If you thought small sporty coupes are a dying breed, think again. Germany is offering big performance from their smallest cars, so Autocar decided to put them to the test. BMW’s latest M2 is a 2.9-liter single turbo straight six rated at 365 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. The opponent is Porsche’s new 718 series Cayman S. It’s a 2.5-liter turbo four which is mounted right behind the cockpit. It may be lacking by 20 hp and 59 lb-ft of torque, but will the mid-mounted design offer more grip?
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Another variable is added with having to perform shifts at the proper time.You might not believe that both cars have six-speed manual transmissions, no silly paddles here. One of the major difference is in target audience: The M2 has rear seats. They may be small, but insurance premiums and family life are more forgiving in the 2+2 world. Will a flat four beat a straight six? You might be surprised, so make sure to check them out in person at our local dealers.
