by "Poor_Sh" (ar4x)
Published 11/26/2017 at 22:30
by "Poor_Sh" (ar4x)
Published 11/26/2017 at 22:30
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STARS: 0
Others can answer too, but in my current research for my next car it has been pointed out to me that an M4 would be an equivalent option to my others. I’ve heard a ton obviously about how great they handle, but I just can’t imagine they’re as nimble as a Corvette or Cayman. I’m judging a book by its cover I know, but also I’m annoyed at how ubiquitous BMWs and even the M cars are around my work so that’s part of my hesitation to look at them.
So, what are BMW Ms actually like to drive? I assume my judgement is somehow wrong. But, can you compare the experience to say a Corvette, or a Cayman? What are some trade-offs?
"Spasoje" (Spasoje)
11/27/2017 at 02:10, STARS: 1
Haven’t driven a Corvette or Cayman, but I test-drove a manual F80 in Sport Plus. It’s very buttoned down and smooth, definitely moreso than the F-Type R I drove later on. No turbo lag that I could detect, and the entire car felt like it was carved out a single piece of metal. The steering feel is pretty good, though certainly not what the best hydraulic setups are like... Shifter and clutch feel were both nice. Lots of space inside both the F80 and F82, especially with the carbon roof.
I’d imagine the Vette or P-car would serve a slightly different purpose, though. I see an M as something that’s still daily driveable, while these two would be more weekend-type cars, at least to a certain degree.
Will have to go out there and try to prove myself wrong when it’s time to buy lol
"Poor_Sh" (ar4x)
11/27/2017 at 09:35, STARS: 0
Thanks! Anecdotal analysis is exactly what I’m looking for here. I think your second sentence is a good point towards my thought process. In the one hand I like DD’ing an impractical car somewhat, and I don’t have much of a commute, but on the other hand I believe the M4 would certainly make everyday driving easier in New England.
"E90M3" (e90m3)
11/27/2017 at 10:03, STARS: 0
I haven’t driven a Corvette or a Cayman. I went for a test drive in both a 997 Carrera 4 and a 996 Turbo, both manual as is my M3. The steering in both cars was pretty phenomenal, I also think the steering in the M3 is pretty spot on, well at least for my generation. It still feels pretty nimble, despite being almost 4,000 lbs. I hated the clutch in the 997, it was way too heavy; I couldn’t imagine DDing it. The M3 was bad after an hour in ATL traffic, but the 997 had me disliking the car after 2 minutes. I’ve also been for a test drive in a 6MT F82 M3 and a DCT M4. They’re very quick, but I liked the feel of mine more. I don’t think they’re bad, I just think the E90 is better, even if it is slower. As far as DDing one, there really isn’t a situation that flummoxes an E9X M3. I don’t DD mine because I drive too much, I’ve put almost 20,000 miles on my E92 328i since March. If I lived closer to work and made more money, I’d DD it no problem.
"davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com" (davesaddiction)
11/27/2017 at 10:04, STARS: 0
The F8x is whole-cloth different from the E9x and previous generations of M cars...
What M does very well is making great-performing cars that are actually usable as cars. If handling is the most important thing to you, go with the smaller, lighter option. If practicality matters at all to you, consider M (especially the E9x, which is near the bottom of its depreciation curve - great value!).
(haven’t driven an F8x or Corvette, own an E90 and have driven a couple first-gen Caymans)
"Spasoje" (Spasoje)
11/27/2017 at 17:04, STARS: 0
Probably all comes down to what you’re looking for. If the less practical option tugs at your heartstrings more, that’s what I’d recommend.
The M4 is my favorite since I can commute 1h in it, go to a track day, or lug people and a bunch of stuff around, all at the drop of a hat. Plus, I loooooove its sleek coupe profile. That’s probably a big part of it...
Anyway, despite our PNW weather, I figure a Cayman (etc.) would have to share garage space with something more practical, at least in my case.
OTOH, there’s a YouTuber from CT with a 991, and he commutes all year round w/o a problem. Perhaps in your case, a Cayman with a good set of winters would be the way to go?
"Poor_Sh" (ar4x)
11/27/2017 at 18:33, STARS: 0
Awesome that’s what I was hoping to hear, the passion behind the ownership. The Cayman would be awesome if I could get the S but I’m trying to get more info on it’s suspension on rough roads compared to the others. Also, maintenance is gonna be a lot worse per item I’m sure.
Thanks for the extra info!
"Spasoje" (Spasoje)
11/28/2017 at 16:20, STARS: 0
Maintenance is probably worth confirming... Given the reliability reps of BMW (bad) and Porsche (good) in general, the Cayman might end up being cheaper to run. Though I certainly hope an F8x doesn’t break all the time lol