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Cayman ComparisonsThis sub forum is for messages specifically about comparing the Cayman to other cars. For example how the Cayman compares to the 350Z or S2000 or SLK, etc.
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There are many E46 M3 converts here.....you might want to do a search or wait till they chime in.
As for the power question......(and please don't take this the wrong way)........I have driven many E46 M3s as it was on my very short shopping list before I went with the CS, and cannot for the life of me "feel" any more power or speed in the M3 over the CS. In fact most road tests that I have seen have put the CS a tick or two faster than the current M3. I will say one thing though......a CS takes at least 2k miles to feel totally up to snuff and is very quick indeed after that point. I also found that the CS has a much more usable powerband......with much better sound, but as always that is very subjective.
As far as options go.....that's a whole other can-o-worms......just don't let Porsche empty your wallet.....a CS with no options will put a huge smile on your face.
I had an E46 M3 for almost 3 years. Basically the straightline performance is a wash based on my butt dyno and on test results from all the mags. Handling is on another plain. The M3 can go pretty fast around the curves, no doubt, but there's not substitute for the midengine balance and the lower mass (Cayman S weighs around 300 lbs less than the M3 at least). If you can justify the two-seater in your lifestyle, the Cayman is a logical progression and you won't look back.
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Scott
2006 Cayman S
2008 MINI S
There are quite a few who have made that switch, and there are a few threads on the topic also. Just do a quick search and you should find some answers to your questions.
I love the E46 M3, one of my favorite cars ever, yet I still feel the Cayman is a far superior "sports" car.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do. Either way you will have a great car parked in your garage!
Well I owned an E46 M3 for 2 years and loved it. I didn't make a direct jump to the Cayman S as I owned a couple of other cars in between including a V8 VW Touareg, Audi A3 with DSG(still own) and a B7 S4 sedan. If you're talking stock for stock, the CS will own the M3 as far as I'm concerned. In a straight line, the M3 is definitely faster. Overall the CS has much better balance and feel IMHO. I modified my M3 with aftermarket suspension, brakes, etc. and made it a helluva a car but I don't like bringing in mods to the discussion. One thing for sure is the Cayman's gearbox is better IMO. I didn't like the Getrag box in the M3, it always felt overly notchy and a bit rubbery, especially the 2nd to 3rd shift. The Cayman S I have now is much better in that respect but I have the factory optioned short shifter so it helps.
CS's brakes are superior to the M3 as well. Much much better brake pedal feel and shorter stopping distances as far as I know. Steering feedback is far superior with the Cayman as well.
One big advantage I could say about the M3 is the M differential. The Cayman does not have an LSD which is a major sore spot for many and a key reason many do not buy this car. I personally find that the CS drives fine but I haven't tracked it yet either. If you didn't have a chance to test drive the CS in some twisties, do it if possible. It will trump the M3. I also cannot stand the rattling fart sounding exhaust on the stock M3. Having the engine right behind your ears is like magic in the CS. I think the CS exhaust note is awesome.
To me, the current M3 seems dated because it's now been around for so long. That's just my personal feeling. It's still a great car of course.
Good luck with your decision however it plays out.
LSD - Limited Slip Differential
A limited slip differential (LSD) is a modified or derived type of differential gear arrangement that allows for some difference in rotational velocity of the output shafts, but does not allow the difference in speed to increase beyond a preset amount. In an automobile, such limited slip differentials are sometimes used in place of a standard differential, where they convey certain dynamic advantages, at the expense of greater complexity.
The main advantage of a limited slip differential is found by considering the case of a standard (or "open") differential where one wheel has no contact with the ground at all. In such a case, the contacting wheel will remain stationary, and the non-contacting wheel will rotate freely– the torque transmitted will be equal at both wheels, but will not exceed the threshold of torque needed to move the vehicle, thus the vehicle will remain stationary. In everyday use on typical roads, such a situation is very unlikely, and so a normal differential suffices. For more demanding use however, such as driving off-road, or for high performance vehicles, such a state of affairs is undesirable, and the LSD can be employed to deal with it. By limiting the velocity difference between a pair of driven wheels, useful torque can be transmitted as long as there is some friction available on at least one of the wheels.
To see the installation of a LSD style unit Click Here -> Article Forthcoming Stay Tuned
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2006 Cayman S
Carrara White
semi-loaded
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Thanks for your advice all. I do track my M3, so it would be interesting to see how the Cayman S compares (current M3 does have some track mods). Looks like I need to make another trip to the dealer and take the CS for another test drive around the twisties.
I just wanted to point out that consistently the Cayman S turns faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile times than the E46 M3 across multiple magazines and car tests. I think the "feel" of horsepower may be stemming from the torque in the M3 motor and front engine vs. mid-engine which is a completely different feel.
Once you get on the track there is not comparison the Cayman mops the floor with the M3. I instructed at a BMW driving school in August which was chalk full of M3's some stock, some modified, and none of them could touch my Cayman S in terms of lap times.
These are two different cars IMHO. The M3 is a great sports sedan, the Cayman is a great sports car. It all depends on what you want...
I just wanted to point out that consistently the Cayman S turns faster 0-60 and 1/4 mile times than the E46 M3 across multiple magazines and car tests. I think the "feel" of horsepower may be stemming from the torque in the M3 motor and front engine vs. mid-engine which is a completely different feel.
Once you get on the track there is not comparison the Cayman mops the floor with the M3. I instructed at a BMW driving school in August which was chalk full of M3's some stock, some modified, and none of them could touch my Cayman S in terms of lap times.
These are two different cars IMHO. The M3 is a great sports sedan, the Cayman is a great sports car. It all depends on what you want...
My best was an unoffical 1:55, my best official was a 1:57, that's on a 2.5 mile road course at Heartland Park Topeka in August where there was also a BMW CCA club race in conjunction with the DE. I did not enter the club race, but if I had I would have finished 2nd to only a full blown BMW race car.
My best was an unoffical 1:55, my best official was a 1:57, that's on a 2.5 mile road course at Heartland Park Topeka in August where there was also a BMW CCA club race in conjunction with the DE. I did not enter the club race, but if I had I would have finished 2nd to only a full blown BMW race car.
Nice! I must ask, does your CS have any mods?
Also, what options do you recommend if any on the CS? This car will also likely see a 10 mile commute per day.
E46 M3 to CS
