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M3 ZCP
The M2 Comp is a good car but I didn't find there was as significant of a difference between it and the M3 ZCP as many have claimed. For context, I had a 2015 M4 6MT for two years and had the full DINAN suspension (monoball, "coilovers," endlinks, front and rear sways). I like the car but I felt it was lacking no matter how dialed in I tried to make it - before switing to a fullblown KW setup I decided to try out the M4 ZCP and M2 ZCP (both 6MT). **I had my 2005 M3 SMG - stock everything except exhaust - since 2007.**
After driving a 2018 M4 Comp I was blown away. I'm not kidding or exaggerating. The car drove exactly how I wanted it in stock form which I found downright bizarre. I was primarily confounded by the fact that I couldn't understand why my 15' wasn't like it and apparently wouldnt be like the ZCP without a bunch more modification. And even then, it might still not feel like the ZCP. When I say feel like the ZCP, I am only talking about the chassis and driving dynamics (my 15' was FBO powerwise so naturally much faster but that was the least of my concern). After my testdrive I slept on it then returned to the dealership three days later to test the M2 Comp. I drove my E46 M3 to the testdrive.
Here's the thing... before the testdrives my preference, in my mind, was for the M2 because of the glowing reviews. And to be sure the M2 Comp is a good car but was it better than the M4 ZCP? No. Is it worse? No. I honestly didn't find there to be a difference. Btw my test drive was in April 2020 when the dealers were letting people take the cars solo for 30 mins so yes i wrung the life out of both cars on the test drives. All in all I found he M4 and the M2 to be identical. The kicker for me though was that the M2 wasn't like my 2005 M3 - IMO the M2 ZCP is only the "new E46 M3" to folks and journalists who don't have or actually recall how an actual E46 M3 drives. The wheelbase alone does not make the M2 the same as the E46 because the weight of the M2 is noticeable (the weight difference is only about 200-300lbs but it makes a difference).
And so, I had to base my decision between the M4 and M2 on factors beyond driving dynamics. For me such as looks, interior, and features which made the F82 the easy choice for me as I don't think the rear end of the M2 is the best, the M4 has more space inside and in the boot, and the M4 had much more features without weighing more than the M2.
Ultimately, you have wonderful options and clearly there is no wrong decision but just sharing my point of view. Good luck and be sure to post an update when you choose your F8X ;-)
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