E92 M3 vs Mk2 Focus RS vs Cayman S

[Mouse1903]

I'll try and keep this a simple topic! My Dad wants to replace his 08 335d next year with one of the above. Economy isn't an issue and his budget is 32k including trade in. Before people throw in suggestions (GT-R, IS-F etc) it is between these three. My person opinion in summary:

M3: Best looking of the three imo, great engine and noise
Cayman S: Best drivers car of the three? Least practical
RS: Cheapest to buy but best residuals in the future? Most practical

So out of these three, what would be the best as an overall package / driving experience?

[JayTee94]

For me:

1) E92 M3
2) Cayman
3) Focus RS

[VidalBaboon]

Cayman. Hands down.

[royobannan]

The Focus isn't in the same league as the other two. It would have to be the Cayman if you want the best car!

[flatline84]

Totally different cars, cant help but wonder...

Cayman is a 2-seater sportscar, the M3 is more of an allrounder.

For me, it has to be the M3. You cant go wrong.
Preferably in the 4-seater pre-facelift version. It just screams cool.

[GravelBen]

I'd go for the Cayman if the extra space of the 3-series isn't a factor.

[Dave Hedgehog]

[philmots]

4 door M3? That will be pretty practical.

[gangzoom]

Focus RS shouldn't even be mentioned in the same breath as the other two...

For pure driving pleasure has to be the Cayman S.

[E38Ross]

driving enjoyment - Cayman
practicality - M3
focus RS - not in the same league as the other 2.

how have you got a focus RS being more practical than an M3???

i think the M3 is a better all-rounder than the cayman, but only because it has 4 proper seats and a very, very generous boot size. if that's not an issue it'd be the cayman all day long. has to be the "S" though, as you say.

[E38Ross]

Dave Hedgehog said:

what don't you understand about "it is between these 3"?

[Dave Hedgehog]

E38Ross said:

Dave Hedgehog said:

what don't you understand about "it is between these 3"?

i totally understand, but none of them are a golf so the picture stands

[E38Ross]

Dave Hedgehog said:

E38Ross said:

Dave Hedgehog said:

what don't you understand about "it is between these 3"?

i totally understand, but none of them are a golf so the picture stands

you're right. they're better

IMO

[AML]

3 good cars all completely different- suggest you try them and see what suits.
However- if driving pleasure is paramount and 4 seats aren't necessary IMHO it has to be the Cayman (but I am a little biased!)

[Mouse1903]

E38Ross said:

driving enjoyment - Cayman
how have you got a focus RS being more practical than an M3???

Actually the more I think of it your probably right. My personal choice would be the M3, just. Not driven any of them but drove an 07 Boxster S and it was a brilliant all rounder, if a little clinical

[Bitzer]

1. M3
2. Cayman










































3. Focus

[a_bread]

What? 335d owner sees the light abandons diesel?

[NadiR]

Bitzer said:

1. M3
2. Cayman










































3. Focus

What he said.

[kambites]

The Cayman is the best drivers' car by some margin, so that would be my choice if I didn't need four seats. Otherwise the M3; the Focus wouldn't even get considered in that company.

[Rsohyes]

Definitely the Focus