2006 Porsche Cayman S or 2006 BMW M3 CLS?

[linux_pro]

Was in a Porsche dealership the other day and fell in love with the new Cayman S. Took it on a test drive, and man, that is one hell of a car. Truly unbelievable. Put it this way, on my test drive, the sales guy was showing me how to handle the car, and threw it into a sharp hairpin at about 80mph. There was no drift, no over or under-steer, no turbo lag, not even the slightest hint that the car was going to do anything other than eat this corner alive and jump at the next one. We exited the turn at about 90mph, at which point the sales guy grinned and gunned it into a straight, bringing us up to about 120mph, before braking hard and just devouring another sharp turn. My description is pathetic in comparison to the actual experience. When the test-drive was over, my hands were shaking for about 30 minutes, the obvious effect of a huge amount of "Porsche" neurotransmitters in my brain, and to be honest, I still haven't recovered. When the sales guy told me he had a used model on the lot for $58,000 which included upgrades that would push a brand-new model into the $80-$85k range, and that this car had only 300 miles on it, let's just say I had a very hard time leaving the dealership without making a major financial commitment. Porsches can do that.

So, this last week all I've thought about is this question: Should my next car be a Porsche Cayman S, or the BMW M3 CLS, which performs nearly as well, but for about $20k cheaper?

My girlfriend was instantly annoyed by the proposition, and requested that I not ask her for her feedback anymore, as she finds both vehicles completely "impractical" (whatever that is supposed to mean), and thinks we should get the Lexus RX-400h instead (Jesus, that thought is depressing).

I figured a bunch of guys who spend their time arguing the subtle differences between a $5,000 suit and a $3,000 one (as if one is a bargain over the other), could probably give me great feedback on the issue.

 

[Huntsman]

It's not about performance, heaven knows its not about image, it's about what moves your soul.

Regards,
Huntsman

 

[DNW]

That's a tough one man. The Cayman S is an pretty good car. With that said, you can get a M3 CSL and still have 20 grand leftover to do mods? I'd have to take the M3. It's an awesome car that will be a collector's item later on. And there's a lot of things you can do with that extra 20 grand.

 

[kronik]

Your girlfriend sounds like she wants to be a wife and have kids. "Impractical." Fie.

My gf loves the Cayman, I love the M3 (though I wouldn't turn down a Cayman). I'd lean towards the M3.

 

[ghulkhan]

M3 csl , that car is going to be a legend down the road man
i mean by no means its not like id turn down a cayman either..but in this case id have to go with the m3..i lvoe m3s and i own one so maybe im biased..but its a csl

 

[Full Canvas]

Originally Posted by linux_pro

My girlfriend was instantly annoyed by the proposition, and requested that I not ask her for her feedback anymore, as she finds both vehicles completely "impractical" (whatever that is supposed to mean), and thinks we should get the Lexus RX-400h instead (Jesus, that thought is depressing).

With all due respect, you might ask yourself whether or not it is time for another lady. Mrs. FC arm wrestles me for the Elan Sprint on sunny days when we are home!

______________________________

 

[matadorpoeta]

My girlfriend was instantly annoyed by the proposition, and requested that I not ask her for her feedback anymore, as she finds both vehicles completely "impractical" (whatever that is supposed to mean), and thinks we should get the Lexus RX-400h instead (Jesus, that thought is depressing).

what's this we crap? until you've said "i do", don't ask her advice on anything, let alone a car purchase.

 

[DNW]

The M3 CSL is one bad ass mofo man. Especially when it's 20 grand cheaper than the Cayman S.

http://www.rsportscars.com/eng/cars/bmw_m3csl.asp

 

[grunhauser]

Another vote for M3.

 

[ghulkhan]

Originally Posted by matadorpoeta

what's this we crap? until you've said "i do", don't ask her advice on anything, let alone a car purchase.

second that man

 

[ghulkhan]

man i think everyones sayin m3...id take a csl over a cayman s anyday..it being a csl just makes it special for an m3 ..a cayman s is just another cayman s

 

[ghulkhan]

oh and csl's have takin porsche gt3's on performance runs

 

[A Y]

I don't think the M3 CSL was ever available in the US (and is no longer available elsewhere). Perhaps you're thinking about the Competition Package? That has its own set of 19-inch wheels, a more performance-oriented traction control system, the Euro compound brake rotors, and some other cosmetic things (including deletion of the cruise control), but is otherwise identical in performance to the normal M3.

Anyway, the more natural competitor to the Cayman S is the MZ4 Coupe, and all reports are that they have very different personalities. If you're comparing the M3 to the Cayman, the first question I'd ask is how many seats you want, because comparing the two is like comparing apples to oranges.

--Andre

 

[Nantucket Red]

Originally Posted by matadorpoeta

what's this we crap? until you've said "i do", don't ask her advice on anything, let alone a car purchase.

I agree, but to be fair, he may not even have asked her advice.

 

[LSeca]

I really would like to have a Cayman S one day, that being said my regular M3 has been fantastic. The M3 gives me more versatiltiy as an everyday car by far.

If only one, I would recommend the M3 CSL. If it is a second vehicle for you and not your primary, I would go with the Porsche.