NEW BMW M2 vs Porsche 718 Cayman GTS | Sports car twin-test 

M2 or Cayman GTS?

I own a 718 Spyder, and I like the fact the (same interior) is not full of screen and has buttons.

In the US, those cars are different by over $30K in price...not the same price. The GTS bases at $92,400, an M2 bases for $63k. If its a base Cayman S, those start at $80K.

In the US the Cayman GTS starts at $96,850, while the M2 starts at $62,200. That's a HUGE difference, for the money I'd take the M2.

As a Cayman GTS owner, I haven’t the faintest interest in the new M2. I bought my car for its light weight action packed toss-ability, a mid engine feel and it’s go kart size. The M2 is a nice car but doesn’t do the same things or fit the same purposes, would of been strange to consider.

These cars are not competitors. In the US, an M2 starts at $62,200, with a well spec'd variant costing $73,000 (pre tax). The Cayman GTS starts at $95,200, with a well spec'd variant costing about $110,000 (pre tax). I owned a 718 GT4 and, between the M2 and the GTS, I would say the M2 is a much more fun and interesting option for the money unless you plan to splurge for the GT4.

I have the new M2 as well as a 2020 718 Spyder. Without question the Porsche is the better car. Unfortunately the Spyder was put away for the winter yesterday. I miss her already🥶

In The Netherlands its 145k (GTS) vs 115k (M2). Quite a lot of money. I’d go for a used GTS instead of the M2. Same money, more capable. And being older it’s less digital, which is also definitely a plus!

the previous M2 is the one to have, imo. the weight is the deal breaker for me. not a major issue tho, since i can't afford it anyway.

I’ll choose the Cayman as a 2-seat sports car but I chose the OG M2C for its versatility to go on track days, surfing, camping, and ti the mall with my fam on the weekends. These two don’t compete in my mind and are in diff buckets

People hate on the M2’s looks but I really think it looks great. It’s often compared to the previous gen M2 but the designs aren’t compatible. Yes, the previous gen is sexy in a classical way but the new M2 is sexy in a modern way.

New M2 is too big ,the previous one was much more pleasing to the eyes !

I don’t know about this new M2 but I had an M2 CS and sold it for a Cayman GTS 4.0. The Porsche was the better car, in my opinion. The M2 was great but the Porsche was just more of a precision instrument and has that great sounding flat 6 and the manual in the Cayman was better than the BMW’s. The M2 did not sound great and while it may have been faster, by a little, the Porsche was more fun to drive, especially at the top of the rev range. Overall, I enjoyed the Porsche more and to me the M2 CS is one of the best M cars ever and probably better than this new, heavier M2.

I actually picked the M2, because the price gap with a similar equipped Cayman is around 20-25k€ (Italy). And investing half of that “saving” in mods on the M2, you’ll make a weapon. Gear ratio is also a plus for the BMW: in ordinary road use the ratio is just too long on the GTS, and on the highway you’ll pull away easily as well. So, for my use, the M2 is the better all rounder. For the track I have a Lotus Elise 240 FE 😉

I went from the earlier M2 to a Cayman GTS in 2020. I’m at 16,000 miles and just did the NC500 in the GTS and it’s a wonderful thing, excellent in every way. I stopped off at Knockhill for a track day and it is so balanced and easy to drive, certainly to my skill level. Yes. A GT4 is quicker but I reckon my GTS is a better all rounder. And the M2, more playful and there was always that feeling it wants to throw you in the scenery. Was a great car and always fun, but the Cayman is just that much better. I can’t see myself going back. As an aside I loved the look of my M2 but this new model looks ugly to my eyes.

718 Spyder owner here. I knew the winner before watching this great review. Porsche for the win! Always!

One is good, one is utterly sensational. The Porsche is an engineering masterpiece and if you’re lucky enough to be able to afford either, there’s only one choice.

You can actually buy an M2 at the moment. Porsche won’t sell you a Cayman GTS4.0 atm. Unless people have placed orders 2 years ago or overseas market availability is radically different the question is moot. You actually can’t cross shop these two cars practically speaking unless you can track down a second hand Cayman for approximately 40% more money.

