£40k Manual M2 Comp vs £40k A110 vs £40k Manual 981 Cayman ?

[Simon Owen]

What are peoples thoughts ?

Really liked the Alpine (extended test drive) and the concept appeals massively but the lure of 6 cylinder engines and manual gearboxes has its appeal too. Practicality isn't a key driver but the packaging of the M2 and Cayman does have it's advantages over the A110.

Is the gearing in the Porsche really an issue in the real world ? Do you notice the M2 being a bit lardy on the road ?

My thought are the Alpine's dynamics, lower grip levels and "less is more" approach would probably swing it for what I enjoy but it is a very tough call. That said the Cayman has a good chassis & steering etc and the M2 is supposed to change direction nicely ?????

I'm convinced I could have a lot of fun in an auto sports car but I have never owned one so it would be quite a leap of faith going auto in the A110 !!

[s m]

I’d go for the M2 as the extra seats mean I’d use it more often
All of them have good points though I’d reckon
Some people prefer a 2-seater

[Prestonese]

I've owned a few Caymans and the Alpine. Currently back in a Cayman R as one I really wanted came back on the market unexpectedly. I've also driven a M2 (auto) extensively in the Highlands.

It's a tough call but depends on what you want. The Alpine is immensely fun and probably the fastest (for me at least) across my favourite B roads. The sensation of driving it fast is very different to the other two and I've always compared it to the feeling of carving on skis. It's incredibly comfortable on long motorway stints as well - probably the best car I've owned for that (if you disregard having to carry stuff and passengers).

I like the M2 but didn't think it was quite my cup of tea. The engine was ok but I think if I could only have space for 1 this would be it as it is practical and has some character.

Caymans - great engine, build and sound. I went for a short drive in mine yesterday and got reminded about the gearing and it did irk at times. You can always short shift but it can also be driven in one gear on most UK roads which defeats the point. When I drove it with a group of Alpine owners earlier this year on some B roads, I thought they were having much more fun than I was. I do prefer the R to the GTS though. But also remember having much more fun when I briefly had a 2.7 Boxster as you can wring it out a bit more.

Driving all three, you can really tell the difference in mass. The Alpine gives you a lot of confidence to chuck it around. Sometimes that led me to some terrifying speeds entering corners and was one of the reasons I sold it!

Happy to discuss on PM if you want more details. Bcr will come along and give you his thoughts as well as he's owned / driven similar cars extensively.

[06andiano]

M2 if its your only car but if this is a treat for yourself get the Alpine. The boxsters still have more value to lose, would go for a 987.2 2.7 if your heart desires for circa 18k.

Maybe good to have a quick spin in a well specced elise? just check if its too compromise much vs a Alpine

[Dave Hedgehog]

if its true and Alpine has shut down so early into production residuals should be very strong

[ITP]

Sounds like you need a Lotus Evora.

[Actus Reus]

Alpine might be about to vanish as a marque - which brings with it potentially strong residuals as well as the possibility of scarcity of parts and support.

I had a 987 Cayman and borrowed a 981 for a long weekend. Brilliant cars.

M2 I've not driven, but I do track days and the M2 I saw spent half the day with its brakes on fire in the pits.

I think the Evora is a brilliant suggestion myself, but if you must have one of the first 3, it's Porsche for me. Practical, quick, well made, looks good...it's got it all. I could understand choosing the Alpine, though.

[nickfrog]

Actus Reus said:

M2 I've not driven, but I do track days and the M2 I saw spent half the day with its brakes on fire in the pits.

Hardly surprising for a road pad on a 1500kgs car.

The ones I saw on track days either had to come in after 5/6 laps (but no fire) or more simply had a better pad / fluid.
I am going for DS1. 11 and RBF600, fingers crossed...

[Actus Reus]

I THINK this was on track pads, but I could be wrong - the owner has an Elise now I think.

But yeah, it was a specific set of circumstances and not an issue if you don't track it. Nice cars, but somehow just not for me - made a bloody nice noise the one time he did manage to get past me too.

[nickfrog]

Well I hope it won't be an issue when I track mine... I am confident it will be fine even if I have to work around the thermal limitations of what is a mere road car after all... I just need to find availability now, all the TDOs that have reopened seem to have sold out already. Talk of pent up demand...

[Throttlebody]

Alpine or Cayman I’d say if you like the driving experience, interaction and feedback. The M2 is just too lardy, another pumped up BMW. The Alpine is also a rare sight and that can add a bit of uniqueness, if that appeals.

[nickfrog]

Throttlebody said:

Alpine or Cayman I’d say if you like the driving experience, interaction and feedback. The M2 is just too lardy, another pumped up BMW.

I have no doubt you had a lot of time behind the wheel of those cars on the road and track.
But from my perspective, the M2 feels more engaging and playful than the Cayman, which while probably more clinical and pure, doesn't provide the amount of interaction and liveliness of the BMW. The Cayman is great of course but I find it too clinical, and almost too polished for its own good. The M2 might be just a pumped BMW for you but few would agree with you. That wouldn't be a first I guess.

[SuperNads]

Honestly with these three cars, I'd just get the one that excites me most to look at, to get into and to drive. They're all brilliant and I go through phases of wanting an M2 and an Alpine regularly. For some reason the Cayman doesn't do much for me and weirdly it feels least special out of the 3.

[ZX10R NIN]

I'm surprised you haven't included the Evora in that list:

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/202...

Out of your list the A110 would be my pick.

[Actus Reus]

nickfrog said:

I have no doubt you had a lot of time behind the wheel of those cars on the road and track.
But from my perspective, the M2 feels more engaging and playful than the Cayman, which while probably more clinical and pure, doesn't provide the amount of interaction and liveliness of the BMW. The Cayman is great of course but I find it too clinical, and almost too polished for its own good. The M2 might be just a pumped BMW for you but few would agree with you. That wouldn't be a first I guess.

This is a fair point regarding the Cayman. It’s hugely competent to the point of being a bit too accomplished somehow - it flatters the driver to the point of leaving him without that much to do, on the road at least. It also suffers from silly long gearing that makes wringing its neck an exercise in losing your licence. Still my choice of the 3 mins you, but I do love a good Porsche.

[nickfrog]

Actus Reus said:

Still my choice of the 3 mins you, but I do love a good Porsche.

Yes me too and I can't believe I haven't had one for about 5 years. I did consider a 981 Cayman 2.7 which fell within my £30k budget. Problem is this would have been a low rent 2012 car without a warranty. And that's where the M2 offers brilliant value not to mention the proximity and practicality of a good local dealer.
I will probably go back to Porsche into retirement but it would have to be either a GT4 or a GTS 4.0. They'll be £12.50 next year... apparently.

[rootsandculture]

Appreciate that’s what they’re going for but I think £40k is quite a bit for a cayman 981 or an m2... they’re both fairy common sights although no doubt great cars.

I’d go alpine out of those three, although I didn’t fall in love with the one I drove. Would you consider a 997 with some RPM technik bits on it or even a v8 vantage n430 or similar?

Take it you’ve ruled out 981 boxster on the basis that you don’t want people calling you a hairdresser, but in the right spec, on the right road on a summer evening... very hard to beat.

If you like the alpine then it’d be a shame not to try a v6 exige if you haven’t done so already.

[handbraketurn]

I'm in the same decision mode, minus the Alpine. For me the M2 wins over because it's so practical. I"m just waiting to see what BMW does when the Furlough ends in terms of deals...