[MadBimmeRad]

What better praise than to be called

The Best Driving-BMW Ever Made!?

M2 CS, I Salute You



.... all of our drivers' notes gushed with praise for the M2 CS. This car has the moves at every speed to engage you, and the way it sashays through corners really encourages you to push it.

You don't have to go all out to get the magic feeling; it's there all the time. The massive midrange turbo thrust of the juiced-up motor is intoxicating, and although you do have to be a little careful with it, it makes the car much more exciting at every corner exit.

Then you feel the active differential pushing you out of the corner with the outside tire every time you so much as breathe on the throttle, and it comes across like the car is straining at the harness, always demanding more speed.

Drive all four of these cars, manuals together and dual-clutches together, and the head and heart collide.

We like being quicker and faster than the other guy. We like winning. But we also like cars that speak to our souls, that remind us why we love driving in the first place. The Porsche is quicker and faster. The BMW is, in the majority of situations, more fun.

Or, as Lieberman honed in: "Look, I can make the argument the 718 Cayman GT4 is the third or fourth best-driving Porsche on sale. I can also say the M2 CS is the best-driving BMW ever made."

https://www.motortrend.com/cars/bmw/...arison-review/

[M2C-NLUSA]

I expected nothing less. CS is a hell of a car, but when it comes to the track the GT4 lays down the times. Both magnificent cars and very fortunate to be able to experience what I consider the best versions of both. Congrats BMW and M you hit this round out of the park.

[MadBimmeRad]

Originally Posted by M2C-NLUSA

I expected nothing less. CS is a hell of a car, but when it comes to the track the GT4 lays down the times. Both magnificent cars and very fortunate to be able to experience what I consider the best versions of both. Congrats BMW and M you hit this round out of the park.

To compare the CS to the GT4, is like comparing a stallion to a leopard.

Both fast, both magnificent, but simply put, totally different animals

[mchart]

Well, one is really only brilliant on the track. Personally, living at 7k feet altitude, the GT4 just doesn't have the power levels i'd want. 400HP is a sweet spot, but at this altitude that is closer to 350HP being a NA engine.

[medphysdave]

It still blows my mind that they get compared to one another. It's a testament to the CS for sure, and takes nothing away from what the GT4 is all about.

I felt the same

The one that speeds up your heart, sends your pulse racing and your brain spinning. Porsche GT3s have this effect.

[sdhotwn]

I thought it was a nicely done review and makes it pretty clear where the nature and behavior of each car is. Doesn't knock or detract on either car while still explaining how each is flawed. Well done I thought.

Given my ownership bias. I did appreciate this though:
"Every editor who drove the cars said the same thing: They wouldn't kick the Porsche out of bed, but they'd rather have the BMW."

[medphysdave]

Originally Posted by sdhotwn

I thought it was a nicely done review and makes it pretty clear where the nature and behavior of each car is. Doesn't knock or detract on either car while still explaining how each is flawed. Well done I thought.

Given my ownership bias. I did appreciate this though:
"Every editor who drove the cars said the same thing: They wouldn't kick the Porsche out of bed, but they'd rather have the BMW."

The were able to resonate my feeling of similarity of driving experience between the CS and GT3.

[Romo]

Great cars, happy to own them both

[No Boost]

Some observations:

Power to weight ratio is eerily identical
CS has 100 more ft lbs of tq that comes on way sooner, making it a funner street car
The trap speed of the GT4 looks off. Should be easily 120+, especially with PDK
Damn, these pocket rockets are expensive!

[ZL9M2]

Do we keep forgetting the fact that the CS is almost $30k less? Imagine the results of a performance comparison if BMW were to build a car to that retail number. Why do we keep seeing these cars compared?

[mchart]

Originally Posted by ZL9M2

Do we keep forgetting the fact that the CS is almost $30k less? Imagine the results of a performance comparison if BMW were to build a car to that retail number. Why do we keep seeing these cars compared?

Exactly. I really don't like how people act like it's comparing a Mustang GT to a Camaro SS. M2CS & GT4 aren't remotely similar in price IMO. Good luck getting an allocation at a Porsche dealer to get a base GT4 as well. Basically not going to happen. The reality is that a normal person wanting a GT4 is going to be shelling out at least another $10k in dealer ordered options. The average cost of a GT4 that is actually available on a dealer showroom is $120-$130k, not the $101k base. Any dealer that will give you an allocation for one is going to want to make sure it's a customer adding that $20k in extra crap so they can make more money.

Of course, at this point it doesn't matter. You can't get a new M2 CS anyways.

