[AndrejMi]

Looking at these 2 options. Either a black on cognac M2 6MT or a Cayman Base 6MT blue on brown. The G87 will lease out better:
(Cayman my spec MSRP 85.500 $1150 monthly)
(M2 my spec MSRP 66.250 roughly $900 monthly)
Besides the savings the M2 is quicker and a more year round car. I have already spoke with the respective dealers and wait time is similar if the car is already allotted for. The Cayman is harder to get but both should be at MSRP (BMW 100% is). I'm very loyal to both brands and am leaning the Cayman, especially because I don't like the shifters in BMWs. Size wise they're both good, I also had a E36 which I feel the G87is similar sized. Since Porsches lease out like garbage should I look into the M2, is there something I should know before fighting this battle out? Thanks for any tips and help, I am looking to trade out of my 22 Honda Civic 6MT.

[FryCookOnVenus]

You sound like a guy who knows cars so I doubt you'll hear anything here that will help you make your decision.

Personally, I'd take the M2 because I can't imagine paying 25% more for 40% less power and two fewer seats, even if the Cayman offers other advantages. And, I'm not interested in 4-cyl turbos right now.

Both are great cars. I suspect your gut is already sending you strong signals. Go with that and you'll be happy.

[RockCrusher]

It is a tough decision.

Loved my Boxster, Cayman S, and 996 Turbo.

Love my 230i which ain't a M2 but based on my experience with it I'm very much looking forward to getting the M2.

But notice I'm getting a M2 not a Cayman...

[boss2k]

Hands down Cayman is the fun and more sportier car to drive. The manual transmission and clutch feel is far superior in a Cayman than M2. Get the 718 GTS 4.0 if you can , chances are you will not get an allocation this year.

However not sure on the 2.5 L turbo Cayman base you are looking at, i was interested and drove the 4.0 L flat 6 and its a great car

[Gib007]

In Spain, I considered the Porsche 718 Cayman S vs the BMW M2 G87 and a fully-loaded BMW M2 G87 vs the Porsche 718 Cayman S with only some bits as extras was still €6,000 cheaper. Imagine what the GTS 4.0 would have been extra...

The BMW M2 G87 is a 6-cylinder whereas the other is a 4-cylinder. Needless to say I was not impressed with Porsche's quote (I was insulted actually). My vote goes to the BMW unless your local market's prices are much better. I realise the USA has much better prices for cars like Porsches.

[AndrejMi]

Originally Posted by boss2k

Hands down Cayman is the fun and more sportier car to drive. The manual transmission and clutch feel is far superior in a Cayman than M2. Get the 718 GTS 4.0 if you can , chances are you will not get an allocation this year.

However not sure on the 2.5 L turbo Cayman base you are looking at, i was interested and drove the 4.0 L flat 6 and its a great car

Its actually a small 2.0 But I'm just leaning towards it, but the price is WAY better then the M2.

[Humdizzle]

if you don't need back seats go cayman. its the better sports car. mid engine, well balanced, great steering, great shifter, great pdk automatic box. the m2 is more of a muscle car by comparison.

porsche's dont lease well. in general you should try to buy it rather than lease. im guessing they do it so production stays lower and less people have it. that way the buyers get higher resale and are more likely to purchase another (stable investment).

[BRAKE!]

I'm actually having the same dilemma, but with a 981 GT4. The GT4 is definitely more expensive, but I can't stop lusting after it.

The 718 will likely be a much more analog experience than the M2. The new BMW M cars are significantly faster, but it has a bit of an insulated/tech feeling. It's a good thing if you want to drive fast, but not the most engaging.

I break it down to - if you want a dedicated, analog sports car, 718. If you want a daily with sports car performance, M2.

[mzcp]

Better is very subjective. Better value for you is what it matters. I love my CGTS. Driving experience is "better" for me. Is it 40% better and worth it for you?

[Ravenseal]

I'm not paying $90,000 for a 4 cylinder.

[T_U_D]

The four cylinder in the base Cayman/Boxster is dreadful. Drive one and report back. I rather much have the S and yes I am aware that it is also a four cylinder. If the S is not financially an option then G87 it is!

[AndrejMi]

Originally Posted by T_U_D

The four cylinder in the base Cayman/Boxster is dreadful. Drive one and report back. I rather much have the S and yes I am aware that it is also a four cylinder. If the S is not financially an option then G87 it is!

Yeah I'm considering the S because I've driven the 2016 6cyl Boxster and liked it, yet to drive the 4cyl.

[mzcp]

Originally Posted by Ravenseal

I'm not paying $90,000 for a 4 cylinder.

I don't see a decline of price in the near future for Cayman and 911. With the introduction of EV and Hybrid models, the price of ICE vehicles will go up. Look at the recent price increases across the board for Porsche. MY 2024 Cayman MSRP went up 5k , 911 10k and GT4 RS $16k.

[Ravenseal]

Originally Posted by mzcp

I don't see a decline of price in the near future for Cayman and 911. With the introduction of EV and Hybrid models, the price of ICE vehicles will go up. Look at the recent price increases across the board for Porsche. MY 2024 Cayman MSRP went up 5k , 911 10k and GT4 RS $16k.

Only Cayman I'd go near as an enthusiast is a GTS 4.0 or a GT4 - which are nowhere to be found for MSRP. They're all selling used for double the MSRP of a brand new M2.

