Please Help! 987 Cayman S VS E92 M3
Discussion
Hello all,
I'm having sleepless nights, constant thinking, all over what car to buy next, first world problems and all that.
A bit of background... I prefer the drive of old(er) cars, i've driven new F80 M3/4's and they just bore me and I always feel that older cars are just a better, more involving drive.
I've had a lot of cars over the Years, and a fair few BMW's, E46 M3, M135i, etc, and many many many Hot hatches.
I have recently sold my Forged Megane RS250 Track car, and my daily 520d Estate and ended up with a friends S3 Converted A3 with 400bhp, its fine as a daily and its getting me around. A big change for me this year is I now work from home with no daily commute and will only be doing 5k miles a year or so with maybe a couple of Nurburgring trips. I really want to treat myself to something that I would consider "special".
THE DEBATE! 987 Cayman S, or an E92 M3. They are coming in around the same price and i'm absolutely pulling my hair out in making a decision. Things swaying me towards the Porsche are, i've never owned a Porsche and have always wanted too, potentially more special than the BMW, and I think its one of the more Raw Porsches from over recent years. Its a lot lighter, and I feel may feel way more fun to drive.
The M3, I just think looks MEGA and have always loved it, THAT engine, and potentially a better daily maybe? The only thing that worry's me is... is it just going to feel like any BMW with a big engine? Will it be more special than the mid engine'd Porsche? I just don't know.
Any help regarding this terribly important matter will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
I'm having sleepless nights, constant thinking, all over what car to buy next, first world problems and all that.
A bit of background... I prefer the drive of old(er) cars, i've driven new F80 M3/4's and they just bore me and I always feel that older cars are just a better, more involving drive.
I've had a lot of cars over the Years, and a fair few BMW's, E46 M3, M135i, etc, and many many many Hot hatches.
I have recently sold my Forged Megane RS250 Track car, and my daily 520d Estate and ended up with a friends S3 Converted A3 with 400bhp, its fine as a daily and its getting me around. A big change for me this year is I now work from home with no daily commute and will only be doing 5k miles a year or so with maybe a couple of Nurburgring trips. I really want to treat myself to something that I would consider "special".
THE DEBATE! 987 Cayman S, or an E92 M3. They are coming in around the same price and i'm absolutely pulling my hair out in making a decision. Things swaying me towards the Porsche are, i've never owned a Porsche and have always wanted too, potentially more special than the BMW, and I think its one of the more Raw Porsches from over recent years. Its a lot lighter, and I feel may feel way more fun to drive.
The M3, I just think looks MEGA and have always loved it, THAT engine, and potentially a better daily maybe? The only thing that worry's me is... is it just going to feel like any BMW with a big engine? Will it be more special than the mid engine'd Porsche? I just don't know.
Any help regarding this terribly important matter will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Personally I would take the Porsche.
As you have alluded to, it will feel more special, it is a mid engined 2 seater sportscar. The engine ist quite nice, torquey and can sound very very good with the right exhaust.
The BMW - while a very nice car, would not feel as special as the Cayman.
If you do not need more than 2 seats take the Cayman.
As you have alluded to, it will feel more special, it is a mid engined 2 seater sportscar. The engine ist quite nice, torquey and can sound very very good with the right exhaust.
The BMW - while a very nice car, would not feel as special as the Cayman.
If you do not need more than 2 seats take the Cayman.
I test drove both before settling on a manual 987 Cayman S gen 2
Based on your previous car history above I would just say that you might find it a bit slow in a straight line compared to your old cars as I had an e82 135i before and that was quite a bit quicker.
The E92 M3 had an amazing engine and sounded amazing when revved out to 8k, however handling wise just felt much heavier and nowhere near as agile as the Cayman. The DCT box suited it very well however and straight line speed is quicker than a Cayman would be. Having said that I love the way my Cayman with the sports exhaust sounds at all speeds and when on full throttle the cabin just fills with a mix of induction, engine and exhaust noise.
I have taken the Cayman across Europe and it’s dealt with it fine, however I think the E92 M3 would be a more comfortable cruiser on the motorway / general pottering around.
One major point that swung my decision were running costs for the Cayman are noticeably lower. Cheaper to service even using the main dealer and half the price to insure.
Reliability wise both cars have issues, 987 Gen 1 Cayman S can score their bores and require an engine rebuild, likewise an M3 has rod bearing / throttle actuator problems (although from what I’ve read the cost of these issues is less). Gen 2 Caymans (post 2009 facelift) are trouble free.