[ptgltw]

Originally Posted by M2C-NLUSA

I expected nothing less. CS is a hell of a car, but when it comes to the track the GT4 lays down the times. Both magnificent cars and very fortunate to be able to experience what I consider the best versions of both. Congrats BMW and M you hit this round out of the park.

Most will never take either car to the track. However such was the case this past weekend at VIR:

The stock 2020 Cayman GT4 driven by a very good amateur driver can go 2:06 ish around VIR full course as was the case this weekend. That's moving for any factory car.

The M2 CS with AP racing brakes and Hankooks was not far behind. The GT4 driver was more experienced but kudos to the M2 CS driver for laying down some really good times as well and for even bringing it to the track in the first place.

Long live the M2 CS. It's a legend.

[ptgltw]

Originally Posted by MadBimmeRad

What better praise than to be called

The Best Driving-BMW Ever Made!?

M2 CS, I Salute You



Or, as Lieberman honed in: "Look, I can make the argument the 718 Cayman GT4 is the third or fourth best-driving Porsche on sale. I can also say the M2 CS is the best-driving BMW ever made."

This has been my argument from day one. I'm also more of a BMW fan than I am a Porsche fan.

But if I were to buy a new Porsche it would be the 992 GT3.

[sdhotwn]

Originally Posted by medphysdave

The were able to resonate my feeling of similarity of driving experience between the CS and GT3.

Same for me with the 981 GT4 and the M2. It was clear which one was more fun on the street, and I never had doubts about the GT4's ability for the track. Given that I track bout 4-6 times a year, plus the back seats thing, it was an easy decision around where I wanted to focus the purchase. More fun and more practical for a literal 90+% more of my use for a <10% or whatever drop (if even) in ultimate track performance a whopping half dozen times a year. Easy decision.

[sdhotwn]

Originally Posted by ptgltw

Most will never take either car to the track. .

Absolutely agree on the "most" as I doubt its >50%. I am curious on the percentage. I was supposed to have it out on track this Saturday, but I'm short one wheel and the tires I need, so the E36 gets the honors. Hopefully in June instead .

[NYNick]

I've owned all sorts of cars and have gotten to the point in my life where fun is more important than speed. My modern 997 Turbo was clearly the most capable car I've ever owned, but it wasn't fun.

[MadBimmeRad]

Originally Posted by ptgltw

Most will never take either car to the track. However such was the case this past weekend at VIR:

The stock 2020 Cayman GT4 driven by a very good amateur driver can go 2:06 ish around VIR full course as was the case this weekend. That's moving for any factory car.

The M2 CS with AP racing brakes and Hankooks was not far behind. The GT4 driver was more experienced but kudos to the M2 CS driver for laying down some really good times as well and for even bringing it to the track in the first place.

Long live the M2 CS. It's a legend.

Was the M2 CS driver called Mike by any chance?

If so, he's a nice guy and has a nice ride

[ptgltw]

Originally Posted by MadBimmeRad

Was the M2 CS driver called Mike by any chance?

If so, he's a nice guy and has a nice ride

lol, no not mine. another one. Hold for pic when were were packing up.

Speaking of my CSR, I doubt a stock GT4 can't keep up with the CSR around the track. And that's with mine at the 365 hp rating. My car can (and has) dipped under 2 with a much more capable driver than I. Not sure the Factory GT4 can get that low. But now we are really comparing apples to oranges aren't we? Factory Motorsports car to a factory street car. One way or another let's all just agree the M2 CS wins.

[Peterometer]

400HP is a sweet spot, but at this altitude that is closer to 350HP being a NA engine.

Much less actually. Ideal conditions would result in an 85hp loss, but since density altitude is often higher, especially in summer that number can easily get to over 100 horsepower lost at 7k. People who don't live at altitude don't understand how much slower cars that don't make their own atmosphere are up here.

[Hedoniste]

Originally Posted by stevestevesteve

Much less actually. Ideal conditions would result in an 85hp loss, but since density altitude is often higher, especially in summer that number can easily get to over 100 horsepower lost at 7k. People who don't live at altitude don't understand how much slower cars that don't make their own atmosphere are up here.

I often drive between 1500-2000m above sea level and I can confirm that my E92 M3 or Z4M lost significant power. Turbo cars have massive advantage even if they loose power too.

[No Boost]

Originally Posted by ZL9M2

Why do we keep seeing these cars compared?

Originally Posted by mchart

Exactly. I really don't like how people act like it's comparing a Mustang GT to a Camaro SS. M2CS & GT4 aren't remotely similar in price IMO.

Because that's what journalists do, compare apples and bowling balls in the interest in creating buzz from forum members. Car and Driver has been comparing the 911 with M3 ever since Moses wore short pants.

[jessief29812]

Going to read this on my lunch…. But wow both cars are amazing machines