E46 M3/Cayman S Comparison
Discussion
Well,
finally, after 3 months, my baby has gone in for some TLC to sort out the damage a knobend did to it less than 24 hours after delivery
it is not all doom and gloom however, as my loan car (courtesy of Europa accident management - Mike and Steve ( Steve being AnniesDad on PH)) is a Porsche Cayman S
I've never been much of a Porsche fan, I can appreciate them but they dont "float my boat" (Ferrari is my target)
I'll post more later on some comparisons between the 2 such as speed, comfort, handling, economy and overall quality.
finally, after 3 months, my baby has gone in for some TLC to sort out the damage a knobend did to it less than 24 hours after delivery
it is not all doom and gloom however, as my loan car (courtesy of Europa accident management - Mike and Steve ( Steve being AnniesDad on PH)) is a Porsche Cayman S
I've never been much of a Porsche fan, I can appreciate them but they dont "float my boat" (Ferrari is my target)
I'll post more later on some comparisons between the 2 such as speed, comfort, handling, economy and overall quality.
Edited by AngryApples on Friday 3rd July 12:17
Right -
Handling
Think we allknow that this is where the Cayman has the M3 licked, with the style of ride (good and low) it just seems to take the corners so tight, even allowing for my crap driving it sticks like glue (though to be fair to the M3, when she gets back from the bodyshop she's going for new bushes all round)
Speed
Doesnt feel like there is a lot in it between the two (and performance figures seem to back this up), I think any slight feeling that the Cayman S is quicker is down to the low slung driving position
Economy
Not done that much mileage so far, but on my normal commute (115 miles each way) its slightly down on the M3, giving around 23 MPG on my 95% Mway run.
(will add more on town figures when I've used it more)
Quality
Seats are one serious step ahead of the M3, although levels of adustment are minimal (compared to the M's infinite adjustment choices)the Cayman's comfort level is very high
Switchgear for this price level is appaling on the Cayman, indicator/washer stalks feel VERY cheap compared to the M, and the gear stick feels like it could come off in your hand when chucking it through the gears.
Also not keen on the Nav/Stereo/Info controls, very fiddly and whilst they may seem modern compared to the M, I'd take the M's simplistic system any day of the week.
Looks
I'm actually a big fan of the Cayman's looks, very purposeful but the feature vents on the rear I'm not sure on - it helps that this one is in what I see as one of Porsche's best colours, Cobalt Blue
Storage space
Compared to the M, cockpit storage is awful, but then I guess thats like comparing chalk and cheese due to the more practical slant of the M3 (though storage IS awful, very little room for nik nak's and sod all door bin space)
Luggage space is actually very good for the cars shape and style - going to Goodwood this weekend so that will put it to the test I'm sure
Handling
Think we allknow that this is where the Cayman has the M3 licked, with the style of ride (good and low) it just seems to take the corners so tight, even allowing for my crap driving it sticks like glue (though to be fair to the M3, when she gets back from the bodyshop she's going for new bushes all round)
Speed
Doesnt feel like there is a lot in it between the two (and performance figures seem to back this up), I think any slight feeling that the Cayman S is quicker is down to the low slung driving position
Economy
Not done that much mileage so far, but on my normal commute (115 miles each way) its slightly down on the M3, giving around 23 MPG on my 95% Mway run.
(will add more on town figures when I've used it more)
Quality
Seats are one serious step ahead of the M3, although levels of adustment are minimal (compared to the M's infinite adjustment choices)the Cayman's comfort level is very high
Switchgear for this price level is appaling on the Cayman, indicator/washer stalks feel VERY cheap compared to the M, and the gear stick feels like it could come off in your hand when chucking it through the gears.
Also not keen on the Nav/Stereo/Info controls, very fiddly and whilst they may seem modern compared to the M, I'd take the M's simplistic system any day of the week.
Looks
I'm actually a big fan of the Cayman's looks, very purposeful but the feature vents on the rear I'm not sure on - it helps that this one is in what I see as one of Porsche's best colours, Cobalt Blue
Storage space
Compared to the M, cockpit storage is awful, but then I guess thats like comparing chalk and cheese due to the more practical slant of the M3 (though storage IS awful, very little room for nik nak's and sod all door bin space)
Luggage space is actually very good for the cars shape and style - going to Goodwood this weekend so that will put it to the test I'm sure
Edited by AngryApples on Friday 3rd July 12:20
sorry - but aren't the two cars kind of chalk and cheese in other ways...
Price being the big one - cheapest decent Cayman S is what £30k, decent E46 £15k...double the price!
It is a credit to the E46 that it can stand comparison...but I think in most categories the M3 would fall short...unless it is having rear seats...
