Quote:
Originally Posted by WhyUMad1LE
Went to M trackday at COTA. Nice event. Drove the M2 on an autoX course and the M3/M4 on track. All DCT unfortunately. My observations
M2 w/ M performance parts: - Interior is not as much better than the 1LE as I thought. Carpeting, headliner, lower dash plastics are all comparable. The buttons were actually rather stiff and cheap-feeling. Crappy door close due to no sound deadening. Nice steering wheel with suede inserts. Only major edges it has are iDrive and the soft-touch dash.
- Steering could be a bit quicker but not bad. Bet a ZCP comes around next year to fix this.
- Not too much turbo lag but there is definitely a midrange kick. It's not as extreme as the M3.
- I *think* it had M performance exhaust. Sounded good though not as good as the LT1.
- Definitely more body roll and lower grip levels than 1LE.
- Brake feel was better.
- Small size and good visibility make it an ideal autocross choice.
- Very neutral and confidence-inspiring car. Overall I would not regret buying one.
M3 ZCP w/ M performance parts: - This had every option there was. Basically the M2 dash with leather wrapped everywhere and cool-looking but less comfortable seats. Same great-feeling steering wheel with suede inserts again. A definite win for the interior and I would not complain if the Camaro offered a leather dashboard.
- Exhaust noise = extremely loud and not in a good way. I think some of it was coming through the speakers. Gave me a bad headache even with a helmet on.
- They did a good job with lightweight materials and the front end is lighter than 1LE, but they wasted the advantage by giving it rather vague steering.
- Power delivery was not linear so doesn't have the "just right" feeling pulling out of corners you get from an N/A engine on track. There's a reason why BMW M stayed N/A for so long.
- Never got a comfortable seating position. Felt like I was sitting too high.
- EXCELLENT brakes. They were really taking a beating and didn't fade at all. I wouldn't pay $8k for them but you're buying one used it may be an option to look for.
- Suspension seemed stiffer and more planted than M2 but because of the engine and steering it was overall less fun.
M4 ZCP: - Obviously very similar to the M3, however I wanted to note that the driving position was much, much better. The seat bolstering felt tighter as well. That alone made me prefer it to M3.
At the end of the day I was yearning to get back in the 1LE, which I did not see coming. It's a tremendous value and I have to wonder how thin the profit margin on this car is. But even casting price aside, I preferred it to the others and that's what really impressed me.  |
Good review. I ordered an M2 which will arrive in January. However, after driving the Camaro SS, I decided I preferred that. However, wife fell in love with the M2 and is begging me to keep the M2 order and she hated the Camaro....what to do, keep the wife or car?
I also have to wonder about the profit margin on the 1LE, that is a freaking bargain!
