New BMW M240i v Porsche 718 Cayman v Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S | Best £50,000 performance car?

BMW, you may have heard, has launched a new version of the 2-Series and it is, for want of a better term, a proper BMW. That means it's natively rear-driven, has the option of a six-cylinder engine, and possesses the traditional, long-snouted form of every fast Munich-built coupe you'll find in the back-catalogue. We're quite excited about it - especially in range-topping, near-400bhp M240i xDrive guise.
But if you too like the sound of the BMW, and have around £50,000 to spend on an everyday sports car that blends practicality with performance and adds more than a splash of handling prowess, is this M240i xDrive really the one to go for? Might you instead opt for a Porsche, specifically the 718 Cayman, which in basic trim costs roughly what the M240i xDrive does? Or should you spend a little more and plump for the animalistic Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 S, whose 2.0-litre engine is the most powerful of its kind? All three cars have immense pedigree, and plenty of appeal.
It's a nice problem to have, and to help with the decision-making process, we've assembled all three cars in Snowdonia. Join James Disdale, Richard Lane and Matt Prior as they set out to find the best way to spend £50,000 on a new and usable performance car.
New videos are uploaded to Autocar each week. Don't miss a single one. Subscribe now: smarturl.it/autocar
Visit our website at www.autocar.co.uk
Autocar, the world's leading motoring magazine and website, delivers industry-leading news, the most in-depth car reviews and opinion from our team of experts. Our presenters include some of the world's top motoring journalists who have unrivalled access to the world's fastest, rarest, most exotic and most exciting cars on some of the world's best roads and race tracks.
Follow AUTOCAR here:
LIKE Autocar on Facebook: bit.ly/2Jzyvh1
FOLLOW Autocar on Twitter: bit.ly/2JzABgT
FOLLOW Autocar on Instagram: bit.ly/2TIgvFI
Check out our full video catalog: bit.ly/1UfAOCH
For car reviews you can trust, subscribe to Autocar: smarturl.it/autocar

[@thebritishautochannel]

The back of the BMW reminds me of a Holden

[@paulsz6194]

The previous 2 series looked way better..

[@javieroargubi]

it reminds me of LADA

[@MyRealName]

@@javieroargubi really, which lada is that then?

[@nickk707]

Your right it looks like a holden lol

[@AsinineComment]

Which Holden are you reminded of?

[@nigel.w]

Autocar has demonstrably lost the plot. This is a demonstration of bias - hopefully unconscoius - clouding judgements. These guys clearly set about to justify an untenable position. Simple language analysis will prove it beyond any doubt. I could understand if they had picked a Cayman GTS 4.0, but of course that's a 68k car before adding options; optioned it's almost 80k. But surprisingly, you can quite easily option the base 2L Cayman into the 60ks. IMO, the Merc is also simply too expensive for what it is; all you're paying for is the horsepower. Surprisingly, the BMW is fully optioned at circa 52-53k! And it's a LOT of car for the money. It's polished. It's practical. It's very fast; almost supercar fast. Ferrari FF fast, 0-60mph. It has a great inline six-cylinder engine, which is also eminently tunable, should one desire even more power. Admittedly, the brakes are its weakest point, but not a real problem. The entry-level Cayman is a truly underwhelming car because of its engine. And the noise is the least of its problems. On any other road type than this, its less than optimal power and torque curves are unable to be ignored, and the PDK can't save it. There's good reason the 2L 718 Cayman and Boxster appear to be relative bargains on the used car market. If you want a Cayman or Boxster, either step-up to a GTS 4.0, being aware that it's still too stiff for the road most of the time, or get yourself a 981 S (or 981 GTS if you can justify the extra cash). If you must have a new car, the 2.5L 718 Cayman S is the minimum you should be looking at. The 2.5L GTS recently being discontinued. Best performance car for circa £50,000 - the subject of this video - is without question the new BMW M240i xDrive, and for sure I ain't no Beemer fanboy. It's simply the best car in its price bracket, and arguably for several brackets above, as well. Pound for pound, it's the best BMW on sale. And even when the new hardcore M2 variants arrive, the M240i will almost certainly remain the best road car of the bunch. When you consider its credentials for use as a daily, for munching miles on the motorway, for blasting down a B-road, as a touring companion, as a car to take a young family out in for a day trip, and for launching 0-60mph (the UK open road speed limit), it's simply unbeatable as a package by anything else currently for sale in its price bracket...and beyond. The Cayman beats it in so few respects, Autocar's conclusion is simply ridiculous. Not simply opinion, but demonstrably objective fact!

