Is The C7 Corvette Ready To Take On The Germans? BMW M4 Vs, Chevrolet Corvette Z51 Vs. Porsche Cayman S

The age-old rivalry between Corvette, Porsche, and BMW kicks off once again, this time at Connecticut's gorgeous Lime Rock Park. We grabbed our gear, packed our stopwatches, and headed east to find this round's victor in a title fight we never want to end.

Along with Porsche, BMW helped introduce enthusiasts to the true dual-purpose car, a no-compromises street-and-track machine that brings circuit talent to every session behind the wheel. Because we live for that feel, we can't help but compare a Munich car to its predecessors, especially when it wears the Motorsport badge.

No BMW signals that we're about to get what we want more than the M3, a model widely agreed to be the blueprint for the modern sport sedan. We did not, however, ask for much of what the latest iteration delivers.

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ParadoX - 10/22/2014 4:05:16 PM

+3 Boost

Sub 100k Coupe. I would definitely go for the Corvette.

Agent00R - 10/22/2014 7:31:57 PM

+4 Boost

If practicality isn't a concern, it's really tough NOT to pick the Corvette.

Sciros - 10/22/2014 4:20:35 PM

+3 Boost

I chose a Z51 Stingray over the others for multiple reasons, but the biggest reason was that it looks like an exotic and the others don't. It also is no worse than the others in any respect except perhaps storage capacity vs the M4.

Terry989 - 10/22/2014 5:30:40 PM

+1 Boost

If you want storage capacity, go with the Cayman or the Z51:
Z51 - 15 cubic feet
Cayman S - 15 cubic feet
BMW M4 Coupe - 11 cubic feet

Sciros - 10/23/2014 2:38:18 PM

+1 Boost

I don't know... the cubic feet thing is really not a great indicator because the hatch on my Vette is so sloped and means I can't put very tall objects in there. I have a large surface area but in terms of actual practical capacity... I'd be very surprised if it's truly less than in an M4 which has a real trunk.

Terry989 - 10/22/2014 6:01:47 PM

+2 Boost

And the answer is yes - - - - but for a lot more money!

valhallakey - 10/22/2014 6:03:23 PM

+2 Boost

Nice comparison although skimpy on details (I think US car magazines could learn a thing or two from the British and German magazines). I like the new Corvette a lot but in the brighter colors the looks are too Transformerish for me… although maybe in some shade of gray, not sure which of the 50 but maybe. Still like the Cayman S as well, although I have not driven it on the track, seems exciting when needed nice when wanted. I have to agree on the M4, having had a number of BMWs from a CSL back in the 80s to an M3 and M5 more recently, the M3 (and now M4) have diminished since the E46 model in my eyes. I guess as they mentioned the new M3/4s are more of the M5 size now and the M2 will be the true successor. Lets hope it is successful.

Agent00R - 10/22/2014 7:46:43 PM

+2 Boost

Having driven all three, here's my take.

I love the all-new M3/M4 and it's easily one of the best BMWs ever made. BUT, in this battle it can't compete with the sportier Corvette and Cayman S. If I needed a practical ride, make mine a Mineral White M3, please.

The all-new Corvette is one seriously impressive piece of kit. It drives brilliant, makes a lot of noise and looks killer albeit a touch cartoonish. If you want power, value and an awesome product this is the one. My only problem is that there are a lot of Corvettes on the road and I like to have something a little less common.

The Cayman S is one of the best handling vehicles I've ever driven and only a Ferrari 458 feels as good or better. Though underpowered in this showdown it's more than enough to get you in trouble FAST. I love everything about this ride and I don't care what other uninformed idiots will say about it not being a "real Porsche" or that I couldn't afford a 911 — it drives better and looks better so to me it doesn't matter.

For me, it'd have to be the Cayman S. I am a sucker for a sweet sounding six-cylinder and I love the way the car drives.

MDarringer - 10/22/2014 8:18:59 PM

+2 Boost

That was true of the C5, idiots. Check your Eurobigotry at the door.

iamdabest1 - 10/22/2014 9:19:16 PM

+1 Boost

id take a vette and cayman for sure over the m4 if they were 2+2,the only reason i have to get the M over the other 2 is because i need the extra seats..
in general i feel the m4 is compromised these days because it is just too big and heavy.. i have to agree that the m2 might be the way to go..