Just done a quick check on the configurations with both cars similarly specced. The Cayman is over £20k more expensive and that’s before any discount on the BMW.

I'm a fan of both. I currently have a GT3, with an M3 Comp on order for the extra doors. However, the same thing happens here as when channels test the M4 CSL against the GT3 or GT3 RS ($135K vs $220K-$250K)... Just because these cars have two doors, in no way makes them competitors. One is $65K car built on a chassis that cars and SUVs share. The other (with VERY modest options) is $115 on a bespoke chassis. One is based on a road car, the other is a purpose built car that poses as a road car. One is a car with most every option you could want and tech light years ahead. The other, you have to pay for memory seats and cup holders. Both are excellent, but one is at least $50K more expensive. It's not even a fight, let alone a fair fight. A more realistic test would be the M2 vs a 718.

Been driving Caymans and 911s for a while now, and I could never go back to RS/AMG/M cars after these. As a driving experience they're on another planet.

Problem with saying these like "The M2's lightening fast steering" will make people who've never driven these cars think, "oh the M2 corners better", which is completely false - and that's why the reviewer says he feels like the M2 can't keep up with its steering. It's because quick steering is a simply configuration setting designed to hide the massive weight of cars like the M2. BMW used to do the same with brakes - they always made them over-sensitive to give the driver the impression that the car had immense brakes when it didn't. It's always the same detail with the Cayman vs things like the M2/RS3/A45 etc.... one is an actual sportscar, designed as such from the ground up, whereas the others are just regular hatch/saloon/coupe platforms turned into a fast car.

i’m totally in love with my GTS in a way i never bonded with my M4s or original M2. It’s a wonderful piece of engineering that knows it’s purpose, it’s NOT multipurpose, it knows what it is and it’s the best there is ❤

Funny I was cross shopping the two. I ended up with a Cayman GTS as I don’t want a dual purpose car that does nothing well. I have a dedicated car for passengers or cargo.

When posing the question of a competitor, at least in the U.S.: the Mustang Dark Horse matches up pretty well. Granted it is a bit bigger, but with the M2's weight gain, the real-world difference should be within about 100 pounds. Philosophically they're a match and the on-paper performance should also be pretty close.

Great review, the Cayman GTS 4L is the unsung hero of the Porsche line up and yet its one of the best genuine sports cars ever made - amazing rigid chassis mated with a glorious flat six NA engine and one of the best gear boxes in the world.........plus its mid-engined, light and as a consequence turns on a dime. You should try the 981 Cayman GTS 3.4L with only 340HP and PTV. Sounds even better and is perfect on UK B and C roads.

Stepping out of a 981gts into a M2(‘23) , M2 sees more miles. And more smiles. Kids and wife can come along too in the M2.

M2 for hairdressers and go around towns mums. Cayman for people that loves to get out and hit the back roads, country roads, track day fun and whether a Boxster, Cayman or 911 they all have one thing, they make you smile within a minute of driving.

New M2 is way better with zf auto then 6 speed mt

Cayman GTS starts at 92k USD before Porsche options, basically double the price with options. Not the same category price wise...

What are the tires on the Cayman? I have one and I don’t notice any tire noise with my Pirelli P Zeros.

The comparison is so different in the US than the UK. A similarly-equipped GTS is $45 to $50k more expensive, without markups, than the M2. Even a zero-option, don't-click-anything Cayman GTS is $25k US than a full-option M2 here. The price difference utterly invalidates the comparison in the US and makes the two cars affordable by two entirely different segments of the population.

My 2014 base Cayman is my Every Day Driver. Even the lowly 2.7litre has a gorgeous howl w/ the sports exhaust. Puts a grin on my face every time. However, I've got almost a million miles on 3 series & X3 BMWs. My 2009 E91 wagon is just a good place to be for longer drives; quieter & more comfortable. The 4.0 is something that I lust after, maybe when I'm 65 and too old to get outta' the thing! ;-)

Maybe I am missing something but the Cayman GTS starts at $95k vs the BMW at $63k. If we are going by the price, I don't consider them in the same bracket.