[@filipkulpa6810]

I disagree with regard to M240i. As Focus RS owner I was seriously disappointed by lack of of steering feel and general artificiousness of this car. The sound is OK, but muted, brakes fell wooly and you don't feel much what is going on beneath your three letters. Great mini GT car for sure, but not great performance, or sports car, to be honest. Chassis and steering of the Cayman are in another league - Autocar is absolutely right here! Problem is that you are applying general definition of performance car, expecting it to do all things in equal measure. In this respect, M240i is indeed a very capable car. I agree on the other hand, that 981 (or even 987) Cayman S(GTS) would be much better proposition right now. But this is completely different story...

[@donoghu5907]

“The [writer]doth protest to much, methinks”.

[@nigel.w]

@@donoghu5907 That would be: The writer doth protest TOO much, methinks. The context of the quote is insincerity. I am not insincere, so the quote does not apply to me! Furthermore, in the context of the world today, I'm not sure one could rightly argue that it's possible to protest too much. Of course, you are entitled to your opinion, just as I am...at least until the protesters against freedom of thought, speech, and action get their way. Maybe you're one of them?!

[@fredtafel]

You are totally wrong

[@nigel.w]

@@fredtafel I don't just think not, I know not. You are of course free to think what you like.

[@vomErsten]

It bothers me that UK outlets only seem to be getting an M240i without the Pro Pack to review; the wider tires with better Michelin rubber are important!

[@Jashue]

Bugs the hell out of me too.

[@nigel.w]

There are in fact several UK reviews done with Pro Pack cars.

[@marktierney2986]

Yes, Joe Achilles has done several good reviews on the M240i and the benefits of having the Pro Pack with its wider wheel & tyres plus brake and oil cooler upgrade.

[@richardpatton2502]

These reviewers should write a book…and call it “Different shades of beige”…

[@pylyo]

M240i for me, please.

[@barryvanderdong]

BMW have developed a true and honest Coupe with a splendid ZF gearbox and a inline six cylinder motor. Soundtrack is great as is the entire powertrain. This is a proper drivers car.

[@rossbest2049]

It's a shame it looks so ugly.

[@idokwatcher2062]

It's not a proper drivers car with the manual discountinued. They have a manual for B58 and they refuse to provide it.

[@MrAndres6935]

Because not a lot of people want a manual gear box and the worst part is the people who complain about them never buy them or can even afford these cars

[@peterbennpan7288]

Did you see the swirl marks in that purple paint? 😱

[@jeebus2121]

Journalist review car. No telling who is washing it or how.

[@gavinwyllie7855]

@@jeebus2121 the company lending the car will prepare the car before journalists take the car out to review.

[@nigel.w]

@@gavinwyllie7855 They're not going to detail its paint every time!

[@normhanson981]

I’d take any one of the three , superb .

[@infidel900rr]

Two cars with a back seat and reasonable trunk space vs a more expensive, rear-engine, RWD dedicated sports car ... gee, I wonder which is more fun to drive? SMH. - If you have a child and need a car for daily use, the Porsche is not even an option.

[@behindthebuild8016]

Would have been better to see maybe the RS3 in this lineup

[@neillgowans4350]

The real comparison is 240i vs A35 vs S3. Still not seen that treble yet.

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video Comparison

[@totom5095]

If a car was purchased on balance alone the Porsche is a winner but these manufacturers know their market and the other two will steel the win over the Porsche for most who want more versatility from their car. For me the 4 doors , the interior styling and outside appearance make the AMG my preference.

[@rivakhoffman4825]

I own a 2020 BMW M340i, and a new 2022 Porsche Cayman. Once you add the 14 way seats, premium package, sports chrono package, extended leather and Carerra wheels it’s a $80K car. And yes, that 4 cylinder 300 hp engine is awesome. I rarely drive my BMW M340i. Don’t knock that Porsche engine until you drive it!

[@thedrivebygg]

Nice video guys, always like a Porsche shoot out.

[@nigel.w]

Yeah, it's as if there was really only ever one of the cars in the game.

[@sweetfreedomGB]

Has to be the BMW for that glorious engine

[@dennistate9951]

What transmission is in the M3?

[@jeebus2121]

It slightly humorous how the Mercedes A class is now wider than the previous generation C class C63. Isn't is supposed to be a small car?

[@philcliffe6909]

Is sure is.

[@retsehcnamdetinu1672]

but then everything in car world is just getting bigger n heavier. perhaps needed space for new tech🤷‍♂

[@jabiqq]

It looks like someone washed the Bmw with a scotch brite

[@monk333]

Who's cross-shopping a Merc CLA 45 sedan against a Cayman?

[@colin5577]

Someone who’s kidding themselves that they’re not going to buy the Mercedes?

[@monk333]

@@colin5577 Ha!

