heir to a long line of BMW small performance cars.
I hope this helps! Any questions?
!