Let's Talk Numbers: BMW 1-Series M Coupe vs. Porsche Cayman S

Welcome to our 6th edition of ‘Let’s Talk Numbers’ where we take two ore more vehicles and do a straight number comparison and let you decide who the winner is.

Last week, BMW invited us up to Monticello Motor Club in New York to test drive the new 2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe. When we asked what BMW thought the 1-Seires M Coupe they really didn’t have a straight answer. Apparently, BMW says that the 1-Series M Coupe was built for straight M enthusiasts who want a weekend toy – however, if they really had to pick, BMW would say that the new compact M model would compete with the Porsche Cayman. Since the base Porsche Cayman only produces 265-hp and runs from 0 to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds, we figured to pin the 1-Series M Coupe against the more powerful Porsche Cayman S. That’s where things start to get a little more interesting.

Make sure you check out our previous Let’s Talk Number battles.

BMW 1-Series M Coupe:

  • Style: Coupe.
  • Drive Type: Rear-wheel-drive.
  • Power: 3.0 liter inline 6-cylinder TwinPower Turbo / 335-hp at 5,900 rpm 332 lb-ft between 1,500 – 4,500 rpm.
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual.
  • 0 to 60 mph: 4.7 seconds.
  • Top Speed: 155 mph.
  • Curb Weight: 3,296 lbs.
  • Price: $46,135.

Porsche Cayman S:

  • Style: Coupe.
  • Drive Type: Rear-wheel-drive.
  • Power: 3.4 liter inline 6-cylinder / 320-hp at 7,200 rpm – 273 lb-ft.
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual; 7-speed PDK dual-clutch (available with Sport Plus).
  • 0 to 60 mph: 4.9 seconds w/ manual; 4.8 seconds w/ PDK; 4.6 seconds w/ PDK Sport Plus.
  • Top Speed: 172 mph.
  • Curb Weight: 2,976 lbs w/ manual; 3,301 lbs w/ PDK.
  • Price: $62,100.

Let us know which model you think wins this number comparison in the comments section after the jump.

2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe:

2012 Porsche Cayman S Black Edition:

2012 Porsche Cayman S Black Edition 2012 Porsche Cayman S Black Edition 2012 Porsche Cayman S Black Edition 2012 Porsche Cayman S Black Edition

2012 BMW 1-Series M Coupe:

2012 Porsche Cayman S Black Edition:

- By: Omar Rana


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  • Pat

     I’m gonna have to go with the 1 M coupe here. Porsche cayman is overpriced compared to anything it competes with  cayman is overpriced compared to anything it competes with 

  • Pat

     I’m gonna have to go with the 1 M coupe here. Porsche cayman is overpriced compared to anything it competes with  cayman is overpriced compared to anything it competes with 

  • Jon

     If there is any other automaker that has my respect in terms of performance and handling (besides Porsche), it’s BMW. So this is a tough match up for me. For the price tag i give it to BMW

  • Jon

     If there is any other automaker that has my respect in terms of performance and handling (besides Porsche), it’s BMW. So this is a tough match up for me. For the price tag i give it to BMW

  • Anonymous

    The curb weight was a surprise with the Cayman being lighter. Obviously the price tag is the major difference here, BMW wins.  You can get almost the same driving experience for around 20K less

  • Kip

    Just took delivery on the 1 Series M … it is as responsive as they say, and then some …. great car … great price … if you can find one to purchase