Spec wise - Caymans are very spec dependant on purchase. Lots of things are optional extras so its a minefield picking out one that has options you want. I found M3’s better specced in general equipment wise.
Happy to answer anything further!
Based on your previous car history above I would just say that you might find it a bit slow in a straight line compared to your old cars as I had an e82 135i before and that was quite a bit quicker.
The E92 M3 had an amazing engine and sounded amazing when revved out to 8k, however handling wise just felt much heavier and nowhere near as agile as the Cayman. The DCT box suited it very well however and straight line speed is quicker than a Cayman would be. Having said that I love the way my Cayman with the sports exhaust sounds at all speeds and when on full throttle the cabin just fills with a mix of induction, engine and exhaust noise.
I have taken the Cayman across Europe and it’s dealt with it fine, however I think the E92 M3 would be a more comfortable cruiser on the motorway / general pottering around.
One major point that swung my decision were running costs for the Cayman are noticeably lower. Cheaper to service even using the main dealer and half the price to insure.
Reliability wise both cars have issues, 987 Gen 1 Cayman S can score their bores and require an engine rebuild, likewise an M3 has rod bearing / throttle actuator problems (although from what I’ve read the cost of these issues is less). Gen 2 Caymans (post 2009 facelift) are trouble free.
Spec wise - Caymans are very spec dependant on purchase. Lots of things are optional extras so its a minefield picking out one that has options you want. I found M3’s better specced in general equipment wise.
Happy to answer anything further!
Had that same choice and bought the Porsche (though a gen 1).
The only downside, if you can call it that, is that it is VERY capable, and might almost be too good on track and road. It's also stupidly long geared.
Overall though a simply fabulous car - I took the wife to France for a week in it, it swallowed all the gear, cruised effortlessly, and then on the old Reims F1 track simply felt 'right' at full chat. Still miss it.
The only downside, if you can call it that, is that it is VERY capable, and might almost be too good on track and road. It's also stupidly long geared.
Overall though a simply fabulous car - I took the wife to France for a week in it, it swallowed all the gear, cruised effortlessly, and then on the old Reims F1 track simply felt 'right' at full chat. Still miss it.
Shjc2 said:
I test drove both before settling on a manual 987 Cayman S gen 2
Based on your previous car history above I would just say that you might find it a bit slow in a straight line compared to your old cars as I had an e82 135i before and that was quite a bit quicker.
The E92 M3 had an amazing engine and sounded amazing when revved out to 8k, however handling wise just felt much heavier and nowhere near as agile as the Cayman. The DCT box suited it very well however and straight line speed is quicker than a Cayman would be. Having said that I love the way my Cayman with the sports exhaust sounds at all speeds and when on full throttle the cabin just fills with a mix of induction, engine and exhaust noise.
I have taken the Cayman across Europe and it’s dealt with it fine, however I think the E92 M3 would be a more comfortable cruiser on the motorway / general pottering around.
One major point that swung my decision were running costs for the Cayman are noticeably lower. Cheaper to service even using the main dealer and half the price to insure.
Reliability wise both cars have issues, 987 Gen 1 Cayman S can score their bores and require an engine rebuild, likewise an M3 has rod bearing / throttle actuator problems (although from what I’ve read the cost of these issues is less). Gen 2 Caymans (post 2009 facelift) are trouble free.
Spec wise - Caymans are very spec dependant on purchase. Lots of things are optional extras so its a minefield picking out one that has options you want. I found M3’s better specced in general equipment wise.
Happy to answer anything further!
Hi mate, thank you for this. Based on your previous car history above I would just say that you might find it a bit slow in a straight line compared to your old cars as I had an e82 135i before and that was quite a bit quicker.
The E92 M3 had an amazing engine and sounded amazing when revved out to 8k, however handling wise just felt much heavier and nowhere near as agile as the Cayman. The DCT box suited it very well however and straight line speed is quicker than a Cayman would be. Having said that I love the way my Cayman with the sports exhaust sounds at all speeds and when on full throttle the cabin just fills with a mix of induction, engine and exhaust noise.
I have taken the Cayman across Europe and it’s dealt with it fine, however I think the E92 M3 would be a more comfortable cruiser on the motorway / general pottering around.
One major point that swung my decision were running costs for the Cayman are noticeably lower. Cheaper to service even using the main dealer and half the price to insure.
Reliability wise both cars have issues, 987 Gen 1 Cayman S can score their bores and require an engine rebuild, likewise an M3 has rod bearing / throttle actuator problems (although from what I’ve read the cost of these issues is less). Gen 2 Caymans (post 2009 facelift) are trouble free.