[@nigel.w]

Nobody who's all there. But you may well be cross-shopping a Cayman and an M240i, just not an M240i and a base Cayman. Maybe a 220i and a base Cayman, but then the money isn't comparable. Fact is that cross-shopping Porsche sports cars isn't always that easy. IMO, if I were cross-shopping a 4 pot Cayman, I'd be comparing with an Alpine A110, and maybe waiting to compare with a Lotus Emira. If cross-shopping a 911, you can only look at what else you can get for the money, as I don't think there's anything directly comparable. However, right at this moment, if I were undecided on format, I'd probably shortlist the M240i alongside a used 2.5L Cayman, an Alpine A110, and for balance, a Golf R. And, maybe that's an example of the problem here? Once you consider a Golf R, you may rightly consider an A45 hatch...or a CLA 45. And these guys often compare what they can get together at the same time.

[@Breadfan00]

People who want to decide which one to get? It’s not always just 100% similar cars against each other, but most times it’s one common factor(German small performance cars), and then you have different advantages from cayman to the cla.

[@Encourageable]

If I wanted a fast car I’d get a Tesla. The Mercedes is too ugly. The BMW is OK but it’s too heavy. I’ll take a 718T.

[@patrickturner1463]

Very interesting video. Thank you!

[@ajwest3081]

Would like to know which roads they used - all the one in North Wales I recently used were average speed camera’d to the max 🧐

[@f1jones544]

I daily drove a 987 S for a number of years and never wanted for more space or utility under normal conditions, even on long road trips ( can't haul enough haha is wood chips in my sedan either). The frunk makes all the difference. If you have more than one friend with you, let them drive.

[@jamsxr]

Not sure it copes well with children, dogs and bikes.

[@f1jones544]

@@jamsxr actually, I fit my 29er mountain bike into mine just fine. I have another vehicle for dogs, and kids don't cope with anything as evidenced by the used chewing gum in the back seat of said other vehicle that I found when I bought it. Fortunately, I identified that problem years ago, which allowed me to cope just fine with a Cayman. Even if I did have that problem they wouldn't follow my to work, so still makes for a decent daily driver to commute with.

[@neiljoseph904]

Great review - always the Porsche! 👊🏽

[@henzo7087]

VW. Mercedes-Benz is better car

[@howarddavies136]

Where are the alpine, supra, z4 and mustang? Surely they're closer to the Porsche in intent, if not in prestige and execution.

[@sammbaldwin6402]

It's a shame the Porsche is let down a bit by the 4 cylinder engine, if you put the B58 in the Porsche then that would be an awesome car

[@shelbyhaiketic4212]

It’s still an awesome car. With just a simple ecu tune the flat four makes 365 hp and 355 ft pounds of torque. Close to power to a stock m240i while weighting 700-800 pounds less

[@arno7303]

a) no it wouldn't b) no it wouldn't. The 4pot boxer is bespoke porsche build and is a boxer. why the hell would you want to put a straight 6 in a porsche. no way. boxer in porsche all day. its a good engine, you just want more cylinders, thats fine, pay double and get the 911 that is slightly faster lol

[@claudioagmfilho]

🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷🇧🇷👏🏻, Awesome video!

[@gw7624]

Coupés should never be based on FWD platforms IMO.

[@AbnormalAspirations]

Is the CLA a real coupe?

[@nigel.w]

Remember not all coupes are meant to be performance cars or drivers' cars.

[@rossbest2049]

Great review on the Cayman. Truly an ultimate dream car for me. I couldn't really give a toss about the other two.

[@TexasRiverRat31254]

Yes, isn't this supposed to decide which one is a true drivers car? The Porsche for sure...no substitute.

[@nigel.w]

@@TexasRiverRat31254 Actually, supposed to decide best performance car for 50k. Objectively, that ain't the base Cayman! Best driver's car is far too subjective. Choose what you think is best for you, but please don't kid yourself about the shortcomings of the base Cayman, as Autocar has...because that's what they clearly set out to do if you analyse their use of language.

[@idokwatcher2062]

Don't listen to journalists the Cayman is notorious for horrible turbo lag, and they won't admit to it to hurt Porsche feelings.

[@johnstephens7374]

@@idokwatcher2062 I have a 718 2 litre Cayman and I haven’t noticed the turbo lag.Maybe it’s because the PDK sorts out the gearing when I floor it.Have you driven a PDK Cayman ? If not,try watching car wow cayman PDK v Ford Mustang Mach one v Cayman GT4 manual.

[@MacellaioNero]

@@johnstephens7374 Having extensively test driven both the M240i and a base Cayman in the last month, the turbo lag is definitely noticeable to anyone with a frame of reference. I'm sure it's possible to not notice it if you lack experience and something to compare against, but that doesn't mean the problem isn't there. I'm still leaning towards the Cayman simply because it does everything else so well, but the throttle response is objectively poor by comparison to the M240i - which is exactly what you'd expect looking at the numbers, and a solid argument for why the GTS 4.0 exists.

[@Guenounovitch]

By the time I’m trying to figure what to pack in a two seater i’m arrived with the 340i touring

[@nigel.w]

It's clear that you're a very practical level-headed person. Many of us know what we should buy if deciding with our heads, but arguably our hearts f__k us up. If I allowed my head to rule, deciding on my next car would be quite easy.

[@georgimihalkov4781]

So a fairly big coupe, a saloon and a mid-engined sports car made by Porsche...It's really difficult to figure out which is going to be the best performance car.

[@georgimihalkov4781]

@BMW1M Yeah, that's pretty curious. And also how is the CLA 45 S a £50k car?! I doubt that you can find one under £60k.

[@wasdwasdwwasd]

A fairly big coupe perhaps for the 80s but certainly not now

[@gobinduppal4429]

@BMW1M im thinking it's because the m2 isn't out yet. And if we are being honest Audi's RS3 isn't exactly a driver's car. So the only other competing German car would be the CLA45.

[@georgimihalkov4781]

@@wasdwasdwwasd The M240i weights 1750kg, which is 350kg more than the Cayman, it's 650kg more than an Alpine A110 and it's even heavier than the C class coupe and the Audi A5. So unless you're comparing it to the 8 series coupe, than it's definitely not small.

[@wasdwasdwwasd]

Weight and size aren't the same thing. A Chiron is small, doesn't mean it's light.

[@pauldark3044]

The CLA looks great

[@lkmb1717]

What is the sense of comparing such different cars???

[@wass006]

When they brought a porsche in I knew what the result would be. Should be RS3 and A45

[@nigel.w]

Yeah, but if they didn't want to insult those of us with intelligence, they shouldn't have brought in the base Cayman. There's no way it's the best of the three, even subjectively.

[@simonng2077]

Clearly, it’s the A110. These are the three runners-up.

[@simonng2077]

@BMW1M Them’s fighting’ words!

[@colin5577]

Sure. Kind of. Yet when I ordered my Cayman T, I didn’t even bother to look at an A110 because they didn’t bother to offer it with a manual gearbox.

[@hermiti]

I'd buy an A110 if it were only available in the states ;(

[@simonng2077]

@BMW1M I do love the Megane RS. Had a 265 back in the day. Cracking car.

[@nigel.w]

Well, the A110 is certainly better than the base Cayman.

[@ReaversRespite]

The driver seems to be trying to make excuses for the Porsche's shortcomings! Boxsters and Caymans used to be known as the princes of both value and performance -- now they wear neither crown.

[@jonfrench7133]

oops might need to update yourself 🤓

[@ReaversRespite]

@@jonfrench7133 I'm not sure what you mean. At least for my local area you cannot buy a Boxster / Cayman for less than 80k out the door. It's no longer the "every man's sports car" it was once advertised as.

[@jonfrench7133]

@@ReaversRespite in the uk the 981/982 models have never been positioned as value propositions or having the fastest 0-60 times. They generally do well in comparisons because of their overall driver engagement, quality, agility and sufficient performance.

[@ReaversRespite]

@@jonfrench7133 Ah okay. Here in the US the Boxster was always considered the "nicer Miata". Just a few years ago you could buy a lightly used 2014-2016 Boxster GTS with a manual for around $50k with a CPO warranty. Which made it a VERY compelling offer, considering it was so fun to drive! However, now we're looking at $70 - $79k for a Boxster S (Lower Trim Level, 718 😫), based on a search I just plugged in today with similar mileage. You're not finding anything in a decent price range unless you go 10+ years old or over 80k miles. Having turned a wrench on these things, you usually have to replace all the rubber/seals around that 10 year mark (mileage isn't really a big factor if it was cared for). Porsche is banking on their well heeled market to carry them through to the future, even though the plebs brought them back from the brink in the first place (e.g. Boxster, SUV crowd).

[@Chunkychucky]

Not only is the chap in the BMW dull as dishwater, but he chooses to dwell on the gearbox as a development from the old M240i, when the old M240i also had a ZF 8 speed?

[@-DC-]

Should have chucked in a Isuzu D Max you would have all segments covered.

[@DaleSteel]

Why would you expect the footprint to increase ?

[@blazesmooth5573]

Because security precautions

[@jamesbarrie5119]

Nice vid. Obvious verdict but the BMW sounds great and it’s clear these guys know what they’re talking about

[@nigel.w]

That's the problem; the verdict is too obvious. And their use of language makes it clear that the outcome was predetermined before they'd even driven the other two. The base Cayman is not a great car. Nothing to do with it being a 4 pot. Nothing to do with the noise - although it doesn't deliver the emotional connection of the 6 pots. The power and torque curves are not good. The 2L isn't good. Any other road type would have made their arguments glaringly untenable. And this is supposed to be about the best performance car for 50k, which can be reasonably determined objectively, not about the best driver's car, which is highly subjective, as this video has made abundantly clear.