Price being the big one - cheapest decent Cayman S is what £30k, decent E46 £15k...double the price!
It is a credit to the E46 that it can stand comparison...but I think in most categories the M3 would fall short...unless it is having rear seats...
oli_quick said:
sorry - but aren't the two cars kind of chalk and cheese in other ways...
Price being the big one - cheapest decent Cayman S is what £30k, decent E46 £15k...double the price!
It is a credit to the E46 that it can stand comparison...but I think in most categories the M3 would fall short...unless it is having rear seats...
Hmm,Price being the big one - cheapest decent Cayman S is what £30k, decent E46 £15k...double the price!
It is a credit to the E46 that it can stand comparison...but I think in most categories the M3 would fall short...unless it is having rear seats...
not sure about your price comparisons, if you look at a Decent 06, low miles version of either they are both around £26 - £27k
Porsche rarely does it for me, so my judgment may be biased but I feel at full chat with standard exhausts and the windows down, M3 has more occasion to it
But I do see your point on general shape, driving position, etc (though because of the pedal types my accelerator leg was very sore by the time we got to Goodwood)
AngryApples said:
Right -
Economy
Not done that much mileage so far, but on my normal commute (115 miles each way) its slightly down on the M3, giving around 23 MPG on my 95% Mway run.
(will add more on town figures when I've used it more)
Quality
Also not keen on the Nav/Stereo/Info controls, very fiddly and whilst they may seem modern compared to the M, I'd take the M's simplistic system any day of the week.
23MPG? How are you driving Economy
Not done that much mileage so far, but on my normal commute (115 miles each way) its slightly down on the M3, giving around 23 MPG on my 95% Mway run.
(will add more on town figures when I've used it more)
Quality
Also not keen on the Nav/Stereo/Info controls, very fiddly and whilst they may seem modern compared to the M, I'd take the M's simplistic system any day of the week.
, I get 30MPG in 911 on motorway runs, surely the cayman must get even better. I must say I much prefer the Porsche Radio/Sat Nav system to that in my X5 (same as M3), but everyone's diferent I guess.
Anyway, you know what they say, "What's the fastest car in the world?" "A rental"
AngryApples said:
Speed
Doesnt feel like there is a lot in it between the two (and performance figures seem to back this up), I think any slight feeling that the Cayman S is quicker is down to the low slung driving position
Legit comparison this for me. When it was time to get rid of my last M3 a Cayman S was top of my replacement list.Doesnt feel like there is a lot in it between the two (and performance figures seem to back this up), I think any slight feeling that the Cayman S is quicker is down to the low slung driving position
For me the porker scores big points on build quality over the M3. Take the point that the indicator stalks etc don't feel quite as chunky but the overall quality of finish is much higher I reckon. It feels fresher & newer (which of course it is)...
Interestingly I thought there was a big difference in speed between the 2. I found the Cayman felt a bit breathless after the M3, which just felt like it had a much bigger capacity. I absolutely ragged the Caymen on the test drive (as instructed by the Salesman) and thought there was a notable difference having just done the same route in my M3 30 mins earlier.
Overall I think the Cayman's a lot tighter, with the M3 being more lairy & characterful. Both of them great cars though - and I'd be quite happy with either!
AngryApples said:
Also not keen on the Nav/Stereo/Info controls, very fiddly and whilst they may seem modern compared to the M, I'd take the M's simplistic system any day of the week.
Absolutely spot on! I've counted and I think there are nearly 1 million buttons on the Porsche's stereo system.Previous 1-touch functionality in the M3 has been replaced by a 15 button, sub-menu crawl to acheive the same outcome, which is hugely irratating!
Is it the blue one still? I had a blue one off them when my Z4 was rear-ended. I got a ticket on the second day, but it convinced me to sell the Z4 and buy a Cayman S, which I did and got myself a black one.
I eventually got an SMG E46 though as I found the Cayman a bit much for a daily driver - I'm a freelance designer, so could park anywhere from a bit of wasteland to an office carpark full of company hacks (ie, panel denters) so was terrified to leave it anywhere!
With the M3 I don't really care! And it's just as rapid. Although I did spend last weekend at an indy discussing a lovely little Cayman S they have in.... the joys of being a petrolhead!
I eventually got an SMG E46 though as I found the Cayman a bit much for a daily driver - I'm a freelance designer, so could park anywhere from a bit of wasteland to an office carpark full of company hacks (ie, panel denters) so was terrified to leave it anywhere!
With the M3 I don't really care! And it's just as rapid. Although I did spend last weekend at an indy discussing a lovely little Cayman S they have in.... the joys of being a petrolhead!
Gassing Station | M Power | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff