The 2023 BMW M2 and Porsche 718 Cayman are 2 of the Best Luxury Sports Cars, But Which is Better?
Genuine sports cars are getting better and better in 2023, and there are two models that consistently stand out. While the BMW M2 and Porsche 718 Cayman certainly aren’t the cheapest sports cars on sale today, they are 2 of the best luxury sports cars you can find. But how do these two cars fare when compared? That’s what we’re here to find out.
On power, the M2 outclasses the Cayman
When it comes to what’s under the hood, there is no doubt that the BMW M2 is just faster. The Porsche Cayman uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine to make 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Meanwhile, the M2 punches out 453 ponies and 406 pound-feet from a 3.0-liter twin-turbo six-cylinder engine.
In the BMW, zero to 60 mph sails by in just under four seconds with the optional eight-speed automatic transmission. Those opting for a three-pedal setup can get there in 4.1 ticks, according to MotorTrend. And with only rear-wheel drive beneath it, the M2 is undoubtedly a true-blue M Performance product and one of the best luxury sports cars out there.
The Cayman, meanwhile, takes nearly five seconds to reach 60 mph with its base engine. However, for an extra 10 grand, the Cayman S punches to 60 in 4.4 seconds with a 2.5-liter four-pot under the hood generating 350 horsepower. Much like the M2, the Cayman line is available with both manual and automatic transmission options, and rear-wheel drive is standard kit.
BMW M2 vs Porsche Cayman handling
The BMW M2 gets an all-new suspension setup compared to the previous model, helping dial-in handling for a more balanced experience. Revised steering and front suspension geometry make the steering feel more precise without being too edgy. That’s something that couldn’t be said about the previous car, which could be darty and imprecise at lower speeds.
On the other hand, the 718 Cayman gets that classic Porsche engineering that makes it a joy to drive almost anywhere. The impeccable balance makes the Cayman one of the best luxury sports cars, despite a lack of power. And while the base engine does reduce the sense of theater, the precision with which the Cayman handles curves more than makes up the difference.
The M Sport braking package is considerably stronger than what comes with the similarly-priced Cayman, and to get a similar experience from the Porsche the figure quickly hits six figures. Overall though, the Cayman is probably more approachable for everyday driving.
Daily driving a new sports car
While the Cayman is undoubtedly more comfortable for daily drives, there is one major drawback that may make it less practical. The BMW M2 has four seats rather than the two-seat setup in the Porsche. For those that need to bring kids to school or just want a bit of extra in-cabin storage, the M2 is the easier option.
That directly conflicts with the harsher ride and more aggressive handling of the M2, though, so in the end it’s more about lifestyle than it is about overall practicality.
Does comfort for two beat race-car handling with some extra cabin space? That’s the real question here, and it makes choosing between these two luxury sports cars a difficult task.
