Video: BMW 1M vs. Cayman R Review by Autocar

[catserfp]

The 1M, in fact, does look much better...

[ORIGIN M.]

One of the best reviews so far IMO...

[CaptSlow]

Comparing a mid-engine stripped 2-seater to a front-engine 4 seat coupe loaded with options is pure nonsense. There is no basis for comparison. Both are great cars. The fact that the 1M can keep up with the Porsche while still offering all the comfort and amenities of a daily driver, speakes volumes of the little M. In the end, we each choose whatever car fits our needs best.

[335togo]

Originally Posted by PKumarM3

well it is and isn't a fair comparison since the type of person that is going to buy a 1M is going to either consider purchasing a cayman r or will compare the car's statistics to a cayman r.

the porsche is a better drivers car. but its also a 2 seater, where as the 1m has a rear seat and a proper boot. so the advantage is unfair.

they are aimed at 2 different people, so that makes it an unfair comparison, but thats what the BMW M line has always gone up against and its successes are what make it great, but more recently, the successes have been too far and too few.

there was a time when the E39 M5 was compared to the 996 Porsche Turbo

if you compare the e92 m3 to the benchmark in automobiles - the GT3 - the m3 just gets spanked over and over. too many compromises.

whats a shame is that bmw has fallen so hard compared to its rivals who keep pumping out more and more focused cars

Where is the Z4 in this comparison...2 seats...or would BMW loss that one too...

[dmw16]

Originally Posted by MrRoboto

I was in the same boat ultimately ordered the 1M. New, warranty, exclusive, fast, etc, etc.

For me, the only plus in the M3s favour was the sound. Not worth 20k.

I still think the M3 is exclusive, but I suppose they've built just a few more of those than the 1M at this point

I'd buy a used M3 so I figure if anything I might spend the same or a little less than the 1M in a year or so. New is nice, but I like the value offered by a used CPO.

The other upside to the M3 is I am heading into my family-having years and a 4-door car makes more sense. If I got an M3 I'd go E90.

[JoeyFiasco]

just stick the wife in a SUV or stationwagen..

[vladberca]

Cayman R is much more track oriented than 1M...
But also for DD and track 1M might be a better choice... It has a big price advantage too

[BMW-driver]

Stupid to compare those two cars.
The natural competitor for the 1M is ofcourse the brandnew Audi A3 RS, or cars like Ford Focus RS500, not coupés with room for two.

Porsche Cayman R should compete with TT-RS, or BMW Z4is, or Mercedes SLK AMG or what ever.

[BMW-driver]

Originally Posted by CaptSlow

Comparing a mid-engine stripped 2-seater to a front-engine 4 seat coupe loaded with options is pure nonsense. There is no basis for comparison. Both are great cars. The fact that the 1M can keep up with the Porsche while still offering all the comfort and amenities of a daily driver, speakes volumes of the little M..

I absolutely agree on that. Stupid and worthless comparison.

[XC]

With 12k ypu can buy another car. We must keep that in mind.

[Dee Pee]

I struggled with buying the 1M or a used Cayman S when based on price-point, alone. However, at the end of the day, I decided on the 1M for all the reasons that most of the enthusiasts on this board espouse.

I also agree that this comparison is purely a marketing ploy. These cars are apples and oranges. I've driven Caymans and I own an M Roadster and to compare a 2-seater to a sedan is just ludicrous.

I love the Porsche for its timeless shape and technical execution. The Cayman is a superb car and someday I may take the plunge (once I get a vasectomy thereby ensuring that my disposable income isn't wasted on diapers and some harpy that will eventually take half my crap).

I suppose the best analogy that I can only offer is: what kind of person you want at your side in a bar-fight?

Do you want the refined, smooth-talkin', electro-pop-listenin', Gewürztraminer-sippin', Hapsburg who sports a cute lil' fencing foil?

Or do you want the pugnacious, foul-mouthed, hard-rockin', Jager-bombin', psychopathic Teutonic axe-swinger who is just as likely to kill you, too...once he's done showing the competition his "many poo-chutes?"

Yeah...I thought so...

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by Dee Pee

I love the Porsche for its timeless shape and technical execution. The Cayman is a superb car and someday I may take the plunge (once I get a vasectomy thereby ensuring that my disposable income isn't wasted on diapers and some harpy that will eventually take half my crap).