Comparable Experience

zombiephysio

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Hello everyone,

Newly registered member, but I've been lurking behind the scenes as I do my research and eventually get my next car (hint: an FK8 CTR is a finalist lol).

At this point in time I have pretty much made up my mind on getting a 2020 CTR, but I would like to hear how the CTR compares if you have owned or driven an OG 2018 LCI M2, as I'm in a position where I can get one as the same price as the CTR.

Believe me, I've searched Google, YouTube, and both the Civic and BMW Forums. What's clear is that both sides enjoy both vehicles, and yet there doesn't seem to be a clear cut analysis on which one is more fun as a "do it all" year long DD/fun drive car. This is probably for good reason as both cars are wonderful, but I haven't been able to test drive them due to the weather (I live in Ottawa, Canada), and the difficulty finding these vehicles to drive. Hence why I'm asking for your input if you've driven, or owned both vehicles :)

Thank you in advance!
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Dejavu

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Throttle house made a comparsion video between BMW M2C and CTR.
 

dsm_mikey

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Here is an opinion from someone who has owned neither. I have not driven either of them. I am a fan of both cars. I have a 2020 CTR on order.

On the surface, I would say go for the M2-rear wheel drive, more hp, more tq, more potential-a proper driver's car! If I didn't already have any RWD vehicles I would probably be looking in the M2 direction. I personally would prefer an E36 or E46 M3 over the newer M3's and M2's.

However, I am buying a CTR for the following reasons:
1. Honda reliability.
2. I miss my Evo 9 and I think this may be the closest car available to an Evo 9 minus the awd. Damn I miss that car@!
3. Great fun for the money!
4. Honda parts/reliability I would never buy a newer BMW, Mercedes (other than our 1986 190E 16V champ car!), or Audi outside of warranty!
5. If I didn't have other cars that were RWD, I would look in that direction. I am buying a CTR to drive to track and have fun. Just drive there and back, no R compounds, no brake changes, etc...I am thinking the little Honda will be able to do it. I intend to drive to tracks I have never been to before in advance of our races. A great way to get a feel for a new track before racing it. I don't need to set the fastest lap.
6. 4 Doors and decent space to bring along crap!
7. Enough performance to surprise drivers in faster cars!
8. Fairly light @ 3100 lbs. Should be easier / cheaper on tires, brakes, etc...consumables for the track.

An M2 for $40K seems like a very good deal. I am not looking for one or am I scanning for prices, but that seems like a good deal for you. Either way you will have a blast!!! Just make sure the BMW has an active warranty. You will use it.

Good Luck!!!
 
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zombiephysio

zombiephysio

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Thanks guys,

Yeah the really big plusses to the Type R are the reliability, and cost of wear/tear. I know the OG M2 (<2018) has the older N55 engine which has been quite reliable, and it seems like most owners on the BMW forum have not had many issues from 2016-2018 MY. The M2 is also 300lbs heavier than the Type R, and some people have mentioned that it makes it more "floaty" or less sharp than the Type R...but I wonder how much of that is because it's also RWD, and is it even a bad thing or would it actually give it more "fun" factor, kind of like a Miata vs BRZ, BRZ is way more flat and accurate, but the controlled roll in the Miata is what makes it a blast. Those Miatas are a blast when I test drove them, especially after they upgraded the engine in 2019, but unfortunately I really do need 4 seats, so until I am older and can afford to just a complete fun "toy", the Miata is out of the equation, and I've never owned a RWD car either.
 

NapalmEnema

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Hello everyone,

Newly registered member, but I've been lurking behind the scenes as I do my research and eventually get my next car (hint: an FK8 CTR is a finalist lol).

At this point in time I have pretty much made up my mind on getting a 2020 CTR, but I would like to hear how the CTR compares if you have owned or driven an OG 2018 LCI M2, as I'm in a position where I can get one as the same price as the CTR.

Believe me, I've searched Google, YouTube, and both the Civic and BMW Forums. What's clear is that both sides enjoy both vehicles, and yet there doesn't seem to be a clear cut analysis on which one is more fun as a "do it all" year long DD/fun drive car. This is probably for good reason as both cars are wonderful, but I haven't been able to test drive them due to the weather (I live in Ottawa, Canada), and the difficulty finding these vehicles to drive. Hence why I'm asking for your input if you've driven, or owned both vehicles :)

Thank you in advance!
I own / still own an M2 in addition to the Type R - Type R is crazy fun they are kind of apples to oranges. Read up my post history I shared my opinions on it here and there. If I had to get one or the other for a daily - Type R hands down.

