There has been a great deal of debate if there's a direct link between the monetary value of a car and the level of fun it is capable of. In other words, is it true that a more expensive and quicker car is also more fun and involving to drive?

We can easily point out various scenarios where the above statement is untrue. Undisputedly, a $200k Toyota 86 is much more engaging than a million-dollar limousine. But the conclusion wouldn't have been so clear-cut if the comparison involves a 4 Series Convertible and an M4, which incidentally, are the subjects of this feature.

While you may argue that a 4er Coupe is genetically closer to the M4 Coupe, hence more fitting for this feature, we reckon the convertible will level out the fight with its drop-top flair and a varied 'lifestyle' element.

In Singapore, retail for the 4er Convertible starts from $290k, while a properly-specced M4 should easily cross the $400k mark. That means opting for the convertible will leave you with enough change for an average Japanese sedan.

But we are not here to discuss which option offers more metal for the penny, but rather which is more invigorating to drive. Using a more scientific way of measurement, the convertible costs $1,180 per bhp, while the M4 asks for just $940 per horse. This immediately makes the M4 feel like a bargain.

Being the pricier of the two, the M4 also receives a load of go-faster carbon fibre bits, displayed prominently on the roof and in the cabin. But the dark weaved material does more than just adding to the M4's bragging rights. It sheds weight, which is a universal rival to all sports and racing cars.

And the M4 is meant to be a road legal race car.You can argue that the 4er Convertible is already adequately sporty, but the M4 brings it to another level. You can almost say that if the 4er Convertible is the regular sprinter at your annual school meet, the M4's quite easily the national athlete. 

And that point is proven further on the rubber-strewn tarmac of Clark International Circuit, Philippines, where we took the M4 for a run around the track.

Far beyond being the quickest-accelerating car at the event, the cat-like agility of the M4 is second to none. Thanks to the motorsport-derived trickeries, the coupe also tackles bends and switches directions with suede-like smoothness and bull-like swiftness and determination. 

But what captivates us most is the M4's ability to morph from a hardcore track weapon to a calm and composed grand tourer that is comforting for the driver as well as his three passengers.

Here, the 'fun' is when you mash on the accelerator and catch your friends by surprise, which is often a hysterical mix of screams and laughter. And no, the convertible, most likely, won't be able to serve up the platter.  

Like bickering over a plate of chicken rice from a five-star hotel and arguing that your favourite hawker probably does it better, this dispute can be endless. 

There is no doubt the 4er Convertible is brilliant is its own ways. But to us, the M4 supersedes its drop-top sibling, more than the addition of its handsome looks, horsepower and performance on the track. And as much as we fancy the drop-top 4er, which grants us access to the skies, the M4 tops up that craving with a sumptuous spread of everyday practicality and pure adrenaline-inducing driving fun.

So in this case, is it true that a more expensive and quicker car is also more fun and involving to drive? We say every bit yes.