Beyond a shadow of a doubt, the BMW M2 is one of the German carmaker's best efforts. Effortlessly combining speed, technology, and quality in one near-perfect package.
But, there are better ways to spend your money. Take any number of older European Sports Cars and you'll be smiling on every trip. If the obvious Jaguar E-Type is too common, or a Ferrari 308 too risky, fear not, for there's a classic for every gearhead. BMW's own earlier 2002 Turbo has bags of character and is a blast to drive.
Where the M2 packs a mighty punch, it's all a bit tech-heavy and reliant on computer wizardry, unlike older cars. Turn the clock and microchips were for trip computers and calculating fuel usage. In the M2, everything from the level of grip to the ferocity of gear changes takes place behind the scenes.
But, the biggest reason not to buy one is other road users will brand you a job in a fast car. While that might seem a touch dramatic, in these classics, that rarely happens.
10 Fiat Dino Spider
Not a Ferrari, but every bit as good and prettier, too. Despite the Fiat branding, Ferrari played a part in Dino's origins. It was a clever homologation project on behalf of Enzo Ferrari that gave rise to the Dino.
Given Fiat's larger sales base, building at least 500 cars to meet FIA regulations would be easy. In 1966 Pininfarina and Bertone set about building Spider and Coupe variants respectively. Both made use of a Ferrari Dino 2.0-liter V6 engine. In performance terms, the M2 wins hands down. But, if it's style you want, the Fiat is a no-brainer.
9 De Tomaso Pantera
Modern sports coupe or a classic mid-engined exotic? The Pantera wins hands down on visual appeal with a wedge-shaped profile. This one isn't only for show either, thanks to a 5.8-liter Ford Cleveland engine pushing out 345 hp. Naturally, with no turbos in the way, it sounds fantastic too.
Ghia styling, American muscle, and a top speed of 174 mph make this a better option than modern machinery. Buy one, and you'll never tire of the crescendo of V8 noise and the attention it draws.
8 BMW 2002 Turbo
This is how BMW, M-sport, and turbocharging changed the affordable performance segment. At its launch, the BMW 02 was a less-than-thrilling mid-sized coupe. But, upping the four-cylinder engine to 2.0-liters and bolting on a KKK turbo made all the difference.
BMW's first turbocharged production car cranked out 168 hp and could hit 60 mph in 7-seconds. Yet, success was short-lived with the 1973 oil crisis killing off the 2002 turbo before it had a chance to shine. Reasons to buy one over an M2? Less weight and no interfering electronic gizmos to stand between man and machine.
7 Maserati Ghibli
The all-Italian Ghibli is how Maserati used to build cars. Designed, engineered, and made the old way long before Maserati's turbo-engined wedges. Tucked away in the nose of this Giugiaro-styled 2+2 coupe is a naturally aspirated V8 cranking out 330 hp.
With no erratic Italian electrics to worry about, the Ghibli is an intoxicating GT capable of 155 mph. The downside, collectors have wizened up to the merits of classic Maseratis. As a result, the Ghibli is going to set you back more than an M2, even after visiting the options list.
6 Lancia 037
FIA-regulated motorsport is the bane of all carmakers, limiting what is legal. Those rules also gave gearhead the Lancia 037. While most remember Delta Integrale, Lancia took the WRC by storm with their 037. The last rear-drive car ever to win the championship against Audi's quattro.
For road use, the 037 used the same 2.0-liter Lampredi supercharged engine pumping out 205 hp. Add to the mix an exotic Kevlar composite body, and you've got a heady mix of speed and lightness. While road-going rally specials are nothing new, the 037 is both the best and last of its era.
5 Porsche 911 Carrera
Come the end of the world you can bet Porsche will still be making 911s. Since the familiar teardrop shape emerged in 1963, Porsche has strived to make the best 911.
Side-stepping the obvious choice of a 930 turbo, we'd go for the 964 Carrera. Ditching forced induction for less weight makes more sense. The 964 Carrera 2/4 used an air-cooled 250 hp flat-six to reach 60 mph in 5.5-seconds and a maximum of 163 hp. Best of all, you could use one every day with ease.
4 Ferrari F355 Spyder
Ferrari road cars follow a tick-tock pattern, the 308 was a classic followed by the god-awful 348. Thankfully, the F355 returned Ferrari to its winning ways. Influenced by on-track success the F355 is full of F1 tech. For starters, the 3.5-liter V8 used five valves per cylinder allowing the engine to rev to 8800 rpm producing 375 hp.
Good as the engine is, It's how Ferrari introduced gearheads to F1 shifting. Swapping the classic manual for paddle shifters meant faster changes and quicker acceleration. Clever engines and transmissions aside, the F355 is among the best driver's cars ever.
3 Mercedes-Benz SL73 AMG
Mercedes SL73 AMG or, more fittingly, OMG is how the German pairing envisaged sports cars. Instead of shedding weight, AMG went in the other direction with a bigger engine. As a result, AMG transformed the Mercedes R129 into a surprise muscle car capable of 186 mph
If you like your engines big the SL73 doesn't disappoint. Under the hood, you'll find AMG's M120 7.3-liter V12 related to the one Pagani uses in the Zonda. It won't be as agile as the M2 thanks to its bulk, but the allure of V12 makes the SL73 a better choice.
2 TVR Griffith 500
TVR desperately needs a resurrection, and soon. The Griffith 500 was an old-school tech-free V8 monster sure to get your blood pumping. Forget anti-lock brakes, airbags, and traction control. TVR deemed its cars were for real drivers who could tame the 340 hp 5.0-liter V8 under the hood.
In any race, the M2 would leave the Griffith eating its dust. But for thrills, nothing comes close to the tail-happy cornering buzz as you mash the throttle. Rather than masking driver errors, TVR leaves owners to figure out how much is too much.
1 Austin Healey 3000
Back when Britain led the world in sports car design, the Austin Healey was popular on both sides of the pond. In modern times the classic rag-top roadster isn't going to win you any drag races, but that's part of the appeal. Simplicity is what makes the Austin Healey 3000 so desirable.
Getting the roof up or down takes seconds, as quick as any modern design using muscles instead of motors. Under the hood, a straight-six 3.0-liter engine gives this classic ride a respectable top speed of 122 mph.
Sources: Bring a Trailer, BMW