Good luck with your decision! I am keeping both for now and love them for different reasons.
 


Brandondan1

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I have both as well. It really is apples to oranges, but for an all around fun car/daily driver I would pick the CTR. It rides more comfortably, the seats are amazing, and there’s more distinguishable difference between the driving modes. Plus it can fit adults in back more easily, and it hauls a lot of stuff. It’s super capable for a FWD car.

The m2 is objectively faster in most situations, and will probably hold up to tracking better in regards to cooling and tire wear, so if your main goal is track then I’d pick the M2. However I find I have to really put my foot down on the street to have fun, and then ur doing stupid speeds in no time.

Can’t really go wrong with either.
 
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zombiephysio

zombiephysio

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Thank you so much guys, I really appreciate your input :)

Could you describe to me some of those apples to oranges differences? Like when would you ever consider totally choosing the M2 over the CTR?

Personally I have never been to the track, but I would love to take this vehicle to a couple of track days a year, or definitely going through some nice twisties around the city/mountains.
 

BryanCO

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Go drive both and let us know which one is more fun.
 

WindJunkie

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The M2 is simply not as practical as the CTR. The CTR's hatchback space and fuel economy over the course of time would prove to be way, way more practical. The M2 is essentially a two seater, yes it has back seats, but they're like the back seats in a Mustang, basically unusable. IMO, if practicality plays into your decision, it's a no brainer, get the CTR
 
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HondaFan2017

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Here is my experience:
https://www.civicx.com/threads/tested-today-m2-lci-and-type-r-fk8.20703/

Power-wise, if you calculate hp/weight ratio and factor in power loses that are higher for the rear differential there is not much gap between the two. I've seen such a calculation somewhere, maybe on civicx...

I'd add that driving a high powered RWD close to the limit requires more skill/training. Plus M2 being heavier once out of control is very hard to get back. Esp on public roads. Be careful what you're wishing for.
 
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ez12a

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If you've always wanted an E46 M3 but never wanted to drop 20+k for a nearly 20 year old car and technology to match, get the M2.

If you want something thats everday practical and reliable. I'd say CTR has a higher degree of "do-it-all" than the M2. Not many cars can set records and carry a full table in the back.
 

TypeSiR

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As others have already mentioned, it's practicality (CTR) vs high HP, essentially, 2-seater (M2C). Oh, yeah, the car you want is really the M2C if going the BMW route; you can achieve 600 WHP with a simple tune.

 

RS27

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Here is an opinion from someone who has owned neither. I have not driven either of them. I am a fan of both cars. I have a 2020 CTR on order.

On the surface, I would say go for the M2-rear wheel drive, more hp, more tq, more potential-a proper driver's car! If I didn't already have any RWD vehicles I would probably be looking in the M2 direction. I personally would prefer an E36 or E46 M3 over the newer M3's and M2's.

However, I am buying a CTR for the following reasons:
1. Honda reliability.
2. I miss my Evo 9 and I think this may be the closest car available to an Evo 9 minus the awd. Damn I miss that car@!
3. Great fun for the money!
4. Honda parts/reliability I would never buy a newer BMW, Mercedes (other than our 1986 190E 16V champ car!), or Audi outside of warranty!
5. If I didn't have other cars that were RWD, I would look in that direction. I am buying a CTR to drive to track and have fun. Just drive there and back, no R compounds, no brake changes, etc...I am thinking the little Honda will be able to do it. I intend to drive to tracks I have never been to before in advance of our races. A great way to get a feel for a new track before racing it. I don't need to set the fastest lap.
6. 4 Doors and decent space to bring along crap!
7. Enough performance to surprise drivers in faster cars!
8. Fairly light @ 3100 lbs. Should be easier / cheaper on tires, brakes, etc...consumables for the track.

An M2 for $40K seems like a very good deal. I am not looking for one or am I scanning for prices, but that seems like a good deal for you. Either way you will have a blast!!! Just make sure the BMW has an active warranty. You will use it.

Good Luck!!!
I like your reasoning. We are very similar in tastes! E46 M3 was the last good BMW. Screw the M2.
 

BryanCO

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I had an 2006 M3 manual for three years and 50k+ miles. Great car. Wish I had kept it (no space and other car priorities). About the perfect DD for the day. Not really a DD now though.
 

.grimace

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I had an 2006 M3 manual for three years and 50k+ miles. Great car. Wish I had kept it (no space and other car priorities). About the perfect DD for the day. Not really a DD now though.
yea but that GT3 tho! Thinking of selling my 2014 C4S for an older GT3. How have you liked yours?
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