💯 there’s many variables that need to be weighed by each prospective shopper if they are comparing these two the use case for the vehicles. Without getting into too many details, I believe it comes down to is for the vehicle, if you’re going to be strictly focused on spirited driving including canyons and track, they Cayman would be a better option. But for someone who likes to have a relatively quick car and is mostly on the street and driving spirited occasionally with far greater potential of tuning for more power, the M2 would probably be the better choice

Porsche is not an option for me not because of price, but because of the interior and onboard technology. The fact that it's missing even basic Android Auto support is a deal-breaker for me. You're paying upwards of €20,000 more for less stuff and a dated interior, basically. The 718 Cayman's refresh in 2025 would make it a good option for me (if I were happy it's €20,000-better than than the G87 M2, which it's not), but Porsche threw a spanner in the works by making it all-electric, which I'm not even willing to consider as an option for a car. The only true contender for me would therefore be the 911 Carrera S, for example, but the the price gap is about €40,000 and I'm not convinced a 911 Carrera S is €40,000-better than the G87 M2. Looks are a very personal thing (and I love the G87 M2 for its looks, in the most part).

In AU the Cayman GTS 4.0 is $70,000 more than the price of the M2. This guy is always a Porsche lover in all his videos as well. So take this with a grain of salt !! Also the BMW has HUGE tuning potential with just a DME flash over the N/A Porsche lets not forget that 😎

As an experience, the GTS 4.0 blows the M2 out of the park, but in terms of statistical performance, the M2 is actually somewhat faster.

Will there be a competition and xdrive combo coming?

Got the 718 4.0 and the M240i X-Drive (G42). Joyful, versatile combo!

I'm going to order an M2 manual, but here in the US the manual is a $0 option. That's ridiculous to pay more for it in the UK. And btw, I've driven in the UK and funny shifting with left hand, my right hand naturally goes for the shifter and smacks into the door.

Great review as expected from JD - Question fo JD - Have you had head hunters snooping around yet ?

I ordered the m2 - I would love a Porsche gts but the price and spec is a lot more expensive here in Australia

Brilliant video 👍👍👍

For on the road( rather than track) isn't an M240ix better value, it accelerates quicker and has better traction, and less cost.

13:00 American sport-muscle cars, particularly the high end ones. Basically any track weapon. It fits in real nice in that niche. I would also throw the Supra and Nismo Z in the mix. Honestly, feels like a good time for people who love to drive. Was in the market for a Z late last year… dealer wouldn’t work with me and really tired of driving a truck. Ended up gravitating to the m2 after watching the Hagerty Supra Icons video. If I’m gonna buy a bmw, might as well be a bmw. Also, not really into the styling of the Supra.

Porsche every time .

For me, I'd go for the Porsche and it's epic 6 cylinder sound 😄. The BMW is a good car, but I'm still quite surprised it's relatively heavy for a performance model 😅. Another great video :)

I don't think anyone cross shopping these 2 but for driving dynamics, the Porsche is unbeatable and probably the best sports car under £100k

Cayman, 100%. And you’re right, this is the best Cayman! Also it won’t be long until you see a lot more M2s on the road than Cayman GTS’s. And it turns heads believe me, especially in Python Green!

Owner of the last Gen M2, great and fun car. For me at 1.98M or 6'6", I just don't fit in the Cayman so that's my decision point even if I had the money for the Cayman GTS.

Not sure of it's available there, but a camaro ZL1 would be a great competitor to the M2 in most aspects

Which Motorway slip road are you pulling through all the gears at higher revs?

I was just recently visiting a Porsche Dealer in Germany. Try to get a GTS 4.0 - good luck. For 2023 the production is already sold, you can try to place an order for 2024 but it is not guaranteed. So the question M2 or Cayman GTS is more an academic one - if we are talking about a new car.

The manual must be better than my 1994 Honda Accord DX and I loved the heck out of that one. "Paying more to do more." Oh, young grasshopper...

No contest: Cayman, every time. Simple as.

