Certified Benz & Beemer Compares 2015 Porsche Cayman VS 2015 BMW M4 Near Scottsdale, AZ

Both the Cayman and the M4 have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control and electronic stability systems to prevent skidding.

To reliably power the ignition and other systems and to recharge the battery, the Cayman has a standard 2100-amp alternator. The M4’s 209-amp alternator isn’t as powerful.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cayman second among compact premium sporty cars in their 2014 Initial Quality Study. The M4 isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2014 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that Porsche vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Porsche first in initial quality, above the industry average. With 34 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is ranked 8th.

As tested in Motor Trend the Cayman S is faster than the BMW M4 (automatics tested):

The flat cylinder configuration of the boxer engine in the Cayman lowers its center of gravity, enhancing handling stability. The M4 doesn’t offer a boxer engine configuration.

On the EPA test cycle the Cayman gets better fuel mileage than the M4:

Regenerative brakes improve the Cayman’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The M4 doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

The Cayman’s standard fuel tank has 1.1 gallons more fuel capacity than the M4 (16.9 vs. 15.8 gallons).

The Cayman stops shorter than the M4:

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the Cayman offers optional 20-inch wheels. The M4’s largest wheels are only 19-inches.

The Cayman handles at 1.06 G’s, while the M4 Coupe pulls only .98 G’s of cornering force in a Motor Trend skidpad test.

For better maneuverability, the Cayman’s turning circle is 4 feet tighter than the M4’s (36 feet vs. 40 feet).

The Porsche Cayman may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 550 to 650 pounds less than the BMW M4.

The Cayman is 1 foot shorter than the M4, making the Cayman easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

To almost totally eliminate engine vibration in the passenger area, the Cayman w/Sport Chrono has an electronically controlled liquid-filled front engine mount and conventional liquid-filled engine mounts (standard liquid front mount on other versions of the Cayman). A computer-controlled electric current in the liquid changes its viscosity, allowing the mount to dampen the engine completely at all RPMs. The M4 uses conventional solid rubber engine mounts.

The Cayman has a much larger trunk than the M4 Coupe (15 vs. 11 cubic feet).

The Cayman’s optional easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The M4 doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The Cayman’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge – which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The M4 does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The Cayman’s front power windows open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The M4’s passenger windows don’t open or close automatically.

To improve rear visibility by keeping the rear window clear, the Cayman offers an optional rear wiper. The M4 doesn’t offer a rear wiper.

The Cayman’s optional air conditioned front seats cool the driver and front passenger and help take the sting out of hot leather in Summer. The M4 doesn’t offer air conditioned front seats.

To keep a safe, consistent following distance, the Cayman Auto offers an optional Adaptive Cruise Control, which alters the speed of the vehicle without driver intervention. This allows the driver to use cruise control more safely without constantly having to disengage it when approaching slower traffic. The M4 doesn’t offer an adaptive cruise control.

Insurance will cost less for the Cayman owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the Cayman will cost $5610 to $7775 less than the M4 over a five-year period.

Intellichoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the Porsche Cayman will be $3604 to $9148 less than for the BMW M4.

Road & Track performed a comparison test in its November 2014 issue and they ranked the Porsche Cayman S higher than the BMW M4 Coupe.

The Cayman was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 9 of the last 10 years. The 4 Series hasn’t been picked since 2014.