The BMW M2 is the cheapest M car you can buy, with prices starting at $51,700 and a limited options list to keep the car simple. For the money, you get a 3.0-liter turbocharged engine with 365 hp and 343 lb-ft of torque. This is less than the M4, which has 425, but that car starts off at $66,200 and is also heavier. Even though BMW tried to ensure that the M2 would not be as quick as the M4, there really isn't a huge difference in performance on the track. Factor in that many people prefer the fun and looks of the M2 and the choice is clear.

We think that you would be better off saving around $15,000 and getting the M2. While certain tuning companies plan to take the M2 to astronomical horsepower figures, Speed-Busters in Germany has come up with a simple and affordable solution. The tuning company now offers a chip that will up the M2's output to 426 hp and 457 lb-ft of torque. This is about the same amount of power, and more torque as the more expensive M4. This chip will also take the M2's top speed up to 180 mph. Factor in that this chip only costs $895 (at today's exchange rates) and you get a two-year warranty. We are sold, forget the M4.