2025 BMW M3 vs 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman
Comparison Overview
Choosing between the 2025 BMW M3 and the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman presents a classic performance dilemma: raw power versus balanced agility. The M3 boasts a staggering 473 hp, significantly more than the Cayman's 300 hp, making the BMW the clear drag-race favorite. However, this comes at a cost; the M3 achieves only 19 MPG combined, while the more efficient Porsche nets 24 MPG combined, leading to a noticeable difference in running costs given both require premium fuel. The M3 is also larger (189.1 inches long) and carries an MSRP of $76,700, which is $3,900 more than the Cayman's $72,800 entry point. While the M3 offers more torque (406 lb-ft vs. 280 lb-ft) and a manual transmission option, the Cayman's smaller footprint and superior fuel economy lend it better practicality for the daily grind, despite its smaller 15 cu ft cargo hold.
Size Comparison
Performance
Fuel Efficiency
Full Specifications
Our Verdicts
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman
The Porsche 718 Cayman is the better commuter due to its superior combined fuel economy of 24 MPG compared to the M3's 19 MPG.
2025 BMW M3
The BMW M3 wins by default as it is the only vehicle offered as a sedan with a usable back seat and 16.9 cu ft of cargo space.
2025 BMW M3
The M3 offers significantly more accessible performance with 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, compared to the Cayman's 300 hp.
2025 Porsche 718 Cayman
The Porsche 718 Cayman offers better efficiency and a $3,900 lower starting MSRP for a dedicated sports experience.
Choose the BMW M3 if...
- You prioritize straight-line acceleration, needing the M3's 473 hp engine.
- You must have a four-door sedan configuration, as the M3 is a 189.1-inch long sedan.
- You prefer the tactile engagement of a 6-speed manual transmission over an automated system.
Choose the Porsche 718 Cayman if...
- You want to save on fuel, benefiting from the Cayman's 24 MPG combined rating.
- Your budget is capped closer to $72,800, saving $3,900 upfront.
- You prefer a slightly smaller, more nimble coupe structure measuring 172.4 inches in length.
Key Dimensions
| Dimension | BMW M3 | Porsche 718 Cayman |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 189.1" | 172.4" |
| Width | 74.3" | 70.9" |
| Height | 56.6" | 51.0" |
| Wheelbase | 112.5" | 97.4" |
Features Comparison
Safety
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Blind Spot Monitor | ✓ | — |
| Lane Departure Warning | ✓ | — |
| Rear Cross Traffic Alert | ✓ | — |
| Driver Attention Alert | ✓ | — |
| Pre-Collision Safety System | ✓ | — |
| Post-Collision Safety System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Head Airbags | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Head Airbags | ✓ | — |
| Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electronic Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Traction Control System | ✓ | ✓ |
| LATCH System | ✓ | — |
| Rear Door Child Safety Locks | ✓ | — |
| Anti-lock Brakes (ABS) | 4-Wheel | 4-Wheel |
| Brake Drying | ✓ | — |
| Front Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Preparation System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Brake Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tire Pressure Monitoring System | ✓ | ✓ |
| Automatic Headlights | ✓ | ✓ |
| LED Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Self-Leveling Headlights | ✓ | — |
| Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Front Headrests | 2 | 2 |
| Front Fixed Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Headrests | 3 | — |
| Rear Height Adjustable Headrests | ✓ | — |
| Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt | ✓ | — |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Engine Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Headlight Delay-Off | — | ✓ |
| Xenon High-Intensity Discharge Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Adaptive Headlights | — | ✓ |
| Cornering Lights | — | ✓ |
| Headlight Washers | — | ✓ |
| Front Integrated Headrests | — | ✓ |
Engine
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Base Engine Displacement | 3.0 L | 2.0 L |
| Number of Cylinders | inline 6 | flat 4 |
| Base Engine Type | gas | gas |
| Horsepower | 473 hp @ 6250 rpm | 300 hp @ 6500 rpm |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft @ 2650 rpm | 280 lb-ft @ 1950 rpm |
| Number of Valves | 24 | 16 |
| Camshaft Type | Double overhead cam (DOHC) | Double overhead cam (DOHC) |
| Variable Valve Timing | Variable | Variable |
| Fuel Injection Type | ✓ | ✓ |
Drive Train
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission Type | 6-speed manual | 7-speed automated manual |
| Drivetrain Type | rear wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Rear Differential Type | Limited Slip | — |
Fuel
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel Type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway) | 16/23 MPG | 21/27 MPG |
| EPA Fuel Economy (Combined) | 19 MPG | 24 MPG |
| EPA Driving Range (City/Highway) | 249.6/358.8 mi. | 298.2/383.4 mi. |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 15.6 gal. | 14.2 gal. |
Comfort & Convenience
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Push Button Start | ✓ | — |
| Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio Controls on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control on Steering Wheel | ✓ | — |
| Electric Power Steering | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear View Camera | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Parking Sensors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wireless Charging Pad | ✓ | — |
| Cruise Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Universal Remote Transmitter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Cupholders | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Door Pockets | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Door Pockets | ✓ | — |
| Leather Steering Wheel | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Zone Climate Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Ventilation Ducts | ✓ | — |
| Interior Air Filtration | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dual Vanity Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror | ✓ | ✓ |
| Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel | — | ✓ |
In Car Entertainment
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment Display | 14.9 in | — |
| AM/FM Stereo | ✓ | ✓ |
| Premium Speaker Brand | Harman/Kardon | — |
| Stereo Power | 464W | 150W |
| Speaker System | 16 | 8 |
| Subwoofer Count | 2 | — |
| Surround Audio | Discrete | — |
| Android Auto (Wired) | ✓ | — |
| Apple CarPlay (Wired) | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB Port with External Media Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio | ✓ | ✓ |
| Satellite Radio Trial Period | 12 months | 3 months |
| Memory Card Slot | — | ✓ |
Power Feature
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| One-Touch Power Windows | 4 | 2 |
| Keyless Entry | ✓ | — |
| Reverse Tilt Passenger Mirror | ✓ | — |
| Heated Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Keyless Entry | — | ✓ |
Frontseats
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Front Head Room | 40.6 in. | — |
| Front Leg Room | 41.6 in. | — |
| Front Shoulder Room | 56.0 in. | — |
| Seat Material: Premium Leather | ✓ | — |
| Front Seat Type: Sport | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 2-way |
| Driver Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Driver Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Memory Settings | 2 | — |
| Passenger Seat Power Adjustments | 10-way | 2-way |
| Passenger Seat Height Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Passenger Seat Lumbar Support | Power | — |
| Passenger Seat Thigh Extension | ✓ | — |
| Driver Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Passenger Seat Heating | Multi-level | Multi-level |
| Seat Material: Leather | — | ✓ |
| Driver Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
| Passenger Seat Manual Adjustments | — | 4-way |
Rearseats
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Rear Head Room | 37.8 in. | — |
| Rear Leg Room | 35.6 in. | — |
| Rear Shoulder Room | 54.6 in. | — |
| Split-Folding Rear Seatback | ✓ | — |
Tires and Wheels
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel Finish | Painted Alloy | — |
| Wheel Size | 19 x 10.5 in | 18 x 9.5 in. |
| Tire Type | Performance | Performance |
| Tire Size | 285/35R Z | 265/45R Z |
| Wheel Material | — | Alloy |
Suspension
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Wheel Independent Suspension | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Stabilizer Bar | ✓ | ✓ |
Warranty
| Feature | BMW | Porsche |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Drivetrain Warranty | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Corrosion/Rust Warranty | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. | 12 yr./ unlimited mi. |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 yr./ unlimited mi. | 4 yr./ 50000 mi. |
| Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance | 3 yr./ 36000 mi. | — |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about comparing the 2025 BMW M3 and 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman.
What is the major performance difference between these two cars?
The 2025 BMW M3 is vastly more powerful, producing 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, which is a 173 hp advantage over the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman’s 300 hp output.
Which car will cost more to run weekly based on fuel?
The Porsche 718 Cayman is cheaper to run due to better efficiency, achieving 24 MPG combined versus the M3's 19 MPG combined.
Does the M3 offer more passenger space than the Cayman?
Yes, the M3 is offered as a sedan and is significantly larger overall than the two-seat Cayman coupe, making it the only viable option for carrying passengers regularly.
Why is the BMW M3 priced higher than the Porsche 718 Cayman?
The M3 has an MSRP of $76,700, making it $3,900 more expensive than the Cayman's $72,800 price tag, likely reflecting its higher horsepower rating and sedan platform.
Do both cars require premium fuel?
Yes, both the 2025 BMW M3 and the 2025 Porsche 718 Cayman specifically require premium unleaded gasoline for operation.
What is the transmission difference I should know about?
The BMW M3 is highlighted here with a traditional 6-speed manual transmission, while the Porsche 718 Cayman utilizes a modern 7-speed automated manual system.
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