I feel BMW have changed their strategy with the M Brand. The cars are more focused on a high tech cabin with a sporty feel, they are no longer producing “Drivers Cars”. Such a shame!

Comparing base prices alone, here in the US there is a $35,000 delta between the M2 & Cayman GTS. I'd much rather have the Cayman myself, but because of the significant price difference, I don't believe many are cross shopping the GTS trim Cayman and an M2. Nice comparison video.

I've owned a Cayman GTS and I just bought an M2. These cars have some similarities but are in different auto classes. The Cayman is a Summer roadster with a roof. The M2 is an all year round car. The Cayman would be better compared to the BMW Z4 M40i than the M2. The 2023 M2 in my opinion is much more fun than the Cayman, fun you can have in the Winter as well.

The Cayman is a great car, but there’s something more appealing and exciting about M cars when I see them on the road. I would take the M2.

The ones picking the 3800lbs “sports” car have never driven a mid engine Porsche. It’s not even a fair comparison. Beside being as heavy as a Toyota RAV4, it’s also too hideous and boy racer for any adult male.

In the UK I'm pretty sure they come standard with manual gearbox. The dct transmission is a £2k option, but I'm referring to the previous model/competition.The manual is apparently sloppy. New m2 is no longer dct but an auto

Can someone let me know where I can buy a new Cayman GTS 4 litre for £65,000?! 😂

Neither of these cars are at their peak performance, or else nobody would feel the need to modify them. That being said, people buy these cars because they perform good, and bring a certain emotion to the buyer. IMO, the 718 Cayman GTS is the more special car, and the better performer for the price. It also weighs a lot less (I am talking 700-800lbs less!) than the G87 M2, and also has a smaller wheelbase, making it more playful. It doesn't heavily rely on computer aids to "make the car feel lighter than it is" (see G87 M2 lol). The 718 Cayman GTS is also right around the same price, so for the money, its just the much better car. It might not have the practicality of the M2, but it also doesn't have the practicality of the last gen M2, and yet, the F87 M2 was the right size and weight. BMW shouldn't have made the G87 M2 so big and heavy, because those are the main gripes about it, besides its design of course. And that brings me to the last point, the design. Though design is very subjective, I think its safe to say that objectively, the G87 M2 design is atrocious, especially when comparing it to the 718 Cayman GTS.

As a Cayman GTS 4.0 owner, I'm biased. But I can attest to the spectacularness of the GTS 4.0. It's just so damn good to drive, regardless of how you're driving it.

BMW needs to immediately fire the 5-year-old who designed the front end of that... _thing._

Great review as always….but, and it’s a big but…the assertion that there’s not a big price difference between these cars is just not true. We all know that a similarly specced Cayman GTS would cost thousands more.

The new m2 have better front end? What do you think with the same tires, which car has better corner ability?

Better engine is debatable. As much as I love the NA flat 6, the S58 is a power house.

In my country, the M2 is still cheaper than the regular 718 cayman, so the M2 is of course more popular. It’s faster, sounds better, and more usable than the regular cayman, but no one can deny that the cayman is a much better looking car. It looks even better than the previous gen M2, which itself is more of a looker than the new one. I’d pick the cayman any day, especially if it’s a GTS.

Porsche cayman gts, is obvious choice and clear winner, I own bmw X5 and Spyder. Porsche is timeless beauty.

IMO a GTS 4.0 is the best new sports car Porsche makes for UK B roads, incl. comically large 992. M2 performance is ideal for a small family. Bag a GTS 4.0 while you can - GT4/Spyder already discontinued. New EV GTS no doubt will tear your face off & leave a 4.0 for dead…in soul destroying silence too fast for most driver’s ability. The GTS 4.0 is the sweet spot that history will teach us was peak ICE defining sports car.

The front of the M2 is HIDEOUS. That alone does it for me (718 GTS owner).

I would like both!

Cayman GTS is special and even more so knowing that it'll have batteries in the next generation. Probably just one more year before it's more special.