[@okeyezeilo6187]

Sound's critical for me, so gimme the sixpot...end of story...

[@TheFernguerrero58]

I own a base 718 and you’re review is right on. Save the manuals

[@AsinineComment]

🤦🏼‍♂️ Why, at 20:56 - when very specifically seeking to convey something audible - did you overlay another outdoor segment, with wind and tyre noise totally smothering the noises we were instructed to listen for? Who is the production manager that directed the editor to do something so sloppy and daft?

[@andrewbrown5636]

The Cayman S would have been a better comparison

[@GadgetyMV]

CLA instead of an Alpine A110 for the best £50k performance car. Family car?

[@juuk3103]

CLA > all these cars

[@nigel.w]

Performance car and sports car are not synonymous. Although Autocar clearly argued for the best sports car, rather than the best performance car. The fact that the base Cayman isn't a very good sports car, because of the 2L's poor power and torque delivery, didn't seem to enter the equation. And they chose a road that enabled them to mask the base Cayman's shortcomings for the camera. If the A110 had been added to the review cars, and we were talking best sports car rather than best performance car, it would be the winner...but maybe not for the Cayman fanboys at Autocar, who had clearly pre-determined the outcome.

[@bobsmarts3074]

Jees, has someone washed the M240i with sandpaper ...

[@lewishamilton9251]

the one with the biggest engine

[@jacktaylor2472]

Frankly speaking the flat 4 engine in the Cayman is just not good enough. Both power delivery and character a big step backwards. If you want the sports car feel, at a reasonable price, then my money is a used flat 6 Cayman.

[@Encourageable]

Sports car “sound” yes, but not sports car feel. The 4 banger 718 is even more composed than the old 6s. And the 4s are quicker.

[@shelbyhaiketic4212]

@@Encourageable and just a simple downpipe + tune brings the cayman to 400 hp

[@tanner1ie]

Pity they're not all available in manual, I could never buy an automatic (not that I can afford any of them), I like aspects of them all but as said could only ever buy a manual! 😀🤘 .

[@crimsonpirate1710]

Spoken by someone whose never spent anytime with a modern auto

[@tanner1ie]

@@crimsonpirate1710 Indeed which is something I don't intend to change, I don't know what I'd do with my left foot and left hand! I recently drove a rental car that was pretty normal overall, however it an electronic handbrake and even that felt terrible and unnatural. It was a Skoda Octavia and when you press the handbrake button it pulls the brake pedal away from your foot, which is the position where the pedal is when you get back in the car, but then when you release the handbrake it pushes the pedal back towards your foot again - it was all very strange! Of course we're in a quite sorry state of affairs where most manufacturers won't even sell manual gearboxes in most cars with engines over 2.0 litres, short of the Toyota GR86 and some Porsches. (And only because they can programme the gearbox to make the engine appear to be more efficient, as you're only ever "requesting" a gear change in an automatic 😯😐 .) For example, while the base and the mid spec Mazda 6 get two power outputs out of the same 2.0L engine, with 145 and 165hp each, the top spec in its' quite softly tuned 2.5L engine, with "only" 194hp, is only available as an automatic! Anyway in closing, I and really any driver who wants an engaging drive, hates automatics, no matter how "modern" they are, I like petrol manual saloons and sports cars and that's all I'll ever buy when they're eventually a thing that we can't buy new anymore, we'll thankfully always have second hand ones! 😯😂😀🤘 . Also the automatic is a fair bit dearer, and slightly heavier, so I can't think of any reason especially a car enthusiast would want an automatic! 😯

[@TsLeng]

@@tanner1ie you must have had a hard time adapting from rotary dial phones to screen only smart phones!

[@tanner1ie]

@@TsLeng It's not about "adapting", it's about not liking something, especially about not liking something that manufacturers are pretty suddenly and quite unnecessarily forcing on us, like diesel engines before it and electric cars and or "SUVs" from other manufacturers. No one can tell me what to like or what feels right to use, but that won't stop them trying 😐 .

[@TsLeng]

@@tanner1ie unfortunately you have no choice unless you drive an old car or some exotic sports model soon. Regulations (emissions) and the move towards electrification means they will all be automatic. And yes, it feels like you are trying to justify not being able to adapt. (unatural? For many, an auto is natural..) Nobody can tell you what to like, but nobody is being fooled or convinced that a manual transmission is better or more fun.

[@rahuljayachandran4128]

need more videos like this.Absolutely love your content.Cant wait for your next video.Btw I would pick the cayman over the other two.

