04-19-2021, 12:12 AM | #1 |
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M2 Competition vs M3 ZCP
There are of course a lot of these threads but the ones that I've seen never seem to focus on these two vehicles. Lots of discussions about the M2 CS or the Civic M3 or the M3 CS...
This is a real situation for me to be decided over the coming week so I would love your and put and perspective, especially from anyone who has lived with both of these vehicles. For $60,000 would you buy a low mileage 2018 M3 ZCP 6MT or order a new 2021 M2C 6MT? Why? I have driven an M2C DCT, M2C 6MT, M3 ZCP 6MT and M4 CS DCT. I didn't like the M2C DCT much at all. I thought the M4 CS was a hoot, even though it had a DCT, but I don't want to live with a cardboard door card and some of the racing compromises of that car. liked the M2C 6MT and M3 ZCP 6MT equally well. This new car will be replacing my wife's 2014 320i. I will daily drive the new car and she will take my 2019 X5 50i M Sport. We will use the X5 for road trips, grocery getting and other everyday tasks that demand comfy driving. I will use the new car to commute to work 3x a week (only a couple miles each way - I live in San Francisco), for fun weekend drives and for autocross events and track days 10x a year if I am lucky. Pics for clicks:
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04-19-2021, 08:40 AM | #3 |
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Since you have the x5 ... I would go for the M2 Competition. The shorter wheel base in combination with the power output makes for a thrilling package. Plus you get the bigger brakes and the led headlights. I have driven both and found the M2 to be very exciting.
Perhaps a more exciting color like the orange?
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04-19-2021, 09:39 AM | #4 |
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Depends on what you're looking for in the car...
1. Do you have kids or need to transport more than 2 people? 2. Do you want a more nimble car for the track and spirited driving? 3. Do you care about features in the M3 that's unavailable in the M2 like HUD and full leather? |
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04-19-2021, 10:51 AM | #5 | |
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2. Yes 3. Yes. HUD doesn't matter so much. Full leather is nice. Adaptive suspension is probably the thing I will miss the most as I live in a city.
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04-19-2021, 10:58 AM | #6 |
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I’ve experienced both (M2OG, M2C, M3f80 current) and though I’m an M2 platform fan. For better looks and daily consideration (adaptive) a well sorted low mile M3 f80 would be my choice... Oh it is my current choice. So many choices... Good luck!
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04-19-2021, 01:58 PM | #7 |
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I'd go M3
despite being smaller the m2 comp has no weight advantage. No carbon roof. No adaptive suspension or HUD. No full leather. The stereo system is much worse (less speakers). Its really alot to give up just for a shorter wheelbase imo.
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04-19-2021, 09:53 PM | #9 |
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pre '18 M3/4 has nearly all of the goodies that came with M2 CS plus CFRP driveshaft/trunk(M4) and magnesium oil pan if pre '15. Definitely easier to control that M2C yet weighs equal or less. HUD and nicer interior are cherries on top.
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04-19-2021, 11:22 PM | #10 | |
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04-22-2021, 05:46 PM | #11 |
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OP, looks like you've decided to go with the M2C. Congratulations! I am sure you will have fun with it.
I briefly considered the M2C, but after 9 years with an E92, I wanted something where my kid could climb in without me having to get out first. Well...that and loving the way the M3 looked. :-) |
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04-25-2021, 07:06 AM | #12 |
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New vs used, I’d say go for the new.
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08-10-2021, 02:06 PM | #14 |
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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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08-18-2021, 07:45 PM | #15 |
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Same engine with lots of shared parts and similar weight
I think difference between these two cars are minor Styling Carbon roof Adaptive suspension Short vs long wheel basis Was thinking about swap to a m2 but couldn't go back to non adaptive suspension again Lots of money required to get it done right again so I kept the f80 |
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