SHOWDOWN: 2011 BMW 1M vs. 2012 Porsche Cayman R, A Fair Comparison?

Although I think it's safe to say it's not a fair comparison, an automotive publisher went ahead and did it anyway. This is why this test isn't fair:

The BMW 1M is a two-door, forced-induction four-person people carrier. A Porsche Cayman R is a two-person, track ready mid-engined machine. While I haven't piloted the 1M, I have driven the Boxster Spyder, which is pretty much aligned with the R.

Long story short, the R is likely not a daily driver where I bet many drivers could get away daily driving a 1M -- as much as BMW wants to say it's a track car, I am not going to buy into that.

So, it's not a surprise that the 1M walks away with a "W" because its cheaper and more usable.

Either way, both cars are likely a hoot to drive but to compare them as if its apples to apples seems sort of...wrong...


Autobild has just published a comparison test between the 1M and the Porsche Cayman R equipped with 7-speed PDK. We're happy to share that the 1M won this comparison (besting the Cayman R by 1 point). The 1M coupe performs only slightly worse than the Cayman R, yet it offers better overall comfort and low-end power. All this for roughly EUR 25k less!

1M coupe performance data:

0-62mph: 4.8s [Porsche 4.6s]
0-124mph: 17.8s [Porsche 16.4s]
ContidromTrack time: 1:35.76 [Porsche 1:34.21]

[Source: 1addicts]


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Larrybel2000 - 4/23/2011 7:46:01 PM

+1 Boost

Good to Know. Either way, I have to save my pennies.

quizz - 4/23/2011 9:51:29 PM

+2 Boost

Why not just compare vs. Cayman-S with PDK?

chris760 - 4/23/2011 10:41:18 PM

+2 Boost

hmm i would just take the cayman s. more usable, just a tad bit slower than the r. price-wise, of course, it's a different story. the 1M's price gives it the advantage.

honestly think the audi tt-rs (maybe even the tt-s, price wise) would be a better comparison. the rs3 too, but we don't get it in the us.

car750i - 4/24/2011 12:47:57 PM

+3 Boost

"The BMW 1M is a two-door, forced-induction four-person people carrier. A Porsche Cayman R is a two-person, track ready mid-engined machine."

Considering the 1M's performance is on the same level and costs over $30K (US) less!! I would say its an obvious victory for the 1M, and not fair for the Porsche. Heck you could spend 2 or 3K of the money you saved and close the small acceleration gap between the two, and still walk home saving over $25K.

2ndbimmer - 4/26/2011 10:03:47 AM

+2 Boost

the 1M engine can be upgraded an additional 40hp and 50tq from a chip costing $275 and it doesnt throw any codes. plus free maintenance. in this market, the 1M is better for me. I dont make enough money to choose base on preference and money doesnt matter. my 3 series costs the same as this 1M.

85bmw745i - 4/27/2011 12:23:25 AM

+2 Boost

All you would have to do is get a power programmer for the 1M and it would be considerably faster. Programmers give considerable power boosts in turbo engines.

85bmw745i - 4/28/2011 1:02:22 AM

+1 Boost

I love the 1M but the Porsche Outclasses the BMW, and I am a die hard BMW fanatic. Honestly I would need both.