While not traditionally rivals, there's one area where BMW's M4 CS outdoes the similarly priced entry-level 911 Carrera
When you think ’German Sports Car’, the Porsche 911 and BMW M4 are most likely the models to come to mind. Typically, I would not put them in the same sentence together, but something interesting is happening with both. In the past, BMW almost always tried to desperately keep up with the Porsche 911, especially in its high-performance variants. Over the years, these efforts spawned cars like the BMW M3 CSL (E46) and BMW M3 GTS (E92). A less-known M-car is the M3 GTR (E46), which actually managed to beat Porsche in an area where it typically dominates – endurance racing. But things are different when it comes to road cars. Until now at least. Looking at the price and performance levels, the Porsche 992.2 Carrera may have finally found its match. I decided an unlikely comparison is in order to figure out if the BMW M4 CS really is good enough to dethrone what is, often, considered to be the ultimate sports car.
BMW M4 CS Vs. Porsche 911 (992.2) Carrera Performance
While not traditional rivals, there is one area where the BMW M4 CS and the latest Porsche 911 Carrera are comprable. Price.
On paper, the Porsche 911 Carrera loses the battle badly to the M4 CS. But we know numbers only tell half the story and Porsches are quicker than their horsepower number suggests. Both vehicles can, reportedly, exceed their factory-claimed figures with the M4 Competition even recording a sub-three-second 0 to 60 mph time. Meanwhile, we know the 992.1 Carrera was severely underrated from the factory, and given the 992.2 Carrera now features 992.1 Carrera GTS turbochargers, the same might be true here. Granted, the Carrera isn’t as ground-breaking as the T-Hybrid-powered 911 Carrera GTS, but it isn’t meant to be. As for the M4 CS, the only downside is that it weighs 595 pounds more than the Porsche 911 Carrera.
The two German sports cars are also very different in terms of the platform layout. The rear-engine 911 comes with its own advantages as does the M4 CS with its more traditional, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive setup. However, this particular BMW M variant comes exclusively with the company’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system where as the base Carrera sends power to the rear wheels. Here’s how the two sports cars compare on paper. The BMW M4 builds upon the already insanely-capable M4 Competition.
2025 Porsche 911 Carrera Vs. 2025 BMW M4 CS Features And Price
When it comes to cost, these cars are in the same price range. The 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera starts at $120,100 while the BMW M4 CS will set you back $124,675. In BMW’s case, this gets you a range-topping variant with the Bavarian company’s most powerful inline-six – the S58.
If you are willing to part ways with 40 horsepower, the BMW M4 Competition, on which the CS is based, starts at $84,195. Objectively speaking, the BMW M4 CS offers better value for money. The Bavarian model is more powerful, more practical, quicker, and faster for about the same price. You are also getting a range-topping, special-edition variant, with a limited production of 1,700 cars. A potential future classic.
Meanwhile, the Porsche 911 is an all-time classic even in base form. The rear-engine 992.2 Carrera will be desirable even after 20 years. The Porsche 911 is also much lighter and nimbler than the tech-heavy M4 CS. The Bavarian model makes a strong case for bang for the buck, but if you are a Porsche fan, there is only one choice for you, and its engine is at the rear. Despite both these popular German sports cars being in the same price range, they are extremely different in terms of features. Here’s what they have in common and how they differ.