Porsche 911 Carrera 3.0 vs BMW M2 Coupe 3.0

To find oneself in conundrum while in a state of excitement can be a strange and wonderful thing. It must be a good thing, too, because having to choose between a rock and a hard place typically has negative connotations. But not if it's having to choose between two awesome machines.

That's a situation we find ourselves in after bringing together the Porsche 911 Carrera and BMW M2. In one corner is the 'base' model of the iconic 911 family; in the other sits the 'entry level' number of the famed M division.

There's nothing basic about either contender, though. And as we soon discovered, the more we drove both cars, the harder it became to decide which of the two made our pulses race faster.

The 911's iconic silhouette is instantly recognisable, but the M2's sharp lines lend it greater road presence

Opposing camps

From tip to tip, the 911 and M2 are diametrically opposed, with the Porsche looking more feminine that the BMW. The former's silhouette is a familiar one and it's full of curves, from the front bumper to the elliptical head lights to the way the roof gently slopes into the tail. Check out the rear end and see how the car's 'hips' flare out. Nice.

The square jawed M2, of course, is the masculine counterpart in this story. It's boxy, with sharp lines and chiselled surfaces giving it a thoroughly muscular form. The power dome on the bonnet and blistered wheel arches serve to intimidate competitors by hinting at the car's performance.

While the 911's lineage is unquestionably longer than the M2's, we mustn't forget that BMW's M division also has decades of experience in building sports cars. Indeed, the much-lauded M2, despite just being in its second-generation, has been hailed by many as the spiritual successor to the iconic M3.

The M2's thick steering wheel (left) caters to drivers with large hands, who might also like the carbon fibre paddle shifters, while the 911's thinner steering wheel and metal paddles will please more traditional pilots

Launched earlier this year, the M2 is newer than the 911 Carrera, and it shows. The Bimmer's cockpit is even more advanced, with the brand's Curved Display highlighting this. The instrument panel features M colours (making it distinct from non-M models), and the infotainment has specific menus that let the driver tweak a variety of powertrain and drivetrain settings.

Even more useful is the fact that drivers can save two sets of settings and instantly recall them using the M1 and M2 buttons on the steering wheel. This gives the M2 a unique flexibility that the 911 does not have. Adding to the M2's usefulness are its roomier backseat and larger boot, which at 390 litres, is around three times bigger than the 132-litre 'frunk' in the 911.

The 911's backseat (left) is only useful for small kids or petite adults, whereas the M2 offers more spacious backseats and a third climate zone to enhance occupant comfort

Practicality may not be high on the 911's list, but tradition and ergonomics certainly are. Unlike the M2, the 911 adopts a mostly digital, part-analogue setup. So, while most of the dashboard is made up of screens, they mirror the five-dial layout loved by 911 fans. Porsche's move to keep the analogue tachometer was a nifty one, too.

Navigating through the infotainment is also easier than in the M2, since the menu system is simpler, and the toggle switches below the display are easier to reach, unlike the buttons by the M2's gearshift lever.

The M2's straight-six (left) feels more rev-happy than the 911's flat-six, which although can't be seen, will definitely be heard as it is more audible than its rival

Powertrain sensations

The M2 and 911 both have 3.0-litre six-cylinder engines and are rear-wheel drive, but this is where their similarities end.

In the M2, we have an inline-six lurking beneath the bonnet, whereas in the 911, the flat-six is nestled in the rear. Each car has an eight-speed gearbox, but it's an automatic for the M2 and a PDK (dual-clutch) for the 911.

Those seeking bragging rights will find it in the M2, which serves up 453bhp and 550Nm of torque, whereas the 911 'only' delivers 380bhp and 450Nm of torque. But despite the massive 73bhp advantage, the 911 still goes from rest to 100km/h in 4.2 seconds, or 0.1 of a second slower than the M2.

Naturally, figures don't tell the whole story. When it comes to sports cars like these, dynamics and emotionality are equally important.

The 911 (left) and its superior rear traction makes it unflappable in the wet, whereas the cheeky M2 constantly tempts you to let the rear end slide - especially if it's pouring

The M2 is a delight to pilot, with its fiery nature leading to an almost frenetic disposition. With the gear change speed at max attack, every shift earns you a resounding thwack to the back of your head. The acceleration is urgent and unrelenting, and coupe's appetite for roads feels insatiable.

Naturally, the M2 is perfectly happy with a spirited pilot behind its wheel. Aggressive throttle application sees the lights on the rev counter going from yellow to flashing red before you know it - such is the eagerness of the inline-six.

Complementing this is the M2's agility. Despite its weight (its 1.8-tonne mass makes it 300kg heftier than the 911), the M2 pivots around corners with ease and uses its scalpel-like abilities to slice through tighter ones. Access to a racetrack will let the owner experience more of the car's potential.

That said, the 911 is no slouch, especially since it's 300kg lighter than the M2. Right off the line, you can feel how much the 911 has in reserve, and even in the Sport Plus setting, the car is very measured in its delivery.

The M2 (left) lets you tweak just about everything, including traction control levels, whereas the 911 has a simpler and more user-friendly menu

The 911's soundtrack, however, is surprisingly more forthcoming. Switch on the sports exhaust and the volume substantially increases. And as you approach redline, you'll find that the flat-six sounds more emotive than the inline-six.

If the M2 wows with its ability to conquer any curved road, the 911's talent at flowing through bends is what impresses. With the weight of the engine pressing down on the rear axle, outright grip is so tremendous that you'll never want for traction, not even in pouring rain.

That said, the 911 appreciates a pilot who plays to its strengths with the 'slow in, fast out' technique, thereby maximising grip and allowing the car to put down the power with ease. It is very hard to get the 911 to break traction, so look to the M2 if you want something more playful.

Pleasurable torment

The 911 and M2 both aim to satisfy desires for speed, power, handling, and everyday usability. Each contender's approach, however, is the exact opposite of the other.

The M2 is more playful, dynamic, and practical (and not to mention less expensive) than the 911. It's a track tool that can be driven daily, so you can't go wrong. That's enough reason for potential buyers to get one. But drive it back-to-back with the 911 and you'll find yourself in a conundrum while in a state of excitement.

I'm a rational person, but try as I might, I can't get over the 911 and its driving experience. The car's more measured responses and its behaviour are more suited to my driving style. Its soundtrack also makes my pulse race even faster, and at the end of the day, perhaps that should be your deciding factor, too.

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