As the title says, I’m looking to get my first BMW and I’ve whittled it down to a manual F87 M2C. I was considering an M3/M3C but I think I like the size of the M2C more.

Coming from a FWD biased AWD Golf R, how is the transition? Is the M2C more difficult to drive and learn the mechanics of a 400+hp RWD? Is the ride more compliant?

The Golf R is an auto and I absolutely love the Golf as my daily driver. Instead of trading up for the M2C I was thinking of adding the manual M2C for a weekend car.

Is there other BMWs or other cars I should consider? I was looking at 997 911s,981 Caymans, and E92 M3s but the M2C seems to have that right blend of modern tech and raw performance.