Not quite Fair comparison when the Cayman S is 20k more the M2. You need to compare the M2 to the Base Cayman which is still like 5k more but the M2 will clearly take Lead in every way. Compare it to the base Cayman then it makes sense.

For all those that complain that they are not in same price range... When buying used they overlap in price as the BMW M cars is crazy expensive used...

Can't believe the GTS is the same price as the M2 in the UK. I would move there if they had a better cricket team.

I'd love to be able to consider the M2 but why oh why did BMW make it so bloody heavy? At over 1700 kg, the current M2 is 200 kg heavier than the fabled E46 M3, and is actually heavier than the E39 M5! You've fed it too many Bavarian sausages, BMW, this thing is meant to be a sports car!

I actually selected the Cayman S over the M2. The Cayman S is, $ for $, a better performer than the M2

On the german OEM sites, it is 15k Eur difference. Base vs. Base. Suppose the BMW can feel flattered to be choosen for a head to head. Funny comparison, nonetheless

Cayman for the win, not quite sold on the m2 styling either

i cross shopped an m2 and a cayman. if your planning on keeping the car stock than the cayman is probably the better choice. but if you plan on modifying the car the m2 is probably better because the s58 motor is a monster with just a downpipe and tune. i chose the m2

the cayman gts is a dedicated mid engined porsche with huge NA engine. The m2 is more practical. both are fantastic but the cayman is hard to beat many journalists prefer it to the much more expensive 911 variants outside of the turbo/gt3

I’d take the Cayman all day, but Mr Company car man will have the M2. Porsche is a special weekend car, M2 for everyday, horses for courses

Are these the same price in Europe???? Way different in the US

Had half a dozen performance BMW’s over 10 years but would take the Cayman hands down over the M2 every day of the week.

Back in the day i was a BMW driver and i enjoyed driving them. The M3 i had in 2007 was a great car, lots of fun, but when i bought my first porsche in 2015, it was a Boxster GTS and now have a Boxster GTS 4.0 on order. I find the BMW M cars are regular cars turned into sports cars, the Porsche is a sportscar with precision handling from the get go. The experience driving a Porsche versus a BMW is night and day, really they dont compare to one another. The only thing BMW can do is put lots of HP in a car, so on paper it is as fast as a Porsche, but without feeling

About £20k difference for equivalent specs in the UK too. Interesting but not like for like from a price perspective..

As a daily the M2 is the better choice and its engine can be tuned to north of 500hp at relatively low cost.

In Perú is 127k(GTS plus a decent configuration) vs 125k(M2). I pick the GTS 💪🏾💪🏾

There's such a thing as "intuitive" in steering? You point the car where you want it to you, make sure you are not steering so sharply as to overcome the stability control or roll over, and that's it. The vibration you might feel fro the road surface is useful, I suppose, but your eyes' looking through the windshield is far more important. If you are adjusting your steering based on what you feel through the steering wheel, you are an incompetent driver - you are supposed to prepare for that before the road changes under your tires.

Most of the advantages of the M2 over the Cayman described at the end would also apply to my F150.

No comparison in my opinion. The Cayman is in a different league all together, the sound, the balance, the feel and ultimately the package. You only have to have one for a few days and you’ll know what I am going on about 😊

So confused in rhe US rhe Cayman optioned anywhere near what the M2 has is well over 100k.....you have to ask if you're gonna spend that much for the Cayman as dated as it is(I get the performance is good) wouldn't you be better served stepping up to a 911??? The M2 is cheaper than the Base Cayman and not much more than say a loaded Supra. I can't imagine comparing 2 cars with a 40k+ spread and different missions

You could’ve stopped at the steering. I owned many Porsches. I owned an M5. Great car. Lousy steering. Traded for Cayenne GTS. Great steering.

Did Porsche name it a Cayman because you need a secret account to buy, run & maintain one?

the best joke of today " new M2: *it's compact, it's light* " good sense of humor.

I have both cars except my Porsche is a 718 Spyder which I put away during the winter. I get my M2 later this month🥶 Great review of these cars. Cheers!

I'll take the one that wasn't made out of Mega Blocks