Porsche 718 Cayman Vs. BMW M2

Performance: 2024 Porsche 718 Cayman vs. 2024 BMW M2

When it comes to raw power and acceleration, the M2 should leave the base 718 Cayman in its dust. Under the hood, it packs BMW M Division’s legendary S58 engine under the hood, a 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six that’s a rocket ship. This same engine, also powers the M3 sedan and M4 coupe, and even though the M2 is the "baby" of the M family, it still churns out a healthy 453 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. All that power goes straight to the rear wheels, and you get a six-speed manual as standard. If you want even quicker shifts (and maybe a bit less work), BMW’s got you covered with a no-cost eight-speed torque converter automatic option.

Now, let’s talk about the base 718 Cayman. It’s got a unique powertrain, a turbocharged 2.0-liter flat-four engine nestled right behind the seats. This isn’t one of the garden-variety four-cylinder engines, though. It’s a boxer engine, giving it that signature Porsche rumble. It might not be as powerful as the M2, but with 300 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, it’s no slouch. Just like the M2, the 718 Cayman has rear-wheel drive but comes standard with a seven-speed PDK dual-clutch automatic. Also, if you want a manual gearbox, a six-speed unit is available as a no-cost option.

So, on paper, it looks like the M2 is the more potent of the bunch with more power and quicker acceleration. But the Cayman should feel more nimble, thanks to the lighter curb weight (about 700 pounds lighter compared to the M2) and a mid-engine layout. It’s true that the Cayman is lighter and can go faster than the M2’s 155 mph electronically capped top speed rating, but the M2’s power-to-weight ratio (0.1186 hp/lb) is higher than the base 718 Cayman (0.0966 hp/lb). As for the chassis, the M2 also has a few tricks up its sleeve. It comes standard with adaptive suspension, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, and bigger brakes – all features that’ll cost you a pretty penny on the standard 718 Cayman. And let’s not forget, the M2 is cheaper, coming in at almost $10,000 less than the Porsche.

Key differences: 2024 Porsche 718 Cayman vs. 2024 BMW M2

The 718 Cayman might look sleek and modern, but let’s face it, it’s getting a bit long in the tooth. It’s been around since 2016, and Porsche hasn’t given it any major updates since then. But still, it carries that classic Porsche mid-engine silhouette with a sharp front end that screams "sports car." The BMW M2, on the other hand, is the new kid on the block, fresh off a 2023 redesign. Its exterior styling might be a bit polarizing, but step inside, and you’ll find a cabin that’s packed with modern up-to-the-minute tech and premium materials.

Speaking of interiors, the Cayman feels a bit dated compared to the M2. There’s a lot of plastic in there, which doesn’t exactly scream luxury, especially at this price point. The M2, on the other hand, spoils you with standard leather upholstery and aluminum trim sprinkled around. It just feels more upscale and modern – what you’d expect from a $60,000 car. And let’s talk screens. The Cayman is seriously lacking in this department with a dinky seven-inch unit, while the M2 boasts a pair of curved displays (a 12.3-inch driver information display and a 14.9-inch touchscreen infotainment panel) that look and feel cutting-edge.

Need to carry more than one passenger? The M2’s got your back, literally. It has a back seat, which, while not exactly spacious, can fit kids or smaller adults in a pinch. The Cayman S, on the other hand, is strictly a two-seater but does offer slightly more cargo capacity with a frunk and a trunk.

The 718 Cayman is the cheapest Porsche sports car you can buy today. But is it worth the money? Well, it depends. The new-generation BMW M2 is not only more affordable than the base 718, but it’s a compelling sports car that you can enjoy on the racetrack without spending a ton of money on optional extras. A high-tech cabin, check; Adaptive suspension, check; added chassis bracings, check; electronically controlled limited-slip differential; check. These features come as standard with the M2.

So unless you’re a Porschephile or want a convertible, which Porsche offers with the Boxster, sadly, when compared to the base 718, the BMW M2 offers more for less money. But the mid-engine Cayman does come with a well, Porsche badge and the 718 chassis is a refined one, that you can truly exploit on a twisty road. So if you prioritize driving dynamics above all else, the Cayman is a no-brainer, despite the higher price point.