Spec wise - Caymans are very spec dependant on purchase. Lots of things are optional extras so its a minefield picking out one that has options you want. I found M3’s better specced in general equipment wise.
Happy to answer anything further!
Yeah i know it'll feel "slower", even to what i'm currently driving as the s3 is 400bhp and 440lb-ft. But speed isn't the thing i want, its the feel and the nimbleness etc.
Yeah i just think the M3 is going to feel HEAVY!
Running costs, yeah, that did enter my mind and I know from personal experience working at BMW in the past, M Tax is a real thing lol.
Yeah spec wise of the cayman, there's nothing i desperately want, apart from i'd like it to have 19's and good history tbh, Nav and Bose would be nice but not deal breakers if I'm honest.
Thanks a lot for such a great answer.
Actus Reus said:
Had that same choice and bought the Porsche (though a gen 1).
The only downside, if you can call it that, is that it is VERY capable, and might almost be too good on track and road. It's also stupidly long geared.
Overall though a simply fabulous car - I took the wife to France for a week in it, it swallowed all the gear, cruised effortlessly, and then on the old Reims F1 track simply felt 'right' at full chat. Still miss it.
I would also be looking at a gen1 like yourself. The only downside, if you can call it that, is that it is VERY capable, and might almost be too good on track and road. It's also stupidly long geared.
Overall though a simply fabulous car - I took the wife to France for a week in it, it swallowed all the gear, cruised effortlessly, and then on the old Reims F1 track simply felt 'right' at full chat. Still miss it.
Sounds like you love yours which is good to read. They do seem a fantastic capable car, I really need to get out and drive one ideally, that'll swing me for sure either way.
ChapmanC said:
Hi mate, thank you for this.
Yeah i know it'll feel "slower", even to what i'm currently driving as the s3 is 400bhp and 440lb-ft. But speed isn't the thing i want, its the feel and the nimbleness etc.
Yeah i just think the M3 is going to feel HEAVY!
Running costs, yeah, that did enter my mind and I know from personal experience working at BMW in the past, M Tax is a real thing lol.
Yeah spec wise of the cayman, there's nothing i desperately want, apart from i'd like it to have 19's and good history tbh, Nav and Bose would be nice but not deal breakers if I'm honest.
Thanks a lot for such a great answer.
Definitely think the Cayman is a better choice if straight line speed isn’t your thing! The steering feel alone is just much better than the M3 which felt numb in comparison. Yeah i know it'll feel "slower", even to what i'm currently driving as the s3 is 400bhp and 440lb-ft. But speed isn't the thing i want, its the feel and the nimbleness etc.
Yeah i just think the M3 is going to feel HEAVY!
Running costs, yeah, that did enter my mind and I know from personal experience working at BMW in the past, M Tax is a real thing lol.
Yeah spec wise of the cayman, there's nothing i desperately want, apart from i'd like it to have 19's and good history tbh, Nav and Bose would be nice but not deal breakers if I'm honest.
Thanks a lot for such a great answer.
Would suggest if your budget stretches then to consider the 2.9 version rather than the gen 1 as it is more or less bulletproof and doesn’t suffer from engine bore scoring issues. In real life scenarios I don’t think it’s much slower than a Gen 1 S anyway. To top it off the tax band sneaks in at the £330 ish mark rather than the £570 that the 987.1 S does.
Seems me & Cerb Lee always chime in on these!
I bought a face lift E92 last July, as you noted the engine is incredible, last of its kind, but as Lee says outside of using the performance it feels quite ordinary, albeit bar the engine noise/feel of a V8 in front of you.
Basically the difference is between a sports car and a modded regular car, albeit M performance of course have a bit of experience of the latter!
In your shoes, knowing what I know it would be the Cayman - only you can decide if it being 'too capable' and the engine risks on early 987's is something you can live with.
I bought a face lift E92 last July, as you noted the engine is incredible, last of its kind, but as Lee says outside of using the performance it feels quite ordinary, albeit bar the engine noise/feel of a V8 in front of you.
Basically the difference is between a sports car and a modded regular car, albeit M performance of course have a bit of experience of the latter!
In your shoes, knowing what I know it would be the Cayman - only you can decide if it being 'too capable' and the engine risks on early 987's is something you can live with.
Edited by acme on Wednesday 17th June 14:29
Edited by acme on Wednesday 17th June 14:29
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