The BMW M2 Competition is one of the most popular sports cars launched in recent years. It features the same underpinnings as its bigger sibling the BMW M4, which includes the engine, gearbox, seats, and more. Ultimately, the M2 Competition is an M4 in a smaller package.
The competition replaced the standard M2 which at the time, had only been in production for two years. The standard M2, otherwise known as the OG M2, featured a different engine, body kit, seats, and more. The M2 Competition received an M-Tuned engine which has 40 more horsepower and 63 more torques compared to the standard original M2. This means an overall power output of 405 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Not too shabby at all, especially for something that is so small.
However, the M2 Competition is heavier than the standard M2. Around 75 kg to be exact which is the same weight as a normal adult. Hence why the Competition has far stiffer suspension and more power to deal with that extra weight.
So, should you buy an M2 Competition, or is it overrated? let’s find out.
It’s a Blast To Drive
The M2 Competition is one of the best drivers cars you can buy today. Its small wheelbase, stiff suspension, and powerful engine make it an absolute blast around country roads. It feels more so like a go-kart since it is just so chuckable around the bends since it’s just so small.
Furthermore, the M2 brakes are also very good which they need to be since the car carries a lot of power and weight. They are the same brakes you will find on the likes of the M4 and M3. The standard brakes are made from steel with 6-pot M-Sport calipers at the front and 4-pot M-Sport calipers at the rear. However, if you pay a considerable amount extra you can opt for Carbon Ceramic brakes which are far more powerful and tamed for the track.
The suspension is very stiff and very low. It’s very similar to the setup used in the larger sibling, M4. However, the ride stiffness can be adjusted inside via the car’s settings. This is the same with the throttle, gearbox change speed, steering, and more.
Under the hood, is the same engine used in the M3 Competition and M4 Competition BMW models of the time, however, the unit has slightly been detuned. Unlike the M4 Competition which produces around 451hp, the M2 Competition pushes less power at 405hp. That’s the same with torque where the M2 Competition produces 406 lb-ft of torque. However, since the M2 Competition is lighter in comparison to the M3 Competition and M4 Competition models, it has a similar 0-60 acceleration time. The M2 Competition manual hist 60 in just 4.4 seconds whilst the DCT automatic hits 60 in just 4.2 seconds.
The gearbox options are either a 6-speed manual or a dual-clutch DCT automatic. Both gearboxes are seen on the larger M3 Competition and M4 Competition models.
It has a Nice Interior
The interior of the BMW M2 Competition is very sporty indeed. It features a 6.5-inch display that is touchscreen as well as digital driver displays. It’s all very organized however, it isn’t as nice as the modern 2-series models.
In addition to this, the BMW M2 Competition can be fitted with a matte carbon finish inside if opted for. It’s a very nice finish that is unique to the M2. The seats are proper M-Sport seats from the larger M3 and M4 models. They are very comfortable and supportive and can be opted in a few colors.
There is also a dial for the i-Drive system, which is very easy to use. It also features a touchpad on there though not many people use that. The BMW M2 Competition also includes a manual handbrake which is quite rare to see on a car so new since most of the BMW M2 Competition’s rivals had electronic handbrakes. This makes it perfect for handbrake turns and more crazy stunts that the driver would want to perform anywhere, anytime.
Then there is the gear selector which varies on the BMW M2 Competition models. If it’s a manual model you simply get a normal manual gear-selector with a nice M-Sport leather finished black knob. On DCT models you get a DCT gear shifter which is a teardrop-shaped shape finished in aluminum, leather, Alcantara, or carbon fiber.
To Conclude
The BMW M2 Competition is a fantastic little powerful sports car that is packed full of fun and excitement. It is very similar to its bigger siblings, the BMW M3 Competition sedan and the BMW M4 Competition coupe and convertible models. It is however cheaper since it is smaller and has less power.
The M2 Competition though isn’t a cheap car as when new it cost around $58,900 which isn’t too cheap at all. It was more expensive than the likes of the Mustang GT which had more power, however, the M2 Competition is a better driver’s car overall for those who love to drive on mountain back roads and more.
Furthermore, the M2 Competition offers very high build quality, just like any other BMW would, and that is something you expect for a car from a top german premium brand who are known for building very well-built fun cars. It’s a very cool car and we like it very much since it is so small and so fast and fun. It truly is an exceptional car to drive and own. It’s just so cool and so cool.
Overall, you should buy an M2 Competition if you have the money as it is a very well-built, fun, and reliable car. The engine is from the BMW M3 Competition and M4 Competition models yet it is detuned with less power. Nevertheless, the lighter weight and smaller size make the BMW M2 Competition just as fast acceleration-wise. Overall, this is a very good driver’s car that is reserved for the best rivers who want something small and affordable that can be used every day to have lots and lots of fun.