[Schumacher]

Quite torn on making a decision for a white knuckle Sunday drive. Each has its own brilliant attributes and i would like some fresh opinion.

Some points from my view:

a. Price between them is quite inconsequential for me as all of them are good value used in their own rights.

b. Brand attribute stuff is really not important (i actually started out by shopping for the superb S2000)

c. Reliability disadvantages are probably neutered as all of them will be CPO.

[Crimson92]

i may be biased, but i would get the Z4M coupe.

as a drivers car, it feels better than the other two you mentioned.

i dont know the reliability of the Cayman, but i can say that the z4m has a time proven engine and the slk55 is nearly bulletproof. both are great pics in that respect.

[BMW F22]

Personally I would go for the Cayman S. I think it's sexy and handles very well. The previous gen Z4M is good too. However, if they come out with an M version for the new Z4 I would probably go for that over the Cayman S.

[Crimson92]

Originally Posted by BMW E90

Personally I would go for the Cayman S. I think it's sexy and handles very well. The previous gen Z4M is good too. However, if they come out with an M version for the new Z4 I would probably go for that over the Cayman S.

before i bought my M i drove the cayman S and M back to back.

Overall the M was just a better drive imo. but the cayman does look good.

[TSM330i]

Cayman S. Best chassis and all around car for Sunday (and especially for track days)

[samwoo2go]

Cayman S simply because I genuinely believe it will finally allow me to tap into the "Porsche Only" pussy pool.

[Garduna]

Z4M!

[TheRox]

cayman S

mid engine, right where the engine should be...great balance...good status.

[SantaPimp27]

Cayman S

[footie]

The Z4M will give the great impressive of moving below you, partly down to the positioning of it's seats in relation to the rear axle and partly due to it's front engined/rear drive layout, though it doesn't have the composer or fine balance of the Cayman, nor it's superior steering feel if you happen to look for such things.

Frankly there is only one car worth considering and that's the Cayman S.

[JoosyJoos]

I've driven both... my father bought an M coupe a while ago. Its on coilovers and has a few other mods. Its by far the stiffest car I've ever driven. At track days its a little hard to drive... but its the most fun when you're on that fine line between in control and not. I think the Top Gear video really sums it up quite well. The M coupe is a brute while the Cayman is more of a precise tool... which is more fun is largely an individual decision based on your driving style.

I should also note that drifting the M coupe is a riot because you sit right on the back axle so it feel like you are way more sideways than you should be looking over that huge hood.

[rotaz]

CS FTW!

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by Schumacher

Quite torn on making a decision for a white knuckle Sunday drive. Each has its own brilliant attributes and i would like some fresh opinion.

Some points from my view:

a. Price between them is quite inconsequential for me as all of them are good value used in their own rights.

b. Brand attribute stuff is really not important (i actually started out by shopping for the superb S2000)

c. Reliability disadvantages are probably neutered as all of them will be CPO.

What you haven't spoken about is your intended use of the car - daily driver, weekend toy, occasional track day, long-term or short-term buy.

For the average person, the Cayman or SLK would make a better daily driver, as the ride is more compliant. The SLK55 is auto only - is that an issue.

Even CPO, the Porsche will cost more to maintain and mods ain't cheap. See that 2001-2003 Boxsters are selling for under $20k and see the future as far as depreciation; entry-level Porsches don't hold their value, and the 986/987s seem to be sinking faster than their predecessors, the 944/968.

The M Coupe will have a harsher ride, is slightly smaller inside, and while reliable has an older drivetrain than the others. Depreciation on these also isn't pretty if you're thinking of re-selling soon, and not a lot of mods due to low production volume.

In sum, all are nice cars with some issues - test drive each and see which car's character suits you best.

[hks786]

Cayman S without a doubt.

[Maseroche]

Cayman S!

[Scorpion]

Z4 M definitely.

[skim]

i never warmed up to the cayman/boxster/s.
i'd rather spend it on a 993 for that amount, but that's again me..

so i have to vote for z4m coupe

[Red Bread]

Tracking/Capability:
Cayman S
M Coupe
SLK55

Fun/Rawness
SLK55 (if you don't mind the slushbox)
M Coupe
Cayman S

The Cayman is by far the most capable and composed, but for that reason, it's also the least involving to drive.

The M Coupe is a bit rough around the edges (but still a lot more civilized than my earlier M Coupe) and a bit more of a hooligan, but they're not capable of posting lap times like the Cayman S. More fun, but not as effective.

The SLK is just a bludgeon, no finesse, all motor. The chassis does not feel up to the motor, and the auto box is pretty disappointing, but it's fast in a straight line, and sounds great. It's also the easiest to keep sideways and would probably consume tires at an alarming rate.

All three are fun, and each has a pretty different feel. Go drive them all, worse things could happen on a Saturday afternoon! You can't really go wrong with any of them. Not that you care, but I'd go Cayman S, white with the full leather chocolate interior and PASM.

[Schumacher]

Thanks for the input guys.

To answer some questions:

The car will be used for fun and on good weather days. No set function but it certainly wont be a full fledged daily driver.

I would not want to mod any of them so that is fine. Higher insurance and maintenance costs for the Porsche are fine.

Keeping for a long time.

SLK auto is fine considering it is thought to be a good transmission.

With that said, really am surprised at the number of people for the Cayman. It drives very well but it is just way too dignified for a fun car, i thought it wouldn't have the mental-ness of the V8 shoe or the M3 engine in a smaller body. It has less power too.

With that said, the Z4 may be a bit too wayward to enjoy on a normal road. Any input from the owners on its handling characteristics is welcome. Is it easy to get used to if i would not take it to many track days?

Disclosure: Only driven the Cayman S.

[Schumacher]

Originally Posted by Red Bread

The Cayman is by far the most capable and composed, but for that reason, it's also the least involving to drive.

The M Coupe is a bit rough around the edges (but still a lot more civilized than my earlier M Coupe) and a bit more of a hooligan, but they're not capable of posting lap times like the Cayman S. More fun, but not as effective.

The SLK is just a bludgeon, no finesse, all motor. The chassis does not feel up to the motor, and the auto box is pretty disappointing, but it's fast in a straight line, and sounds great. It's also the easiest to keep sideways and would probably consume tires at an alarming rate.

All three are fun, and each has a pretty different feel. Go drive them all, worse things could happen on a Saturday afternoon! You can't really go wrong with any of them. Not that you care, but I'd go Cayman S, white with the full leather chocolate interior and PASM.

Agree completely with the Cayman's assessment, it is just way too accomplished to be fun. Plus, PASM is super hard to find.

Trying to look at the SLK55. Huge fan of AMG Mercedes cars.

[silvergray545]

Cayman S.

The Z4MC is very small inside. I couldn't find it very comfortable. The Cayman S on the other hand, has plenty of room. I found the Z4MC very fun to drive. You feel like you're in a little go kart and you can just throw it around. The Cayman S has a nicer ride, IMO.

[Aija]

i was mixed between the 335i and cayman S and went with the 335...

I would go with the Cayman S~