BMW M2

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Porsche 718 Cayman

The rare compact mid-engine “Cayman”

BMW’s high-performance “M” series incorporates feedback from motorsports. The smallest model in the series, the BMW M2, has undergone interior and exterior updates and will go on sale in the Japanese market from autumn 2024. As a rival, we will look at Porsche’s compact mid-engine sports car, the 718 Cayman, which is rumored to be electrified in the next generation model.

The two-seater Cayman is approximately 200mm shorter in overall length and 270mm shorter in wheelbase, and its vehicle weight is 365kg lighter than the M2. While the M2 has a conventional front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout and a separate trunk, the Cayman is overwhelmingly compact. While capacity is limited, the midship layout allows for luggage space in both the front and rear.

BMW M2

Body size = Length 4580mm x Width 1885mm x Height 1410mm

Wheelbase = 2745mm

Vehicle weight = 1730kg

Tire size = 275/35R19 (front), 285/30R20 (rear)

Porsche 718 Cayman

Body size = Length 4379mm x Width 1801mm x Height 1286mm

Wheelbase = 2475mm

Vehicle weight = 1365kg

Tire size = 235/45R18 (front), 265/45R18 (rear)

The M2’s 3.0-liter inline-6 turbo boasts overwhelming power

The M2 is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder gasoline turbo engine that produces a maximum output of 480 PS and a maximum torque of 600 Nm. It drives the rear wheels via an 8-speed M Steptronic (AT) or a 6-speed MT. The Cayman is equipped with a 2.0-liter horizontally opposed 4-cylinder gasoline turbo engine introduced in the current third generation, which produces a maximum output of 300 PS and a maximum torque of 380 Nm.

The M2, with its 180 PS maximum output, beats the Cayman by 0.9 seconds in 0-100 km/h acceleration. By choosing the optional M Driver’s Package, the M2’s top speed can be increased from the standard 250 km/h to 285 km/h.

BMW M2

Engine type = Inline 6-cylinder gasoline twin turbo

Displacement = 2992cc

Maximum output = 480PS / 6250rpm

Maximum torque = 600Nm / 2700-5620rpm

Transmission = 8-speed M Steptronic (AT)

Drive system = RWD

Top speed = 250km/h (limited)

0-100km/h acceleration = 4.0 seconds

Porsche 718 Cayman

Engine type = Horizontally opposed 4-cylinder gasoline turbo

Displacement = 1988cc

Maximum output = 300PS/6500rpm

Maximum torque = 380Nm/2150-4500rpm

Transmission = 7-speed PDK (DCT)

Drive system = RWD

Top speed = 275km/h

Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h = 4.9 seconds

Practicality or unique presence?

The new M2 features the latest BMW Curved Display, consisting of a 12.3-inch meter panel and a 14.9-inch infotainment panel. The Cayman has a rev counter in the center of a classic meter nacelle, and features a highly visible speedometer and a 4.6-inch color screen.

In terms of livability and convenience, the M2 has an advantage over the two-seater Cayman, being compact yet equipped with a rear seat and separate trunk. Compared to the M2, which is lavishly equipped with advanced features, the Cayman, which debuted in 2016, is undeniably outdated by modern standards. Still, its unique mid-engine layout in its segment and primitive sports car-like cockpit exude a unique charm.

As mentioned above, the M2 has overwhelming power performance, but the Cayman also offers the 718 Cayman GTS 4.0, which is equipped with a 4.0-liter horizontally opposed 6-cylinder naturally aspirated engine. The 718 Cayman GTS 4.0 delivers a maximum output of 400 PS, accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.0 seconds, and has a top speed of 288 km/h, achieving performance comparable to the M2. However, it should be noted that the price tag is 12.62 million yen, more than 2 million yen higher than the M2.