[@TheMrPasul]

Of course i take the BMW with the b58 engine and make stage 1 release the real power of the engine

[@lizparks1662]

Cla 45 S gor me any day!!🔥

[@shiugen676]

Ouch, that BMW is in need of a good paint correction and ceramic coating, at the moment it is SwirlsAreUs

[@Tooby789]

Love the old cars, and this will never change

[@squelch079]

3 different reviews all saying the same about spongy brakes on the bimmer .shame

[@philiphawkins4684]

Bit of a weird comparison having a 2 seater against two which have rear seats.

[@nomoreheroes93]

I disagree, they're in a similar leasing price bracket, so the comparison is relevant for people who can afford it and want something sporty and German

[@Encourageable]

They are targeting the same buyers

[@neillgowans4350]

They aren’t targeting the same buyers. Strange conclusion tho make.

[@Maurice_Moss]

Sorry but I just couldn't have a Porsche with a 2.0 engine

[@nigel.w]

Good, because it's not good.

[@jurzyjohner432]

BMW All day.

[@DanganaTrince]

the next set of cool sequences costs 200,000 pounds

[@masteringzero]

The base Cayman is crap as a daily car. No android auto, and the turbo lag, is outright dangerous. Try getting out of a busy t-junction with the manual version. For a weekend sportscar at 50k it is not special enough, better going used. Even BMW B48 is a better engine than the Porsche. You journalist take these cars on a windy roads and do a little road trip, but a car needs to do the daily stuff too.

[@awurft3755]

No android auto = crap daily 😭

[@lukeperry8755]

B58*

[@anthonym10]

@@lukeperry8755 No, he said the b48.....as in even bmw's 4 cylinder B48 engine is better then what the cayman has. The b58 is on another level entirely beyond, both.

[@nigel.w]

On any other type of road, they wouldn't have been able to cover the base Cayman's real shortcomings. It's clear what the intended outcome was from the beginning. I hoped I was going to be proved wrong. But, no. This is the most biased outcome I can remember.

[@flashsushi1843]

@@nigel.w what are the shortcomings besides the engine?

[@mickgoodbe235]

Looks like a Cayman T to me - wonder why they don’t say?

[@gavinwyllie7855]

🙄🤣🤣🤣

[@gumpy4960]

The BMW is brand new and already has awful swirl marks, who’s washed that

[@Theocurrie]

I was thinking the same. It’s giving me the fear 😂

[@dor1tomcswagger69]

Press car it's treated like a whore 😂

[@DontPanicDear]

Dozens of journalists with quick detailer at the side of the road, so it looks clean for their photographers!

[@raphymartinez]

How did you guys manage to make a 24 minute long video about some pretty hot cars this damn boring? I mean there is absolutely NOTHING to get excited about here. Just some guys driving pretty slowly talking about basic info that can be found anywhere online.

[@Alexander-qd7nj]

9 months later, the porsche starts at 63k

[@tedtheturbot]

Sorry the 'Porsche Cayman' is two pots short of a Porsche Cayman.

[@davidhayes4814]

Decent sort of video given by knowledgeable folk….. but…… these really are not comparable. In fairness though, we were invited to “stop there” if two seats were not enough. I probably should have.

[@nigel.w]

@Andrew Maybe everything can be compared, but most things are not directly comparable. It makes no sense to suggest otherwise.

[@sebdupree1]

11:21

[@rootsmanuva82]

The Caymans 172 mph top speed is really impressive for only 292 bhp. The 415 bhp CLA AMG tops out at ‘only’ 168 mph. I doubt it’s electronically limited since the highest limited cars typically top out at 155.

[@cbca6567]

Porsche the only pure sports car here, but I disagree with the reviewer completely that it does need a manual gearbox for macimum enjoyment and control. PDK is fine for traffic and going quick on tracks, but for fun and control no way as good as manual. The BMW and Mercedes are coupe versions of saloon cars so whilst good meet different needs and should not be compared to the Porsche since they would appeal to different people, especially regarding practicality and luggage space.

[@nigel.w]

I think many would be cross-shopping Cayman, M240i, Golf R, etc, if they're not a brand junkie or fixed on a certain format. While the base Cayman is somewhat comparable price-wise, it's simply not objectively comparable. It has at least as many shortcomings as that CLA 45, but doesn't have the benefit of horsepower to save it. On any other type of road, the Cayman would have embarrassed itself.

[@marklynn6907]

You took three fantastic cars and managed to make a snoozer of a video. Do better next time.

[@muzim8931]

Matt Prior. Snooze. I love this channel but my word it lacks that fizz.

[@dilshad3490]

If M2 is there it will blown out other too

[@popcornfps]

I hope so since it’ll be based on a whole new platform and engine…so not a good comparison until the next gen CLA45

[@nigel.w]

Objectively, the M240i blows the other two away.

[@andyhunt457]

Missing is the Alpine....hmmmm

[@doublemeasure]

Yup.

[@sniperBOBAH]

We need a lighter version of m240i with RWD.

[@tanner1ie]

Indeed, along with a manual gearbox! 😀🤘 .

