Compare the2022 Porsche 718 CaymanVS 2021 BMW M2

The 718 Cayman’s optional blind spot warning system uses sensors to alert the driver to objects in the vehicle’s blind spots where the side view mirrors don’t reveal them. The M2 doesn’t offer a system to reveal objects in the driver’s blind spots.

Both the 718 Cayman and the M2 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, daytime running lights, rearview cameras and available crash mitigating brakes.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 718 Cayman second among compact premium sporty cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The M2 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. With 3 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks Porsche higher than BMW.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche above average in long-term dependability. With 30 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, BMW is rated lower.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that Porsche vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Porsche 3 places higher in reliability than BMW.

The 718 Cayman GT4’s standard 4.0 GT3 6-cylinder produces 9 more horsepower (414 vs. 405) than the M2’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder. The 718 Cayman GT4 RS’ standard 4.0 DOHC 6-cylinder produces 88 more horsepower (493 vs. 405) than the M2’s 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the 718 Cayman GT4 4.0 GT3 6-cylinder is faster than the BMW M2 (manual transmissions tested):

As tested in Car and Driver the Porsche 718 Cayman is faster than the BMW M2 (automatics tested):

As tested in Motor Trend the 718 Cayman GT4 4.0 GT3 6-cylinder is faster than the M2 Competition (automatics tested):

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the 718 Cayman lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability. The M2 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the 718 Cayman gets better mileage than the M2:

An engine control system that can shut down some of the engine’s cylinders helps improve the 718 Cayman GT4/GTS 4.0’s fuel efficiency. The M2 doesn’t offer a system that can shut down part of the engine.

The 718 Cayman’s optional fuel tank has 3.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the M2 (16.9 vs. 13.7 gallons).

For better stopping power the 718 Cayman GT4 CCB’s front brake rotors are larger than those on the M2:

The 718 Cayman stops much shorter than the M2:

The 718 Cayman GT4’s 295/30R20 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 30 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the M2’s 35 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 718 Cayman offers optional 20-inch wheels. The M2’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The 718 Cayman offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The M2’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The 718 Cayman GT4 RS handles at 1.11 G’s, while the M2 pulls only .99 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

The 718 Cayman GT4 executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 1 seconds quicker than the M2 (23.1 seconds @ .87 average G’s vs. 24.1 seconds @ .82 average G’s).

For better maneuverability, the 718 Cayman’s turning circle is 2.3 feet tighter than the M2’s (36.1 feet vs. 38.4 feet). The 718 Cayman GT4’s turning circle is .9 feet tighter than the M2’s (37.5 feet vs. 38.4 feet).

The Porsche 718 Cayman may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 400 to 550 pounds less than the BMW M2.

The 718 Cayman is 3.8 inches shorter than the M2, making the 718 Cayman easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the 718 Cayman w/Sport Chrono has an electronically controlled liquid-filled front engine mount and conventional liquid-filled engine mounts (standard liquid front mount on other versions of the 718 Cayman). A computer-controlled electric current in the liquid changes its viscosity, allowing the mount to dampen the engine completely at all RPMs. The M2 uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

As tested by Car and Driver while under full throttle, the interior of the 718 Cayman is quieter than the M2 Competition (84 vs. 87 dB).

The 718 Cayman has a much larger trunk than the M2 (15 vs. 13.8 cubic feet).

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that Porsche service is better than BMW. J.D. Power ranks Porsche third in service department satisfaction. With a 13% lower rating, BMW is ranked 7th.

The 718 Cayman’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The M2 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The 718 Cayman’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The M2 has neither an oil pressure gauge nor a temperature gauge.

The 718 Cayman’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch. The M2 has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the 718 Cayman offers an optional rear wiper. The M2 doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

In poor weather, headlights can lose their effectiveness as grime builds up on their lenses. This can reduce visibility without the driver realizing. The 718 Cayman has standard headlight washers to keep headlight output high. The M2 doesn’t offer headlight washers.

The 718 Cayman’s sun-visors swivel front-to-side to block glare from the side windows. The M2’s visors are fixed into the windshield header.

Optional air-conditioned seats in the 718 Cayman keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The M2 doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the 718 Cayman (except Manual) offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The M2 doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

The Porsche 718 comes in coupe and convertible bodystyles; the BMW M2 isn’t available as a convertible.

The 718 Cayman will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the 718 Cayman will retain 59.52% to 61.35% of its original price after five years, while the M2 only retains 51.11%.

Car and Driver performed a comparison test in its July 2021 issue and the Porsche 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 won out over the BMW M2 CS.

The 718 was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 17 of the last 18 years. The M2 hasn’t been picked since 2019.