Cayman vs M2

[johnvan8]

Hi all,
Having been "Porscheless" for awhile now, I'm contemplating a 2014 6-speed Cayman (base model) with very low miles (7k) and an asking price of $50k. This would be a third car. I like to drive briskly (don't we all) but am no longer obsessing over max HP, speed and what not. I guess age will do that you. So I've been thinking the same $ will buy me a 2017 or 2018 BMW M2.
I know this is a P-car forum and you guys will be biased, but what does the group think about either choice? Would especially like to hear from those who have actually driven both or owned both. The M2 has quite a bit of power over the base Cayman, but I don't think it will matter as much considering what I'm looking for: a fun, engaging car that I can do the occasional commute in or take on the track (Speed Ventures style) once or twice a year. Not too concerned about resale but it is a consideration. Cost of maintenance (I'm a checkbook mechanic) is important.
Thanks for reading and looking forward to your replies.
John

[roblav]

I sold my 2008 base Cayman and really miss it. One of two of my favorite 18 or so Porsches. IMHO, BMW went downhill starting around 1998 or so... cars were marketed to tech people rather than sporting drivers. Reliability was not so great on my 2007 and 2009 3 series cars.

[MichaelB]

An M2 is neat... But every time you are driving it & you happen to see a Cayman, you will long for the Porsche.

Just get the Porsche & be done.

[jcsjcs]

Originally Posted by MichaelB

An M2 is neat... But every time you are driving it & you happen to see a Cayman, you will long for the Porsche.

Just get the Porsche & be done.

Totally agree with MichaelB - I have considered MX5 RF, various BMWs, etc. but none of them excite me like the PCARs. I Drove a MX5-Miata RF a few months ago and it was a total blast, but then I saw the 40k price tag and started to work through the list of PCARs I could buy for the same money. Cayman is high on my list - but I need a 4 seater - my kids happily squeeze into the back of my 84 911.

[David Borden]

The cars are so different. No doubt the BMW has good reviews and probably a very good all around car. With that said, it is what it is. The Porsche Cayman will be a totally different experience being a mid engine Porsche with a much lower CG. Long term the Cayman should do considerably better on resale.

We had a 718 Cayman S and loved the car. Despite having a few other cars to choose from, it was the one I chose to drive most of the time. We only recently sold it to upgrade to a GT3.