[@crimsonpirate1710]

No we dont

[@nigel.w]

220i

[@idokwatcher2062]

Party is over. If you can't pay for the overpriced M then you are not worthy of BMW. They don't want you.

[@k0d4x]

Where is the audi ttrs?

[@benmarr352]

Have to disagree with the manual vs pdk. Yes it is faster and easier and, in hard driving, better than the zf in the BMW, but..... sports are about fun unless you are a professional athlete. For many of us perfecting heel and toe is part of that fun, engaging more worth the car is part of the fun.

[@nigel.w]

Porsche's long gearing means you could do that whole road in 3rd in a manual. Driving a manual isn't about changing gear for the sake of changing gear. There's no skill required for that! The PDK is simply better in this kind of car. It's simply more engaging in manual mode, too. Want to really drive a manual? Don't buy a new Porsche, IMO. YMMV, but it really shoudn't. Even the GT3 was designed for use with a PDK. Even in Germany, there are speed limits off the autobahn, even on in most places. And even most tracks simply don't allow you to stretch the legs of a manual in the likes of the GT3. Want to drive a manual? Want a new car? I dunno, off the top of my head, I think I'd be seriously considering something like a Fiesta ST if you want to be able to truly enjoy driving a manual in the real world.

[@nomoreheroes93]

3:30 "Proper driver's car" is such motoring journo speak, what does that actually mean? It seems by stereotype practically whatever Porsche and BMW do they'll be pdc's.

[@nessuno5403]

Engine-wise: M240i vs Cayman vs Emira

[@popcornfps]

Irony is Emira will have a 4 pot option….a modified version of the cla45 AMG engine.

[@nessuno5403]

@@popcornfps yep, it's what I implied ;)

[@popcornfps]

@@nessuno5403 👍🏼

[@nigel.w]

Not the base Cayman's 2L. Maybe the 2.5. Maybe the 4.0. But the base Cayman's 2L is not fit to stand in the company of the others, and really isn't worthy of being offered by Porsche.

[@nessuno5403]

@@nigel.w totally agree, but suits hairdressers

[@KagisoGill]

The tone of the video review and the written review (especially in criticism of the Merc) feel like they were conducted by two separate publications, with one sounding overly harsh.

[@123antimiro]

Park Cayman in front of the house or hotel and park those sedans BMW M2 and this Mercedes and to be honest Cayman is so attractive that those two looks like totally totally ordinary cars without no spark. Cayman is not only the best sport coupe it is easy the most attractive out of those!

[@murmanzach3643]

The Mercedes cla 45s is overall the Better car 👍

[@martinaston1715]

I would take the Alpine 110S over the Porsche much much lighter and mor special ..

[@nigel.w]

Absolutely. For me, it would be the GT, but I'm older and have a bad back. Out of the three cars reviewed, I think the BMW is objectively by far the best performance car for the money. The base Cayman's 2L engine is a bit of a dog.

[@mortenberg2897]

Let’s stop any discussion about the Cayman flat 4. It’s not good enough!! I really don’t understand the resistance people have admitting this. I tried it - and it does NOTHING for me. The sound from a sportscar is something that - for me - is simply one of the top keys in the experience

[@mortenberg2897]

@Jim Frick naah 😏

[@YelloTrailers]

Your M240i needs to be detailed asap, that paintwork and swirl marks are terrible

[@nigel.w]

I don't think the paint was part of the review. Maybe if it had been, the outcome would have been more objective.

[@Jashue]

“Here’s the new BMW M240i. Now with XDrive four wheel drive for the first time”. Umm…. Nope. That’s not true. The previous generation was available with Xdrive, as well its predecessor the M235i (same car with a different engine)

[@Krymefighter]

Not in the UK market (which is where this magazine is based). The 340i (predecessor to the m340i) could not be configured with xDrive either on the UK BMW website.

[@wurf5336]

13:48 bruh what are you talking about ? I hate bmw and I can say that m240 is like comparing sports car and porsche is like vacoom cleaner if we compare sound

[@ivansno.1garage909]

So annoying car journalists banging on about bhp all the time. Also why is a Cayman been tested against the other cars, such a misaligned test. Surely Alpine A110, Toyota Supra, BMW Z4, Toyota GT86 etc. etc. more common sense test. Go for a manual basic 718 any time and enjoy.

[@davidliddle2557]

This is what I imagine getting car advice from your local tory MP would be like. Swap one of them with Grant Shapps and you wouldn't notice.

[@nigel.w]

Yeah, truly shocking outcome.

[@Jashue]

The beautiful Art Deco interior of the CLA does NOT WORK with the modern infotainment system. That screen looks like a total afterthought.

[@deenoc3622]

I'd take the new Toyota GR86 for 30k and pocket the 20k i would save against these 3 cars.

