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It’s almost absurd when you find out the cost of new vehicles today. For instance, a well-equipped BMW M240i xDrive will set you back dangerously close to $60,000. Although the M240i is a fine vehicle, is it really worth its price? Costing around the same, the Everyday Driver hosts compared the M240i to a used Porsche 911 Carrera 4S from the 991 generation.
This seems like a rather unfair comparison at first glance. The M240i is a potent variant of the 2 Series coupe, whereas the Porsche 911 began life as a six-figure sports vehicle. So who would purchase the M240i if you could get both at a comparable price? However, if you can, the 911 looks like a no-brainer. You won’t find many 991-gen 911s for $60,000. Some found a couple in the U.S. and even fewer with reasonable mileage. But is it?
It should be obvious. A naturally aspirated flat-six engine powers the Porsche 911 Carrera S, producing 400 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque. That’s more than the BMW M240i’s 382 horsepower. However, it makes less torque than the 3.0-liter turbocharged I6 in that vehicle, which produces 369 lb-ft. The M240i is probably faster in practice, despite having similar power outputs. This is because of its turbocharged low-end torque. However, the engine in the 911 revs more freely, sounds better and can be purchased with a manual transmission. Whereas the M240i cannot, even the car in the video uses a PDK dual-clutch auto.
It should come as no surprise that the two hosts prefer to drive the 911. Simply put, it’s a better car. This explains why it costs twice as much when it’s spanking new. Although you can find better deals on used cars, the video does bring up the age-old debate of whether you should buy a new sports vehicle or an older one.
On the other hand, the BMW 240i is a good car with its quick, attractive, comfortable, and capable features. Nevertheless, it lacks the drama and zing that a Porsche 911 offers, in addition to the latter’s outright prowess. It makes no sense to buy the M240i if you can purchase a used 911 for the same price.
