As a prior owner of 3 E46 M3, 2 with SMG, I say get the Cayman. While I did love my M3, they are getting dated. They will stop making the current M3 this summer. The new E90 M3will not be out for at least another 2 years. Base on BMW's prior M3/M5 performance figures, I wouldn't count on the next M3 to perform better than the current M5 which is not to shabby, but putsthe E90 M3 performanceslightly better than the E46 M3, but not by much. The E90 will most likely be heavier; the current M3is almost 3500lbs, add a V8 and more electronics and you get the picture.


As a prior owner of Porsche 993 and after test driving the 987S, the M3 is nowhere close in handling to P-cars. After I test dove the 987S and got back into my M3, it felt soft, lots of lean and sway, less precision with steering, and very big and heavy. Since the Cayman S is 987S based with slightly better handling, you should test drive a 987S and see what I'm talking about.


I went from a 993 to M3 because I wanted more of a GT car, a more of a relax drive. In noway did I think the M3 wasmore sporting thana P-Car.


Hope this helps.