[@Bmontepeque11]

A man of culture I see :') 🤝

[@TheMaximBond]

Same, man

[@bc106]

Proper gearbox too 🤡

[@UTubeSL]

Me too.

[@supraJZA80s]

And you'd have alot more fun in it too

[@TheMaximBond]

M2 every day of the week

[@weed46]

You keep saying the BMW and Mercedes are faster.... maybe in a straight line. But them around your average track and the 300hp Cayman will give them a run for their money I'm sure. On tight road, Cayman might just dust the others.

[@ThrottleBody]

A drivers car and a fast car aren’t the same thing.

[@colin5577]

@@unicornunicorn466 For a real driver’s car, I wouldn’t be looking at an 1800 kilo, all wheel drive, automatic 4 seater with numb steering. You’re confusing a fast car with a driver’s car.

[@weed46]

@@unicornunicorn466 Give me dated, yet funcional and high quality interior of the cayman over the POS touch controls everything of modern interiors.

[@icydelight3693]

@@colin5577 it handles well though… the laptimes are good so it means that the car is pretty agile despite the weight

[@anthonym10]

you idiots bickering about a drivers car. None of these are a drivers car. Cayman has no power, the BMW is awd, the Mercedes is a 4 door boat. Even worse, all automatics....they all have glaring faults as being a "drivers" car.

[@jamesmallison9604]

Who on earth is going to pay £46k for an M240i 😂 Car manufacturers these days seem to be on a different planet. RS3's for over £65k is another example. Absolutely rediculous.

[@idokwatcher2062]

They are posting maximum profits and blaming the pandemic for price increases. Prices are never going down. They will never give up extra profits just because the world returns to normal.

[@lewisvincent7479]

Show me where you can buy a new CLA 45 S for £50k and I’ll buy it 🤦‍♂️

[@fbf01]

Really?! Not for me. Already looks dated. It also states whisker under 61k

[@lewisvincent7479]

@@fbf01 yes and then I’d sell it for more. I haven’t watched the video, just saw the BS title- a CLA is a £60k car as you said

[@fayahmad9063]

@@fbf01 dated?? It’s literally spaceship looking

[@mrpartofthe1messiah494]

@@fayahmad9063 Yeah, I was confused by that statement too

[@nickng5857]

@@fayahmad9063 dont worry about that peasant lol he jealous

[@fredtafel]

There’s no comparison here. Porsche is obviously much better than the other 2

[@idokwatcher2062]

It's not. It has horrible turbo lag they won't admit to because Porsche would have their feelings hurt.

[@snail415]

“OTT”? For the love of society just say the damn words.

[@jordanhughes3137]

The Merc is over priced but I still absolutely will be upgrading to it next. A mini GT63 4-door for half the price. The BMW is very good value for money, but it’s just boring to look at inside and out. If you’re into that, then awesome. But if not, the other two are better options. Porsche looks fantastic, but the lack of power is atrocious for the price.

[@JamesMonty]

4 cylinder Porsche, no thanks

[@gamewadafak3655]

Stupid.

[@AbdulMalik-hp8gl]

Dash

[@93Beefcake]

Paying shitloads of money only to be able to say I drive a Porsche and hope nobody notices it’s the shitty one that not only looks hideous but is also 60k for 300 hp

[@robertebob3596]

All out of my price range but if i was spending around 50k (dream on) TTRS nuff said.

[@neillgowans4350]

TTRS is way more expensive and has massive understeer any time you head in to a corner quickly.

[@lloyd.8272]

I wouldn’t count 4wd and auto a real drivers car!

[@MR-wp5dz]

The Cayman's actually a hard sell for me, it's way too underpowered. Every other 3 series and C class would be faster if you get the stop light zoomies on the road, especially in the wet or snow.

[@piotr2951]

If all you want is to race from the stop lights, get an electric car. It's a waste of a sports car

[@nigel.w]

@@piotr2951 The base Cayman is a waste of an otherwise great platform.

[@93Beefcake]

Cayman is a waste of money it’s not fast it’s not practical it’s underpowered intact and it’s expensive Who pays for that crap You can’t even buy groceries in that thing or take kids Neither can you race at stoplights So I ask yet again what is it good for

[@piotr2951]

@@93Beefcake You are missing the point. It has more power than your or mine skills would allow using, unless you are just racing from the stop lights. On a racetrack, you are supposed to carry the speed. There is a reason sport cars like e.g. Honda Civic type R beats much more powerful cars on Nürburgring e.g. 612HP Ferrari 599 GTB

[@shelbyhaiketic4212]

@@93Beefcake u know nothing about cars. Base cayman with a simple ecu tune and air filter makes 370 with 360 foot pounds of torque. That’s only 10 hp less than a m240i while being 800 pounds lighter which makes a huge difference.