[mzcp]

Originally Posted by Ravenseal

Only Cayman I'd go near as an enthusiast is a GTS 4.0 or a GT4 - which are nowhere to be found for MSRP. They're all selling used for double the MSRP of a brand new M2.

The G87 is a better value car for me. If I did not have my CGTS I would get one. I am not comparing my car to the G87.

[blackout23]

Originally Posted by Ravenseal

I'm not paying $90,000 for a 4 cylinder.

Originally Posted by T_U_D

The four cylinder in the base Cayman/Boxster is dreadful. Drive one and report back. I rather much have the S and yes I am aware that it is also a four cylinder. If the S is not financially an option then G87 it is!

Not exactly.

a) please go find a $90,000 4 cylinder 718. I'll wait.

Even the 2.5T GTS has come down to most hovering in the mid-70s. If someone is still asking close to $90k for a 4 cylinder, even a GTS, rest assured no one will pay it. Those are peak bubble prices/MSRP... but I will agree that some people paid that and paid way too much.

Ask me how I know...

That said, I've seen some used 4.0 cars fall dangerously close to the sub-$100k mark, I'd venture a guess that you could probably get one for the high-90s. No one in their right mind will be paying near that for a 4 in today's market.

b) the 2.0 is by no sane definition "dreadful". It's essentially the same engine as the 2.5. Yes it has less horsepower. Yes it has more noticeable turbo lag, if you look for it. No, it doesn't make much difference overall. The 718 T has become a cult classic (especially now that it's been discontinued) and will retain value, and it somehow pulls that off with that "dreadful" 2.0.

I suggest also heading to the Porsche forums to get an opposite take on this discussion. The truth will fall somewhere in between.

Also, you may find a hard time getting an allocation for a base car. There seems to be more demand for the 4.0L cars, and Porsche obviously has a larger margin on them so it will actually be easier to get an allocation. My suggestion- find a spec you like and buy used. Porsche's CPO program is arguably the best in the industry- and they aren't afraid to certify their cars (like other manufacturers).

https://finder.porsche.com

[blackout23]

Originally Posted by Ravenseal

Only Cayman I'd go near as an enthusiast is a GTS 4.0 or a GT4 - which are nowhere to be found for MSRP. They're all selling used for double the MSRP of a brand new M2.

Sorry, missed this one.

This also isn't quite accurate; GT4 you're pretty much right, especially now that it's dead. That won't help matters any but the market is pretty volatile right now...

But without digging through BaT or anything like that, I knew there was GTS 4.0 locally that was selling below MSRP. Seems that one is gone, but here's another one that wasn't too hard to find...

https://finder.porsche.com/us/en-US/...&order=closest

But your point remains. It's almost twice the cost of a G87, and it's tough to really say it's twice the car. They're worth what people are willing to pay though.

And I'm curious why you "wouldn't go near" the 4 cylinder "as an enthusiast". Have you driven one?

[Ravenseal]

Originally Posted by blackout23

Sorry, missed this one.

This also isn't quite accurate; GT4 you're pretty much right, especially now that it's dead. That won't help matters any but the market is pretty volatile right now...

But without digging through BaT or anything like that, I knew there was GTS 4.0 locally that was selling below MSRP. Seems that one is gone, but here's another one that wasn't too hard to find...

https://finder.porsche.com/us/en-US/...&order=closest

But your point remains. It's almost twice the cost of a G87, and it's tough to really say it's twice the car. They're worth what people are willing to pay though.

And I'm curious why you "wouldn't go near" the 4 cylinder "as an enthusiast". Have you driven one?

Yes. The sound is abysmal and the power band sucks. Also just strictly out of ethical obligation, I wouldn’t buy a 4 cylinder sports car.

[blackout23]

Originally Posted by Ravenseal

Yes. The sound is abysmal and the power band sucks. Also just strictly out of ethical obligation, I wouldn’t buy a 4 cylinder sports car.

This is short-sighted. Dynamically it's still an epic-level car.

Can't say you're the only one with this opinion, it's just the wrong one. They're outstanding cars, and the engines are actually great. I agree less than 0% about your powerband comment; makes me think you haven't actually driven one.

[Ravenseal]

Originally Posted by blackout23

This is short-sighted. Dynamically it's still an epic-level car.

Can't say you're the only one with this opinion, it's just the wrong one. They're outstanding cars, and the engines are actually great. I agree less than 0% about your powerband comment; makes me think you haven't actually driven one.

Hard disagree.

[mzcp]

Originally Posted by Ravenseal

Yes. The sound is abysmal and the power band sucks. Also just strictly out of ethical obligation, I wouldn’t buy a 4 cylinder sports car.

Don't discount the 4 banger. I run with some Cayman S. It is easier to extract performance out of them. They're also lighter than the GT cars. On the track, it is a different story but in AutoX it is very close. The new Emira has an AMG 4 cyl. Waiting for the review on that one.

[blackout23]

Originally Posted by Ravenseal

Hard disagree.

edit: wait a minute... I'm gonna be that guy because you list your cars in your signature for a reason, right? You appear to have owned several "sports adjacent" cars- none of them could be truly considered sports cars... yet you trash a 4 cylinder Cayman, "as an enthusiast"? What gives?